Understanding Lithopedion: The Rare 'Stone Baby' Phenomenon Explained

Science

1 year ago

News sources:

Credited from: INDIATIMES

A **stone baby**, or **lithopedion**, occurs when a fetus dies and calcifies inside the mother’s body, usually from an **untreated ectopic pregnancy**.
This calcification serves as a **defense mechanism**, protecting the mother from potential infections caused by dead fetal tissue.
There are **three types of lithopedion**, including **true lithopedion** where only the fetus calcifies, and varying degrees of calcification of the egg membrane.
Lithopedions are incredibly rare, with **historical cases documented** under 300 instances in 400 years.
Diagnosis can be challenging; symptoms may include **abdominal pain** and a noticeable bump, often revealed through **medical imaging** such as X-rays.

For more information, visit the original article at Times of India.

Stone baby Lithopedion Ectopic pregnancy Abdominal pregnancy Calcification Medical condition

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