A series of incredible images have captured the moment a baby was born while still inside his amniotic sac which had failed to burst.
It's so rare that it is thought to only happen during one in every 90,000 births, but these viral pictures show just what the occurrence, medically known as an en-caul birth, looks like.
The startling images were taken at the Praia da Costa Hospital in the city of Vila Velha in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo by photographer Jana Brasil, who specialises in capturing births on camera.
In the photos, the newborn baby, named Noah by mother Monyck Valasco, can still be seen inside the amniotic sac after he is born.
Advert
The little boy's whole body is engulfed by the sac giving him a startling appearance.
The photos have been posted online and garnered thousands of likes and comments.
Mum Monyck, 34, told reporters: "People all around the world are reposting the photos and looking for us. I saw him being born. They lowered the screen so I could see. I cried a lot. It's an emotion that has no size."
Jana started photographing births as a full-time job three years ago.
Advert
She said: "It's indescribable to register that moment. Last year I took photos of babies in the sacs, I have two awards.
"But nothing like the photo of Noah, it surprised me. I thought I had been through all the emotions, but he pulled a face and did a little pout."
Speaking of the rare birth occurrence, gynaecologist Rafael Angelo Baggieri explained: "An en-caul birth occurs when the baby is born without breaking the amniotic sac, in other words, within a little house which shelters it during gestation."
Rafael says the special births occur in every 80,000 or 90,000 births and do not put the baby or mother at risk.
Advert
Noah is reportedly still in hospital (at the time of publication) as Baggieri says the newborn was "tired" after the birth but the tot is expected to be allowed to go home by the end of the week.
Social media users have commented on the pictures, with one writing: "How beautiful."
And another added: "What a magnificent photo!"
Featured Image Credit: CEN