What is stone baby?

A stone baby, also known as a lithopedion, is a rare phenomenon that occurs when a fetus dies during an ectopic pregnancy, most commonly in the abdominal cavity. Because the fetus is too large to be reabsorbed by the body and cannot be expelled, a calcified shell forms around it, essentially turning it into a "stone".

Here are some important aspects of stone babies:

• Etiology: The underlying cause is primarily an ectopic%20pregnancy that goes undetected or untreated. The fetus dies, and because it is outside the uterus, normal expulsion mechanisms don't work.

• Calcification: The body initiates a process of calcification to protect the mother from infection or inflammation caused by the decaying fetal tissue. Calcium deposits gradually encase the fetus.

• Diagnosis: Stone babies are often discovered incidentally during imaging tests (like X-rays or CT scans) performed for other medical reasons. Sometimes, they can remain undetected for decades.

• Types: There are different types of lithopedions, categorized based on the degree of calcification:

  • Lithokelyphos: Only the fetal membranes are calcified.
  • Lithotecnon: Only the fetus is calcified.
  • True lithopedion: Both the fetus and the membranes are calcified.

• Symptoms: Many women with a stone%20baby are asymptomatic. However, some may experience abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, or other complications.

• Treatment: The primary treatment involves surgical removal of the lithopedion to prevent potential complications like infection or organ damage.

• Historical%20Significance: Stone%20babies have been documented throughout history, with some specimens dating back hundreds of years. They offer insights into medical practices and understanding of pregnancy in the past.