Alarming Case: Newborn with Extra Head

Doctors at a small local hospital were left startled and concerned when a newborn baby girl was born with an unusual condition – an additional head growing directly on her abdomen. The 22-year-old mother, Amlekha Bairva, gave birth to the baby last month and was immediately transferred to JK Lone Hospital in Jaipur, Northern Rajasthan, for further diagnosis and specialized care.

Upon her birth, the baby weighed only around 2kg and displayed the presence of another head on top of her stomach. Currently, she is under close observation at the Newborn Care Center at the hospital, where doctors are closely monitoring her health condition before proceeding with a potential surgery to separate the extra head from her abdomen.

Dr. Chetan Sharma, the pediatric surgeon in charge of the surgery, explained that this condition is known as Hetropagus, commonly referred to as a “parasitic twin.” While rare, successful surgeries for such cases have been conducted before. He expressed hope that the operation will be successful, as the baby is otherwise healthy with a normal heart rate and no other internal or external complications.

Amlekha and her husband, Ramji Lal Bairva, who also have a 5-year-old son, faced financial constraints and couldn’t afford ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. Consequently, they were unaware of any potential fetal complications. Ramji Lal shared his shock upon seeing his daughter’s condition but expressed faith in God and the medical team, hoping for a successful surgery that will allow his baby girl to lead a healthy life like any other child.

The family’s financial situation further compounded their worries, but thankfully, the hospital has offered its support by confirming that they will not charge the family for the necessary surgery and medical treatment.

As the medical team prepares for the surgery, they remain optimistic about the baby’s chances of survival and a future unaffected by her unique condition. With the support of the medical staff and the love of her family, this little fighter is on her way to overcoming her challenges and living a normal life. The case of this newborn with an extra head serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the incredible advancements in medical science that offer hope and healing to families facing such unusual conditions.