When we think of childbirth, we imagine hospitals, doctors, and a mother bringing new life into the world. But history and forensic science reveal something truly bizarre: a rare phenomenon called “coffin birth”.

What Is Coffin Birth?

Coffin birth, also known as postmortem fetal extrusion, happens when a pregnant woman dies and gases from the natural decomposition process build up inside her body. The pressure can push the fetus out of the womb, giving the eerie appearance of childbirth after death.

Historical Cases

• In 16th-century Italy, a pregnant woman was found in her grave with a baby partially delivered after her death.

• During the Black Plague, mass graves revealed several cases of postmortem fetal extrusion.

• Even in modern forensic investigations, such cases occasionally surface, shocking investigators.

The Science Behind It

After death, bacteria begin decomposing the body, releasing gases like methane and carbon dioxide. These gases create intense internal pressure. In rare cases, this pressure forces the fetus through the birth canal.

Why It’s So Bizarre

It’s not a supernatural event, but for centuries people believed it was a sign of curses, spirits, or divine punishment. Today, forensic experts treat it as an important scientific clue in investigations involving pregnant women.