How is a baby born with two heads?

Babies born with two heads, a condition known as dicephalus, are extremely rare. It's a type of conjoined twinning where the twins share a single body but have two separate heads.

Here's how it happens:

* Early Embryonic Development: During the first few weeks of pregnancy, the embryo starts to develop. In most cases, the embryo splits into two identical twins. However, in rare cases, the splitting process is incomplete, leading to conjoined twins.

* Incomplete Separation: In dicephalus, the embryo splits partially, resulting in two heads developing on a single body. The heads may be completely separate or partially fused, depending on the extent of the incomplete separation.

* Genetic and Environmental Factors: The exact cause of dicephalus is not fully understood, but it's believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some studies suggest a possible link to certain medications or exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy.

Important Considerations:

* Survival: Babies born with dicephalus often have complex medical issues, including shared organs, potential neurological complications, and difficulty with movement and coordination. Their survival rate is low, and many don't live past infancy.

* Ethics: The ethical considerations surrounding dicephalus are complex, as it involves decisions about treatment options, quality of life, and end-of-life care.

* Research: Further research is needed to understand the underlying causes of dicephalus and to develop better treatment strategies for affected infants.

It's crucial to remember that dicephalus is a rare and complex condition. Information should be obtained from reliable sources, such as medical professionals or scientific publications.

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