In a rare and complex medical case came to light at Maharaja Tukoji Rao Hospital (MTH) in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh. When a woman gave birth to twins joined at the head. The newborn has a single body but two heads. In medical terms, these children are called parapagus dicephalic (conjoined twins). This condition is considered extremely rare.
The newborn has two heads, two livers, two lungs, but only one functional heart. Weighing 2.8 kg, the baby is currently under close observation in the hospital’s Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU).
Such cases occur in only one or two out of every two lakh births and usually result in death within hours or days. The medical team is now considering potential surgical options to address the child’s condition.
Complex Delivery and Undetected Anomaly
The mother, a resident of Dewas, was rushed to MTH with labour pains and underwent an emergency C-section. Throughout the pregnancy, sonography reports suggested a normal twin pregnancy. The reality only came to light during delivery, leaving both doctors and parents shocked.
Questions have arisen regarding the prenatal examinations, as the anomaly was not detected during sonography. The parents had assumed during pregnancy that they were expecting twins. Only during the C-section delivery did the shocking reality become apparent.
A Critical Combination
Dr. Preeti Malpani, one of the attending physicians, explained, “This baby has one body, two heads, two livers, but just one heart—which is malformed—and only one set of lungs. One of the two hearts is severely underdeveloped, while the functioning one has a major defect and is being overburdened by the demand to supply blood to both brains.”
The baby is also experiencing respiratory distress and kidney complications. While feeding has been initiated, cardiac issues remain the primary threat to survival.
“The chances of survival are less than 0.1%,” said Dr. Malpani. “Even if the baby survives, life ahead would be full of unimaginable challenges—for both the child and the family.”
Next Steps and Emotional Toll
The parents are emotionally overwhelmed are in no condition to speak. The mother remains hospitalised, while a specialised team of six doctors monitors the baby round the clock.
If the baby does survive, the challenges will be immense. From the child’s physical limitations to lifelong dependence on medical support, the burden on the family will be substantial.
For now, the doctors are now focused on providing the best possible care and treatment to the child while keeping a vigilant watch on their health.
 in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh. When a woman gave birth to twins joined at the head. The newborn has a single body but two heads. In medical terms, these children are called parapagus dicephalic (conjoined twins). This condition is considered extremely rare.){kind=link}