The word "cauls" has an unusual spelling that can be difficult to decipher at first. It is pronounced /kɒlz/ or "kawlz". The "au" combination often creates confusion for English learners because it can sound like "ao" or "ou". In this case, "au" is pronounced as "aw". "Cauls" refers to the membranes that surround a newborn's head during birth. Despite its unique spelling, it is important to learn and remember the correct pronunciation of this word.
Cauls refer to the thin, transparent, or sometimes translucent membrane that occasionally covers the face or head of a newborn baby at birth. It is also commonly known as a birth caul or a veil. The caul is a product of the amniotic sac that surrounds and protects the developing fetus during pregnancy. While rare, an estimated one in every 80,000 babies is born with a caul.
The caul is typically attached around the head area, but it can also cover the entire face or parts of the body. It is formed from the amnion, a membrane that lines the amniotic cavity and encloses the fetus. The exact reason for the development of caul during birth is still unknown, and it is often attributed to genetic factors or chance.
In various cultures and folklore, giving birth to a baby with a caul is considered to be a good omen, bringing luck and protection to the child. This belief has led to caul being highly valued and associated with supernatural powers or magical properties. In some traditions, the caul is preserved and kept as a family heirloom, believed to ward off evil spirits or provide special powers to the bearer.
Despite its positive connotations, the birthing caul is usually carefully removed by medical professionals after birth to ensure the health and well-being of the newborn, as leaving it intact can potentially obstruct breathing or create complications.
The word "cauls" has its origins in Middle English, where it was spelled as "cale" or "caleys". It comes from the Old French word "cale" or "caule", which ultimately traces back to the Latin word "caput" meaning "head". In ancient times, a "cale" referred to a type of network that covered the head or another body part. Over time, the meaning of "cauls" evolved, and it came to specifically refer to the fetal membrane that sometimes covers a newborn's head and face during birth.