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Topics: Parenting, World News, Health
Poppy Bilderbeck
A family has spoken out after welcoming a baby with 26 fingers and toes into the world.
Central Reserve Police Force police constable Gopal Bhattacharya and wife Sarju Devi have welcomed a baby girl - born in Baharatpur, in Rajasthan, a northern state in India.
The baby girl was born with seven fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.
As a result of the extra digits, her family subsequently believe she's the reincarnation of a Hindu goddess.
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The little girl may have an additional four fingers and two extra toes compared to most children, but a medic at the hospital where she was born has reassured she is well.
Dr BS Soni said: "There is no harm of any kind in having 26 fingers, but it is a genetic anomaly.
"The girl is otherwise absolutely healthy."
The baby's extra fingers and toes are reported by medical professionals as resulting from a rare genetic anomaly.
The condition is listed online as being called Polydactyly - 'a condition in which a person is born with extra fingers or toes'.
As per Healthline: "The term comes from the Greek words for 'many' ('poly') and 'digits' ('dactylos').
"There are several types of polydactyly. Most often the extra digit[s] grows next to the fifth finger or toe.
"Polydactyly tends to run in families. It may also result from genetic mutations or environmental causes.
"The usual treatment is surgery to remove the extra digit."
It's reported as being unclear whether or not the family will choose for the baby girl to undergo surgery to remove the additional digits.
"Treatment for polydactyly depends on how and where the extra digit is connected to the hand or foot. In most cases, the extra digit is removed in the child’s first two years. This gives the child typical use of their hand and allows their feet to fit into shoes," Healthline continues. "Sometimes adults will have the surgery to improve the appearance or function of their hand or foot."
However, both parents are said to be delighted by the arrival of their new baby.
The baby's uncle told local media: "My sister has given birth to a baby who has 26 fingers, and we are considering it to be the incarnation of Dholagarh Devi."
A Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Dholagarh Devi is located in Bahtoo Kalan, Baharatpur, close to where the baby girl was born. Statues of the goddess show a young girl with several arms.
The baby's uncle resolved: "We are very happy."