World’s first pregnant ancient Egyptian mummy discovered, dating back over 2,000 years and 28 weeks pregnant

| Archeaology
October 16, 2024

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Experts from the Polish Academy of Sciences intend to investigate all mummies in museums within the framework of the Warsaw Mummy Project. As part of this project, researchers worked to find out more about the woman who is believed to be in her 20s.

The first mummified bones of a pregnant woman from ancient Egypt have been found in Thebes, dating back more than 2,000 years. According to body scans, she died at the age of 28 weeks pregnant.

The team found the remains of a fetus, between 26 and 30 weeks old, inside the woman using a combination of CT scans and X-rays. It is the first time a pregnant mummy has been discovered.

According to the authors of an article published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, the body of the woman who died 2,000 years ago was carefully wrapped in cloth and left with a rich collection of amulets to accompany her into the afterlife.

The team cannot say why the fetus remained inside the woman and was not mummified separately, but it could be because it was too young to have a name and needed to travel to the afterlife inside its mother.

The study’s lead author, Dr Wojciech Ejsmond, said this was the “first discovery of an embalmed body of a pregnant woman”, adding: “There is no other ancient body of a pregnant woman so well preserved.”

The body was wrapped in fine cloth and buried with a set of amulets depicting the four sons of Horus, which the team believes indicates she was a powerful figure in Thebes.

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The head and CT scan of the mummy. The first remains of a mummified pregnant woman from ancient Egypt, dating back more than 2,000 years, have been discovered in Thebes; the corpse was 28 weeks pregnant when she died.

According to the authors of the study, the mummy was discovered in royal tombs in Thebes, in Upper Egypt, and came from the elite of Theban culture.

The woman was transported to Warsaw, Poland, in 1826, at the time of some of the most famous Egyptian finds from the Valley of the Kings, and is now on display at the National Museum in Warsaw.

“This mummy offers new possibilities for studies of pregnancy in antiquity, which can be compared and related to current cases,” the authors of the study wrote.

“Furthermore, this specimen sheds light on an under-researched aspect of ancient Egyptian funerary customs and interpretations of pregnancy in the context of ancient Egyptian religion.”

“For Egyptologists, this is a fascinating discovery because we know little about perinatal health and childhood in ancient Egypt,” added Dr. Ejsmond.

“Doctors can study, for example, the intestinal contents of the fetus to gain insight into the development of the immune system in ancient times.”

The fetus was mummified alongside its mother in the lower part of the lesser pelvis and partially in the lower part of the greater pelvis. However, it was not removed from its original location.

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The U.S. healthcare industry is a complex ecosystem of providers, insurers, and technology-driven services, delivering critical care to millions. In 2025, the sector is shaped by rising costs (projected at $4.9 trillion in 2023), technological innovation, and a focus on patient-centric care. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 healthcare services in the USA, based on market presence, patient outcomes, and industry impact.

1. HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is the largest health system, operating 220 hospitals and over 40,000 staffed beds across 20 states. Known for comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty treatments, it generates significant net patient revenue. Its scale and advanced technology adoption ensure high-quality care, though accessibility varies by region.

2. Universal Health Services (UHS)

UHS manages 183 hospitals across 40 states, with over 21,000 beds, focusing on acute care and behavioral health. Its facilities in Texas, Florida, and California provide diverse services, from trauma care to psychiatric treatment. UHS’s emphasis on mental health integration aligns with 2025 trends, though high costs can be a barrier.

3. Encompass Health Corporation

With 164 hospitals, Encompass is the largest operator of rehabilitation hospitals, offering specialized post-acute care for stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, it operates in 37 states, delivering measurable outcomes through therapy-focused programs. Its niche focus limits broader service scope.

4. CommonSpirit Health

A Catholic-affiliated system with 142 hospitals, CommonSpirit provides acute care, outpatient services, and telehealth across 21 states. It excels in community health programs and equitable access, serving underserved populations. Its integration of AI for diagnostics enhances efficiency, but merger-related challenges can affect consistency.

5. Ascension Health

Ascension operates 139 hospitals, focusing on primary care, oncology, and cardiology. With a mission-driven approach, it serves low-income communities through charity care programs. Its adoption of value-based care (VBC) models, projected to cover 90 million lives by 2027, improves outcomes but faces staffing shortages.

6. Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare provider, combining insurance and care delivery for 12.5 million members. Its ACA marketplace plans are top-rated for affordability and quality, with low deductibles and strong preventive care. Operating in eight states, its HMO model ensures coordinated care but limits patient choice.

7. Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna, under CVS Health, provides health insurance and healthcare services, covering 39 million lives. Its ACA plans offer competitive premiums and broad networks, with telehealth and pharmacy integration via CVS. Aetna’s focus on chronic disease management and AI-driven care navigation boosts outcomes, though rural access is limited.

8. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is renowned for specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. With 70,000 staff and three major campuses, it serves 1.3 million patients annually. Its research-driven approach and high patient satisfaction earn it top rankings, but costs and geographic reach are drawbacks.

9. Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic, with 23 hospitals, is a leader in cardiac care and medical innovation, serving patients across Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. Its adoption of cloud computing and AI for diagnostics enhances precision medicine. High costs and limited national presence restrict accessibility for some.

10. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

BCBS, a federation of 34 independent companies, insures 115 million Americans, offering PPO, HMO, and EPO plans. Its ACA marketplace plans are widely available, with strong provider networks and wellness programs. BCBS’s focus on digital health tools and equitable access is notable, though premiums vary by state.

Choosing the Right Service

Selecting a healthcare service depends on location, medical needs, and budget. HCA and UHS offer broad hospital-based care, while Kaiser and Aetna excel in integrated insurance and delivery. Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are ideal for specialized treatments, and BCBS provides flexible insurance options. Compare costs (e.g., average ACA premium: $635/month), provider networks, and patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or U.S. News. With 26 million uninsured Americans and rising costs, prioritize services with telehealth, preventive care, and VBC to maximize value.

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