This is the shocking moment farm labourers discovered a newborn baby girl, fighting for her life after apparently being abandoned overnight in a hole in the ground.

The infant was found in woodland between Boa Esperanca and Sao Mateus, in the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil, on November 25.

Footage shows the newborn lying on her back in the shallow hole, looking up at the people who found her. She was unclothed and still attached to her umbilical cord.

The baby was later seen in the arms of a female paramedic who cut the cord and held her close to provide warmth.

Workers reported hearing her cries while passing through the area on their way to work and immediately contacted emergency services.

Nursing technician Maria Aparecida administered the first medical care at the scene. She said she cut the umbilical cord so responders could safely treat the newborn.

Maria added that the baby showed signs of breathing difficulties after being exposed to overnight rain and harsh conditions. Despite this, the child remained active and was stabilised before being taken to Roberto Silvares Hospital in Sao Mateus.

The infant is expected to be transferred to Sao Jose Hospital in Colatina, a specialist paediatric centre.

Residents in the area could not provide any information on who abandoned the child or the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Civil Police have launched an investigation and are urging anyone with information to come forward.