Baby is a big surprise - Stunned woman gives birth on the street (From Stroud News and Journal)

Baby is a big surprise - Stunned woman gives birth on the street

A YOUNG woman who didn't realise she was pregnant gave birth to a baby girl on a Stroud street.

The woman banged on the door of a house in Middle Street at 9am on the morning of Saturday, December 28 asking for help just before giving birth.

Garage owner Brian Wheatley landlord of the house where the woman went for help said the baby was born outside his MOT testing centre.

The woman clearly traumatised left the newborn child with the young man living at the house who had gone to her aid.

"It must of been terrible for her apparently there was blood everywhere." Said Mr Wheatley.

"My tenant told me that the girl banged on his door asking for help and the next thing he knew the baby had popped out.

"It is a sad story especially as it happened at Christmas," he added. "I think it really shocked him."

After the delivery the distressed young woman left the man with the baby and went back to another house in Middle Street where she is believed to live.

The unnamed man who had been left holding the baby then contacted the emergency services.

The 25-year-old woman initially refused medical treatment but after a visit by a doctor, social services and a policemen she was finally persuaded to go to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

The baby girl was taken first to the nearby Stroud Maternity Hospital and then to Gloucestershire Royal and is now at home with the young mum's mother.

"The young woman was pregnant without her or anyone else's knowledge," said Sgt Mike Yhnell of Stroud police.

The SNJ contacted both the man who helped with the baby and the family of the girl, however, both declined to comment.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Social Services said: "The family has been grateful for the care they have received.

"However,they have now asked for their privacy to be respected."

The mother was discharged from hospital and is believed to be convalescing at home with her family and daughter.