Surprise Birth in Beauty Salon
Bryony Mills-Evans believed her sudden stomach cramps were simple period pains. The 28-year-old beautician from Powys was shocked to give birth at work.
An Unexpected Discovery
Bryony was closing her shop when the abdominal pains grew very intense. She felt a tightening sensation and lay down on a treatment bed. “Then suddenly I felt something pop out between my legs,” she said. She realized with horror and shock that it was a baby’s head. Bryony had no idea she was pregnant before that moment.
No Pregnancy Symptoms
The young mother had no morning sickness or cravings during the term. Also, she did not have a baby bump or weight gain. “I had no symptoms, no morning sickness, no bump, no cravings,” she recalled. Surprisingly, she even had her periods every month during the pregnancy. She was 23 at the time and was not with the father.
Medical Facts Explained
This event is known as a cryptic or stealth pregnancy. Studies show this happens in about one in 2,500 full-term pregnancies. Some women carry babies differently and do not show a bump. However, Bryony followed her instincts to care for her new daughter. She used eyebrow scissors to cut the cord before an ambulance arrived.
Family Reunited Later
The baby girl, named Willow, weighed 6lb 14oz at birth. Later, Bryony reconnected with the father, Rob, and they had a son. “Willow was a complete surprise, but now I can’t imagine life without her,” she said. Now, Willow is five years old and the family lives together.