Baby born in hospital car park after rapid labour in Tampere

By admin On Jul 18, 2025

Despite her abrupt arrival, Mariia Levina’s new daughter is a healthy, calm infant who sleeps and eats well. Photo: Mariia Levinan home album

A woman gave birth to her second child in the parking garage of Tampere University Hospital (TAYS) after her labour escalated rapidly during the drive to the hospital.

Mariia Levina, who lives in Akaa, Pirkanmaa, said she initially believed she was experiencing practice contractions when the pain began early on 9 July. The intervals between contractions were irregular, ranging from seven to 25 minutes.

“Since they weren’t regular, I thought they were practice contractions. But during the day, the pains got worse and I asked my husband to come home,” Levina said.

After consulting TAYS, she was told she could come in despite the spacing of the contractions. But by the time the couple reached the hospital grounds, the situation had changed.

“On the way there, the contractions became very painful and I felt that the baby would be born soon. Just as we got into the hospital’s parking garage, my water broke and I began pushing,” she said.

The birth occurred quickly, with Levina delivering her daughter in the front seat of their car within a minute of arrival.

Despite the speed and location of the delivery, she said she remained calm.

“I was relieved and happy when I learned that the baby was doing well. The fear only came later when I realised how many things could have gone wrong,” Levina said.

Her husband went into the hospital to seek assistance immediately after the birth. The first to arrive was a young physician, who helped secure care for both mother and child. A hospital representative later confirmed the delivery took place in the car park.

According to Levina, the newborn is healthy and calm, feeding and sleeping well.

Levina is originally from Russia and her husband is from Ukraine. The couple moved to Finland two years ago. They say they will always remember the unique circumstances of their daughter’s birth.

“The whole family is happy and we’ll remember her birthday fondly. It has become our unique story,” Levina said.

According to Kati Tihtonen, chief physician at TAYS’s gynaecology and obstetrics unit, births outside the hospital during transit are rare. The Institute for Health and Welfare reports that such deliveries occur at TAYS between five and 15 times each year.

Tihtonen advised that in such cases, emergency services should be contacted. Midwives may be dispatched if there is still significant distance to the hospital.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi