In her job as an obstetrician, Gabriela Correria has been at the side of countless women giving birth.
But when it came to her own labour, the new mother’s birthing plan went straight out of the window.
Earlier this month, Gabriela, 33, from Brazil, welcomed a baby boy with husband Rodrigo – in the car on the way to the hospital.
Speaking to Brazilian news outlet Globo, the mother-of-two explained how was ‘surprised’ by how quickly her labour progressed, realising she was nine centimetres dilated en route to the labour ward.
Extraordinary moment obstetrician gives birth in the back seat of car
Gabriela Correria, 33, and her husband Rodrigo pulled over at a petrol station earlier this month when they realised the mother was already nine centimeters dilated
The couple called Gabriela’s colleague Larissa Gomes for help delivering the baby. Gabriela pictured with baby Arthur moments after giving birth in her car
Aware that they weren’t going to make it in time, the parents pulled over at a nearby petrol station and called Gabriela’s colleague Larissa Gomes for help.
As well as also asking doula Joana Nunes to drive out to their location, the couple got in touch with birth photographer Deborah Ghelman to capture the special moment on camera.
Gabriela explained: ‘It was something very fast and it surprised me a lot. When I saw that I was already nine centimeters, there was that fear, that anguish of the transport process and the fear of “Will I be able to make it on time or not?” There was no time, but I had very good support.’
Earlier this week, the photographer and new mother posted the video of Arthur being born, which has gone on to amass over 157,000 views on Instagram.
As well as also asking doula Joana Nunes to drive out to their location, the couple got in touch with birth photographer Deborah Ghelman to capture the special moment on camera.
The video of Arthur being born has racked up over 157,000 views on Instagram. The proud parents pictured minutes after Arthur’s arrival
Photographer Deborah Ghelman later revealed that ‘everyone was laughing and very happy’ in the car as Gabriela gave birth. The new mum pictured with son Arthur moments after he entered the world
What’s more, Deborah told the publication that she didn’t fear for the mother and baby at all.
She said: ‘I’m still getting over it. It’s the first time I’ve photographed a birth outside of a hospital in my whole life. It was a mixture of feelings, but I didn’t feel afraid at any moment. Everyone was in the car laughing and very happy.’
What’s more, Gabriela revealed that her first son Dante wasn’t born in hospital either – with the mother instead opting for a waterbirth at home.
She added: ‘My first birth was very beautiful. I imagined that this one would be overcome with emotion, not all this madness, but it really was and I have two very good stories to tell.’