Student Experiences Life-Altering Surprise: Giving Birth in a Toilet
In a truly astonishing turn of events, a university student was left in utter disbelief after unexpectedly giving birth while using the toilet, completely unaware of her pregnancy.
Jess Davis, a 20-year-old history and politics student from Bristol, had mistaken her abdominal pains for menstrual cramps. With no visible signs of pregnancy and irregular periods, she hadn’t noticed the absence of her period for some time.
On June 11 at 4:45 p.m., the day after her shocking delivery, Jess welcomed her son, Freddie Oliver Davis, weighing 5lbs 5oz, into the world.
Currently in her second year at the University of Southampton, the new mother reflects on her experience, saying, “I occasionally felt nauseous, but I attributed it to my new medication.”
“When he was born, it was the most surreal moment of my life. I initially thought I was dreaming. It only sunk in when I heard him cry,” Jess shares. “Suddenly, I realized that I needed to mature quickly.”
Understandably, Jess was initially taken aback and shocked by the situation. “It took some time to overcome the initial shock, adjust, and bond with him. But now, I couldn’t be happier,” she explains. “He is the most calm and serene baby ever. He’s earned the reputation of being the quiet baby on the ward.”
In June 2022, when Jess woke up in excruciating pain, she assumed it was the onset of her period and went to a local Asda store to purchase a hot water bottle.
“I could barely walk and couldn’t even lie down on my bed when I returned home,” she recalls. “Despite having plans for a house party that night to celebrate my upcoming birthday, I tried to alleviate the pain by taking a shower and a bath, but it only intensified.”
Jess suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to use the toilet and proceeded to sit down and push, completely unaware that she was giving birth. She explains, “At no point did I think I was giving birth—I simply knew I needed to push. I felt a tearing sensation, but I didn’t understand what was happening. I just knew I had to deliver.”
The sound of her baby’s cries and the realization of what had transpired left Jess in a state of surreal disbelief.
Confused and alone at home, Jess reached out to her best friend Liv King, who inspired the middle name “Oliver” for Freddie.
Initially skeptical and suspecting an elaborate excuse to avoid the upcoming night out, Liv quickly advised Jess to call an ambulance after receiving a photo of the newborn to confirm it wasn’t a prank.
Jess was swiftly taken to Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton, where baby Freddie was placed in an incubator for immediate care.
Although the doctors estimate that Freddie arrived at 35 weeks, both he and Jess are recovering well after the dramatic turn of events.
Liv broke the news of Freddie’s arrival to Jess’s mother, who received a phone call asking, “Are you sitting down?”
Fortunately, Jess’s mother has been incredibly supportive and eagerly anticipates her role as a grandmother.
“Becoming a mother has brought about significant changes in my life, but it feels natural. The love I have for Freddie is indescribable—it’s simply incredible. He occupies my thoughts constantly,” Jess concludes.
