A 47-year-old woman got the surprise of a lifetime when she learned she was an expecting mother around one hour before the gave birth to a baby girl. She went to a hospital in Beverley, Massachusetts because of serious stomach pain, thinking it was a gallstone. However, the medical staff then figured out that in fact she was pregnant and in labor.
Judy Brown was shocked about the surprise pregnancy. She described the experience of learning about the unexpected delivery as "overwhelming."
Jason Brown joined his wife of 22 years as she gave birth to a healthy 8-pound, 2-ounce daughter around one hour later. The newborn's name is Carolyn Rose, according to NBC News. She is the couple's first child and was named after her parents' mothers,
Brown noticed in her current stage of life her body was going through some changes. However, after being married over two decades she had not considered the chance that she could be pregnant, and thought it was just weight gain.
The couple had not planned to have any children during their marriage. However, they had held the philosophy that if it happens, it happens, according to People.
Due to the unexpected pregnancy, the couple had to borrow various baby items including a bassinet and car seat so they could leave the hospital, according to ABC News. However, Jason and Judy are happy parents.
Dr. Kimberly Gecsi of the University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland explained that some women do not realize they are pregnant until just before they give birth. However, such cases are very rare.
Sometimes middle-aged women do not know they are pregnant. Other times they have a strong denial about it being possible.
Gecsi explained that even women in their late-40s who want to avoid unexpected pregnancies should use contraceptives until menopause, which is usually around 50 years old. They should first conduct their doctor.