A MUM gave birth to her second child on the side of a main road in Derby – delivered by her husband.
Monika Zawierucha, 24, was being rushed to hospital by husband, Jerzy, 25, after she went into labour at their Mackworth home.
But, by the time they reached Markeaton Island, the baby's head had already started to appear.
The shocked couple, originally from Poland, decided there was no time to get to the Royal Derby Hospital so Jerzy pulled over on the A38, opposite the McDonald's restaurant, and delivered the child himself.
Monika said: "It was unbelievable. I don't know if anyone could see what was happening because I was just in shock.
"I was at home and suddenly began having contractions every 10 minutes. I called the hospital and they said to call back or come in when they were every five minutes.
"My husband was at work and I called him to come home. Thirty minutes later, he was back and my contractions were now every two minutes. I was having very strong pain.
"We got in the car and, within a minute-and-a-half, I could feel the head coming along.
"Jerzy asked me if he should stop the car and I said: 'I don't know'. I couldn't stop it so he pulled over.
"He got out and stopped the first car he saw. She said, 'Oh no!' and called an ambulance.
"She was fantastic. She was an English woman and so could speak to the operator clearer than we could.
"My husband stayed by my side and helped deliver the baby. He was amazing. I don't know how he did it because he didn't really know what he was doing."
Monika gave birth to a healthy girl, who they named Hanna. Both mother and child were picked up by an ambulance and taken to hospital, where Monika spent just six hours before deciding she was well enough to return to the family's home in Finchley Avenue.
The drama was missed by the couple's five-year-old son, Konrad, who was being looked after by a relative.
Monika said she is keen to trace the woman who called an ambulance and stayed until paramedics arrived.
She said: "I didn't even get to see her. I don't know what car she has or anything.
"It's important I get to speak to her because she was fantastic and I really want to say thank-you to her."
It is not the first time a Derby mum has given birth in public.
In 2012, a boy of three was hailed a little hero after he helped his mother to give birth to his little sister in the car park at Asda Spondon.
Sonia Chima was minutes away from hospital with husband Kaz and son Joshan when she yelled: "Stop the car, this baby is coming."
Then, as Kaz spoke to paramedics on the phone, Joshan held his mum's hand inside the car and advised her on breathing techniques.
Are you the woman who stopped in this latest incident? Call reporter Paul Whyatt on 01332 253053.
