Baby Lexi starts life in the driving seat as Walsall mum gives birth in car

After her partner Anthony Eccleston parked up the couple's BMW outside the main entrance of Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital, 23-year-old Gemma realised she could not wait any longer and her baby was well and truly on its way.

And within seconds the BMW, known for its 'ultimate driving machine' slogan, became more of a delivery machine for Gemma.

As Anthony rushed inside the hospital for help, Gemma sat screaming in agony in the car before dramatically giving birth to a baby girl in the front passenger seat of the car – in full view of dozens of people heading to and from the hospital.

"It all happened so quick," said Gemma, who is now back home in Walsall with baby Lexi.

"Anthony ran inside and I tried to keep the baby in, but she pushed and pushed.

"I felt her head through my trousers, and then her shoulders.

"She then pushed three times before I literally caught her in my hands," said Gemma.

"I couldn't believe what had happened - then Anthony came running back and saw me inside with the baby."

Three workers from the hospital's cancer ward, who were passing the car on their break on Sunday, rushed to offer help and blankets to Gemma, before paramedics took her and her new-born to the maternity unit.

Lexi weighed in at 6lb 8oz and was two weeks premature, but following an overnight stay was allowed back with her mother to their home in Elm Bank Road in Walsall yesterday.

The couple are also parents to 20-month-old Kara.

They opted for the birth of their second child at Russells Hall Hospital after Gemma had Kara there.

The couple, who are both unemployed, set off for the hospital on Sunday as Gemma felt the baby may be on its way.

Gemma said she didn't feel too bad during the car journey from Walsall to Dudley but once they arrived that soon changed as her waters broke.

She added: "As soon as we got close she began pushing hard and I was in agony by the time we pulled up.

"I screamed and screamed as I really tried to hold in, but it all got too much and I didn't care anymore that there were many people around.

"I think I shocked a taxi driver in front – he came round to check I was okay.

"At least it was all over so quick."

Gemma added: "I don't think I will ever look at my car in the same way again."

Partner-of-six-years Anthony, 24, said: "It all started 30 minutes before she gave birth – Gemma said to me in the house "it is coming". "So we got in the car and started to make our way to Russells Hall Hospital.

"As we got closer to the hospital her waters broke in the car and as we pulled up she was in agony, I was desperate to get her inside for help."

Anthony said he had only left the car for a minute to search for help when Gemma gave birth.

He dashed to the main reception, where he was directed to the maternity ward.

He said: "Gemma is a little soldier.

"I was panicking and ran in for help, only to return without any, but then to find Gemma had already given birth – I could not believe it. I was so happy to see them both, even if it was in the front seat of the car," he added.

Anthony said he never expected their 1999 silver BMW 3 series would double up at a maternity ward.

"It's a bit funny getting back in the car after what has happened," he admitted.

Anthony added that he felt more could be done to help direct people when they approach hospitals in an emergency.

He said: "I'm sure I'm not the first and the last person driving their pregnant girlfriend to the hospital like this.

"Better signage and immediate help at the main reception would have been helpful.

"I was in a panic and did not know where to go."