A mum-of-four got the shock of a lifetime when she gave birth to a healthy baby girl while on the loo after having no idea she was pregnant.

Sales advisor Grace Meachim, 32 had no clue she was around 37 weeks pregnant and about to give birth as she had no visible bump, was taking her pill religiously and still had periods.

Grace – who lives with husband James, 34, in Littlehampton, West Sussex – woke up in the early hours to go to the toilet. As she sat down, she felt the unmistakable sensation of her waters breaking and let out a terrified scream.

Her husband and their eldest son Tyler, 13, came running because they thought she was being attacked. Grace shouted for them to call an ambulance because there was something coming.

Moments after reaching a 999 operator, James had to run to the loo and catch his baby daughter as Grace gave birth.

When paramedics arrived, they blue-lighted Grace and 7lbs 5.5oz newborn Sienna to hospital where they were both given a perfect bill of health and sent home.

Grace said: “Within seconds of getting to the toilet, my waters went. It frightened me so much I screamed.

“It was so surreal. I hadnt had any build-up to it at all, no pain, nothing. When Id gone to the loo, I didnt feel like I was going into labour at all. After three previous pregnancies, I know what that feels like.

“There was a big gush then there was pressure and a mass down there. I knew then what was happening and I went into shock.

“My husband and our eldest came running down. James called the ambulance and I was shouting theres something coming. He told the operator I think its a baby but shes not pregnant.

“As soon as he said that he had to throw the phone to Tyler because I screamed quick, catch it. Within seconds James had his hands down the toilet catching the baby, it all happened so quickly.”

Understandably, Graces family and friends were shocked by the surprise addition to the family.

Grace said: “Tyler called my mum to tell her Id had another baby. She thought we were joking and turned up at 4am in her pyjamas to see me on the floor, cradling this baby.

“When James called my mother-in-law she just said congratulations and hung up then called back seconds later to say sorry, I just registered what you said. Everyone was so shocked.”

In the months leading up to Siennas birth, Grace had been having regular periods and taking her contraceptive pill.

The mum had developed a slight lump in her tummy. She took three at-home pregnancy tests just in case – and they all gave negative results.

Grace decided to visit her GP in September, when she would have been around five months pregnant, and the doctor conducted another pregnancy test which also came back negative.

After having a feel of her stomach, the GP diagnosed Grace with a recurring cyst.

The mum was due to have an ultrasound of the cyst in January 2020 but Sienna was born a month earlier.

Though Sienna was a lovely surprise, Grace explained she has no plans for a fifth child.

Grace said: “She was such a nice surprise, she is that little bit extra special to us. And we definitely know shes here now, she is really coming out of her shell.

“We wouldnt change it but its definitely no more kids now. Ive told James he needs to chase up his snip as soon as lockdown is over.”