Slim teenage student who didn’t know she was pregnant went into labour during riot training

A slim teenage student didn’t know she was pregnant until she went into labour during riot training.

Beth Martin, 18, was training to become part of the UK’s Border Force when she went into labour.

At a dress size 6, Beth had no idea she was pregnant and had been undertaking extreme physical activity such as army and police riot training throughout her pregnancy. 

Beth had what is known as a “cryptic pregnancy”. Her baby had grown behind Beth’s ribs, causing the mother not to have a visible baby bump. Even when she had pregnancy tests twice, both came out negative

Beth, from St Anne’s, Blackpool in England stayed the same size throughout her pregnancy. She noticed she was sometimes breathless but she had put the tiredness down to her intensive training.

Beth said: “I’d taken pregnancy tests two months before Maizie was born in October, 2018. Someone at work had said I looked pregnant and I remember thinking how rude she was. 

“I was doing a course into uniformed public services and had my heart set on becoming part of Border Force. My education was sport based, about 70 hours a week of intense physical activity. The week before I’d had Maizie, I was doing riot police force training, where I had horses chasing me – it seemed surreal.”

When she began getting stabbing pains in her abdomen after training at college, Beth called NHS 111 for advice. The call handler realised the teen was in labour when she realized she was spotted and sent her straight to A+E.

Little Maizie Loraine Martin was born weighing 7lbs 5oz after 76 hours of labour and 3 hours of pushing.

Beth said “By the time I got to the hospital I was in so much pain. A nurse told me straight away I looked pregnant – and then I discovered I’ve been in labour for 69 hours. I had seven hours to prepare for the fact I was about to become a mum.

“My two older brothers – Leo, 22 and Liam 24, both thought I was playing a prank. I’d never wanted to have kids but now I can’t imagine my life without her.

“My dad was so happy, and my mum came after, shaking her head – we were all in shock.

“Yet I’ve absolutely loved becoming a mum – Maizie is the best thing in my life.”