A woman who had been getting her monthly period as normal got the shock of her life when she went into labour with her baby who was a week overdue.
Holly Henton, 23, from Leicestershire, had no pregnancy symptoms at all, and when she started experiencing some pretty intense cramps, she assumed it was a severe case of period pain.
But coffee shop worker Holly was actually in labour, and as the pain intensified, Holly's mum Joanna decided to call an ambulance.
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It turns out Holly was 41 weeks pregnant and moments away from meeting her little boy, Theo, who was born weighing 7lb 14oz via emergency C section.
"I was still getting my periods as normal and there was nothing unusual going on," said Holly.
"I'd put on a little bit of weight but it was just after Christmas and nothing that you would make you think I'm having a baby.
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"I'd put on a couple of pounds but it was around my bum and thighs so I thought it was just from overindulging on chocolate over the festive break.
"I hadn't had any of the normal symptoms, no cravings, sickness or nausea either. When they told me I was 41 weeks pregnant I went into shock.
"I knew I wanted kids one day but further down the line when I was in a happy healthy relationship and older. I was 22 and had no idea I was pregnant so I had still been smoking and going out drinking every weekend with my friends.
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"I used to cover the early shift at Costa so I would get there for 5am and have four coffees before we'd even opened and another two or three during the day.
"I wouldn't have done any of that had I known but luckily Theo was still perfectly healthy."
Holly explained the last seven months have been an emotional and stressful time, adding that it had been amazing to watch little Theo grow.
Speaking about the moment she started experiencing the labour pains, she explained: "I started getting pains but I was due on my period so I thought it was just cramps and took some paracetamol.
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"That didn't touch it and the pain was getting steadily worse. I woke up at 5am in excruciating pain and went to the toilet but I couldn't get back up, the pain was so bad.
"When I got to the hospital they were asking about my periods but they said it was probably just water retention. They did a physical exam and said they felt something weird, so they did an ultrasound and noticed a mass.
"When I saw the gynaecologist he told me I was pregnant but I was just stunned, I didn't even believe him at first.
"After that it was all kind of a blur, it didn't even feel real, everyone was rushing around me and I just remember shaking and feeling like I was going to pass out because I was so scared.
"When they took the baby out and passed him to my mum that's when it hit me. I broke down in tears and said I'm not ready for this, I'm going to be a single mum, how are we going to manage.
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"There wasn't that instant connection you have when you're planning to have a baby and looking forward to it, but I told myself I needed to get on with it and look after this baby."
Holly was able to have her mum there for the birth, but had to spend the majority of the four days she was in hospital alone, which was a struggle.
But after just a few weeks - and surrounded by support from her mum and friends - Holly started developing a special bond with her son.
She also reached out to Theo's dad to tell him the news. Although the pair split last year, they have stayed friends and are working together to raise their son.
"I didn't tell people for a few weeks because I was still coming to terms with it myself, but when I did tell people everyone was amazing, they were coming round with nappies, clothes and all sorts for Theo," she said.
"My mum was amazing, she was running around getting everything ready for us coming home and was teaching me and showing me how to do things.
"After a while I started to feel like I was falling in love with him because he was always so happy and content.
"I would pick him up and he would start smiling and I realised maybe this baby is exactly what I need. I'm so happy now, I can't imagine my life being any different.
"It's been emotional and stressful but it's also been amazing watching him grow and seeing my bond and connection grow with him everyday, I wouldn't change anything for the world."
Congratulations, Holly!
Featured Image Credit: Caters News