Mariia Levina's second baby had an unusual arrival into the world.
Levina, who lives in the Pirkanmaa municipality of Akaa, said her labour began on the morning of 9 July with painful contractions.
However, they were irregular, with each occurring between seven and 25 minutes apart.
"Since they weren't regular, I thought they were practice contractions. But during the day, the pains got worse and I asked my husband to come home," she explained.
Levina then called Tampere University Hospital (TAYS), which said she could come in, even though the contraction intervals were still relatively long.
"On the way there, the contractions became very painful and I felt that the baby would be born soon. Just as we got into the hospital's parking garage, my water broke and I began pushing," she explained.
Born in the front seat
That phase quickly ended, and within a minute, Levina gave birth to a baby girl in the front seat of their car.
But, despite the pace of the birth, Levina said she wasn't frightened because her first childbirth experience was also quick.
"I was relieved and happy when I learned that the baby was doing well. The fear only came later when I realized how many things could have gone wrong," she said.
Once their new daughter was born, Levina's husband rushed into the hospital to get some assistance.
The first person to arrive was a young woman who informed Levina that she was a physician. Yle was in contact with their assistant in the car park, who confirmed that the birth took place in the hospital's parking garage.
According to Levina, the newborn is healthy and otherwise doing fine, saying she's a calm infant who sleeps and eats well.
Levina is originally from Russia while her husband is from Ukraine. They moved to Finland two years ago.
"The whole family is happy and we'll remember her birthday fondly. It has become our unique story," she said.
In-transit births rare
According to TAYS's gynecology and obstetrics unit chief physician, Kati Tihtonen, births occurring on the way to the hospital are not common.
Data from the Institute for Health and Welfare shows that births during trips to TAYS occur between five and 15 times per year.
According to Tihtonen, if such a situation occurs and assistance is required, the parents should call emergency services for help.
She said that midwives can also be sent out, if there's still a long way to the hospital.
