Woman gives birth by the side of the road

A woman was forced to give birth to her third child by the side of the road in Burnham, on the outskirts of Christchurch, this morning.

Adrianne Goodwin had been in labour for six hours and was on her way to Lincoln Maternity Hospital with husband Alan behind the wheel, when it was clear they had run out of time.

Baby James Alan Goodwin arrived on the frost-coated ground on Main South Rd at 5.39am, weighing 3.8kg (8lb 7oz ).

An ambulance was called but did not arrive in time for the birth. Mother and baby are both well.

- NZPA