A PREGNANT woman caught in traffic during a snowstorm in Essex was to forced to give birth in the back of her car.Lisa Wetherell delivered the 7lb 9oz baby girl in freezing temperatures on the rear seat of a green Volkswagen Sharan.

A PREGNANT woman caught in traffic during a snowstorm in Essex was to forced to give birth in the back of her car.

Lisa Wetherell delivered the 7lb 9oz baby girl in freezing temperatures on the rear seat of a green Volkswagen Sharan.

The mother-to-be and her husband David, from Chelmsford, found themselves in gridlocked traffic on Wednesday as they tried to drive through the town to hospital after Mrs Wetherell went into labour.

As the heavy snow swirled around the stationary vehicles, the couple realised the birth was imminent, but were able to flag down a passing police car to help.

They were escorted to New London Road near New Writtle Street where they parked as Lisa began to deliver the baby.

Paramedic Andrea Larner and her colleague John Nicholls were called to the scene and arrived just minutes before the birth, at about 6pm.

The as-yet unnamed youngster was born with a cord around her neck, which the ambulance staff removed. She was said to be doing well.

Mr Wetherell spoke of his shock at the delivery of his daughter and described the events as “amazing”.

“I was getting really worried - we couldn't get through the traffic even with the police - it was awful. Fortunately Andrea and John turned up in the nick of time.

“They covered my daughter and wife up with blankets and took us back to St John's Hospital. We haven't named our daughter yet, but she's doing well.

“The staff here are keeping a close eye on her just to make sure she has not suffered from her unusual birth. Lisa's also doing really well.”

He added: “I am still in shock - it has just been an amazing day.”

The couple had left St John's Hospital earlier in the day at 4pm, but Mrs Wetherell's waters broke when she arrived home.

They then became caught in traffic when they tried to make their way back to the maternity ward.

Paramedic Ms Larner said: “The baby came out with the cord around her neck which gave us a scare, but as soon as we got that away the little girl responded well to treatment.

“Lisa did really well in what must have been very scary times.

“It was incredibly frustrating that we took so long to get there - the traffic was just horrendous. I'm so pleased that everything worked out okay in the end.”