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A Merseyside dad had to deliver his baby son after his wife’s sneeze caused her to go into labour.

Southport woman Rachel Singleton’s labour lasted less than an hour, meaning the midwife didn’t arrive until 20 minutes after baby Hugo entered the world.

Her husband Mark had to act quickly when the pair realised baby’s head was already engaged.

Rachel said: “I felt a bit unwell, but I managed to make dinner for Mark and the kids.

“When he sprinkled some pepper on his plate it made me sneeze and that was it.

“My water broke but because the baby’s head was practically engaged there wasn’t much liquid.”

Rachel sent a text message to her midwife, but her contractions then came thick and fast, and Mark had to jump to action.

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He said: “I won’t lie, it was nerve-racking. I got behind Rachel and I could see the baby’s head.

“But I had no choice but to get to it, my son was about to arrive. I pressed her hips in to help the pressure and then Rachel pushed.

“He came out and he was crying and healthy, and we were overjoyed.”

Hugo Singleton was born on Wednesday (January 11), weighing 7lbs 15oz.

William, the couple’s two-year-old,watched the entire delivery over Mark’s shoulder. His sister Lottie cut the cord when Hugo was born.

Rachel has praised the quick-thinking and calm actions of her husband and their children.