A woman surnamed Xie in Nanjing, Jiangsu province gave birth to her baby in a subway station on Nov. 19, assisted by a passing midwife and medical professor who happened to be on the same train.

Xie's contractions began while she was on the subway en route to the hospital, together with her husband. Upon learning of the situation, the midwife, Wu, immediately came to Xie's carriage and conducted an initial examination. Wu said she could already see the baby's head as she inquired about Xie's reproductive history.

Liu Wentao, a professor at Nanjing Medical University, also lent a hand in Xie's labor. As the mother-to-be's contractions became more and more frequent, Wu suggested that they deliver the baby in the subway office. At 7:50 pm, just one minute after Xie entered the office, the infant was safely delivered.

Liu wrapped the baby in a T-shirt to keep it warm, and Xie was later sent to the hospital. Wu noted that although expectant mothers can make it through labor by themselves in extreme conditions, doing so significantly increases health risks for both the mother and child.

"The infants and new moms also risk infection in public spaces, where it's difficult to maintain a sanitary environment," Wu added.