Baby Born in Car at Ashdod Hospital Entrance as Medical Team Races to Assist

On August 10, 2026, a dramatic birth took place at the entrance of Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital. Shlomit Megznik, a 29-year-old speech therapist from Be'er Ganim, unexpectedly gave birth to her first daughter, Libi, in the back seat of her car during the drive to the hospital. Megznik was 40 weeks pregnant and had started feeling contractions overnight. When her water broke near Ashdod, she realized the birth was imminent and delivered the baby within seconds inside the vehicle.

Upon arrival at the hospital's ambulance bay, 14 staff members from the emergency room, maternity ward, and security teams quickly surrounded the car to provide immediate medical care. They secured the area with privacy screens and assisted mother and newborn with blankets and a stretcher. Dr. Gila Nosbaum conducted an initial assessment, confirming both mother and baby were stable before transferring them to the maternity emergency department for further care.

Megznik described the experience as surreal and fast-paced, expressing gratitude for the swift and compassionate response of the hospital staff. Midwife Roni Cohen Lazar praised Megznik's composure during the unexpected delivery and highlighted the coordinated effort of the hospital teams to ensure the safety and comfort of the family. Both mother and baby are reported to be in good condition following the event.