A SOLDIER secretly gave birth at an Oxfordshire barracks after managing to hide her pregnancy from fellow troops, it has been revealed.

The Royal Logistic Corps private delivered a 6lb baby herself in her quarters at Dalton Barracks, in Abingdon, on Friday.

It is believed the mother is the first serving soldier to give birth at a UK barracks. It is thought the baby was only discovered after a fellow soldier heard the child crying and tipped off senior officers.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “We can confirm that a baby was born in military accommodation in Abingdon on Friday. Both mother and baby are being cared for in hospital.

"We can confirm that the mother is a serving soldier and all welfare needs of both mother and child are being addressed.”

Last night, an Oxfordshire pregnancy expert said her heart went out to the 20-year-old mother.

Lynn Banerji, a qualified midwife with Marston-based Talk Baby Talk, said: “I think it’s really sad someone has had to go through labour without any support.

“What should be a really nice momentous occasion, someone has had to go through while probably very frightened.”

The Oxford Mail understands the soldier had continued to exercise throughout her pregnancy and had denied she was pregnant when asked by an officer.

Army sources said they were “very surprised” the soldier could have hidden her condition for nine months, with one source at the base adding: “I don’t know how she got away with it.”

Ms Banerji said: “Obviously, people can conceal pregnancy.

“It depends on the size of the person, the size of the baby, how well they want to conceal it and the sort of clothing they are used to wearing.

“In my experience people quite often conceal pregnancies through a feeling of fear — fear of other peoples reactions to the pregnancy.

“But there is a small possibility she could have got to the point of labour without knowing she was pregnant.”

Last night, Thames Valley Police denied reports that police had been asked to investigate a possible “concealment of birth” offence.

A spokesman said: “On Monday we were contacted by welfare officers from the Army about the birth of a baby at Dalton Barracks.

“We have spoken to the Ministry of Defence welfare department and social services, and I can confirm there will be no police investigation.”

ghamilton@oxfordmail.co.uk