This shocking footage captures the terrifying moment a pregnant woman went into preterm labor in the middle of a Walmart supermarket – and the quick-thinking actions of her husband and strangers helped save the day.
Serena Mancera, 31 weeks pregnant, was on her way to the beach with her family when they made a quick stop at Walmart to grab some supplies. After a trip to the bathroom, Serena found herself in a panic as blood began running down her leg – signaling the start of labor.
Her husband, Juan Mancera, 27, from Palacios, Texas, recorded the intense moment and shared it to Instagram, where the footage has already gone viral with over 2.1 million views.
“As I was done paying, I walked to the front, and I heard my wife screaming, scared due to blood running down her legs,” Juan said. “I was in shock mode… the best thing for me was to keep her calm, relax and not leave her side.”
Serena, in a complete state of panic, explained to those around her that she had Placenta previa, a pregnancy complication where the placenta attaches low in the uterus and blocks the opening, causing severe bleeding. This condition led to her early and unexpected delivery.
Desperate for help, the couple called out to Walmart employees and nearby customers, hoping one might be a nurse. One customer volunteered to watch their children – Levi Daniel, Harlow Hope, and Lionel Juan – as an ambulance was called immediately.
Serena and Juan were rushed to the Galveston, Texas, hospital, where Serena gave birth to baby boy Juan Daniel Mancera Junior – affectionately called JJ.
“Women at Walmart rushed to help my wife. Everyone was looking, and my wife felt very uncomfortable in the center of Walmart,” Juan said. “It’s a very dangerous situation; my wife could have bled out.”
He added: “Thank you to all the Walmart workers and the sweet Canadian nurse who helped my wife! We are thankful and blessed we have each other and to know there are good people out there.”
“Thank you, Walmart, for experiencing this with me! I could not have done this alone!”
Thanks to the quick response of strangers and staff, the Mancera family is now safe, and JJ is doing well.