Ohio woman feared baby would arrive with diploma

[June 16, 2009]  COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- A woman who just graduated from college in Ohio says she was afraid her big day was going to turn into a blessed event.

Expectant mother Dawn Thompson Ester thought she had gone into labor during Friday's commencement at Columbus State University. So, she was moved up from No. 749 in the order for receiving degrees to first place in line. Ester got her diploma and then rushed off the stage with one hand clutching the document and the other on her swollen belly. A medic with a stretcher was waiting to take her to the hospital. But it turned out the pains were just a false alarm, and the hospital sent her home. ___ Information from: WEWS-TV, http://www.newsnet5.com/ [Associated Press] Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.