SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A recently incarcerated inmate who claims she was unaware she was pregnant gave birth in her cell to a baby boy, authorities said Friday.

Leticia Cisneros, 35, was sitting on the toilet Wednesday, suffering from what she thought were cramps, when she gave birth, said a Sheriff’s Department statement. Another inmate came to her aid and took the baby.

Soon afterward, a deputy came and wrapped the boy in towels until a prison nurse arrived and cared for him.

If it were not for the quick action of the deputy, nurse and other inmate in providing aid for the child, he “would likely not have survived,” the statement said.

Cisneros was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on June 1 on elder abuse and other charges. A pre-booking medical screening questionnaire did not mention she was pregnant.

Subsequent inmate interviews revealed that while Cisneros thought she had recently gained weight, she did not know she was pregnant.