Going to hospital

[RockChick1984]

Hi, I'm sure this is a stupid question but I don't know who else to ask, so please don't laugh at me if it is! I'm pregnant with my first baby, and am confused about how I get to hospital when I go into labour. I drive, but my dh doesn't. He's having lessons at the moment but if the snow continues and he has to keep missing lessons he won't have passed before my due date. If he can't take me, what do I do??? I'm guessing it wouldn't be wise to drive myself (foot on the accelerator + contraction = recipe for disaster!) but we don't have family locally who could take me. Do I ring an ambulance, or would this be inappropriate? Would a taxi take me? If I was a taxi driver I don't think I'd want to let a woman in labour into my car, and I'm worried about if I made any kind of mess in the taxi! Really hope someone can advise me on this, my plans were all sorted before this stupid snow messed them up, an if weather reports r to be believed it could continue til new year! Xxx

[mistletoeploppy]

Not stupid at all - taxi should be fine though! Depending on what sort of state you're in

[Marjee]

I took a taxi when I was in very advanced labour (I got to hospital 30 mins before ds arrived)! The driver was lovely, bless him he had me laughing between contractions and thanked me for teaching him some new swear words!

[RobynLou]

Ring around your local taxi companies, some won't take women in labour, some will. They muttered about insurance issues to us. Neither of us drive so we'll be taxi-ing it, that was the plan last time, but I was induced in the end so got the tube to the hospital as I wasn't in labour yet!
Apparently if the snow gets really bad so that your road is impassable/a taxi won't risk it they will either send an ambulance or a police car.

[misdee]

will be taxi-ing it, or relying on friends/family

[Highlandgirl]

Rockchick I think you are being very wise, first timer her too.

I'd call several taxi firms now and see what they say. If you can it may be worth setting up an account so you don't have to mess about with money when you arrive at the hospital. Failing that have an envelope to hand with roughly the correct amount of money in order to pay the driver.

Don't forget to take a car seat for returning home (if by taxi) some firms do have car seats etc so worth asking about that too!

A friend of mine had a piece of paper in her handbag, which had all her details on it along with important phone numbers DP, Midwife and so forth, hospital details etc and what to do if she happened to go into labour whist out and about and needed someone to call on her behalf.

Hope your DH passes first time...!