Getting to the hospital when DP doesn't drive

[themonsteratemyspacebaragain]

This is a theoretical question for now as i am not pregnant and don't intend to be for a while.

What are the options for getting to the hospital when you are in labour and your DP doesn't drive? Taxi is the only way i can think of and i have no idea whether they would actually take a woman to hospital in that situation due to possible bodily fluids?!
I wouldn't want to ring an ambulance as it seems a waste of time and resources basically for them to be used as a taxi.

Just a random question from me but when the time comes this is the scenario i will be in! No family living nearby to help either.

[murphys]

I would say taxi, but then again is there a reason why DP doesn't drive? He can learn and take his test in 9 months...

[mousmous]

taxi

[Limakilobravo]

Absolutely do not ring for an ambulance in a non-emergency situation. As you pointed out, it's not a taxi service.

[mousmous]

and a taxi is (in theory) not allowed to refuse transport. just don't mention it when booking.
fwiw my waters broke and we took a taxi as hospital doesn't have any parking. took a towel and binbag to sit on.

[Jsa1980]

My DP learnt and passed in 9 months but we didn't manage to get a car. I was induced in the end so didn't matter but I did ring the local taxi company before hand and they said they would take me, just warn them you are in labour!

[lauren222]

You can take an old towel with you to sit on if you are worried about any fluids.

[dannydyerismydad]

A friend's waters went in a taxi. The lovely driver didn't even charge her for the journey to the hospital, just wished her lots of luck.

[squizita]

I am going to have to use a taxi anyway because my hospital is in central London with zero parking - it's what they recommend.
Apparently local MW have lists of taxi firms who will take labouring women.

[TickleMePurple]

We went back and forth a few times in a taxi (local mini cab). I took a towel to sit on but the driver didn't seem bothered to be honest. You can phone around local firms in advance to check who would take you if that's reassuring.

[Xcountry]

I drove myself the first two times. DH wasn't there to be able to take me. The third time was at home in 6 foot snow so no one was going anywhere

[TickleMePurple]

You must've driven yourself in very early labour Xcountry! Our hospital doesn't admit until contractions are very close together.

[Shahsham]

Taxi. I sat on an absorbant pad ( that Id bought in case my waters went in bed)

First time the guy guessed as we'd said 'hospital' and it was a Saturday.

Second time we just said the address but the guy guessed again (7am Monday )

Both were chuffed to pieces for us and very enthusiastic and encouraging. One just asked me not togive birth yet please

[Thurlow]

Another one who took a taxi several times The taxi driver didn't say a thing and just dropped us off. I don't even think I sat on a towel!

[sleepyhead]

Taxi here too. 4am, me in advanced labour and also ds1 with us as my mum hadn't got to us yet.

My waters hadn't gone but I can't remember if I brought a towel to sit on or not. Driver didn't bat an eyelid.

[fledermaus]

I'd take a taxi even if you have a car - you don't want to mess around trying to find somewhere to park and hospital parking is extortionate!

Take a towel or disposable bed mat to sit on and maybe get a TENS machine so you can use it on the journey.

[ThinkIveBeenHacked]

My dh doesnt drive so our plan A was calling our parents (local) and B was taxi.

[splendide]

We both drive but have no car - I was planning on taking a taxi and just sitting on something if I'm leaking!

[ArcheryAnnie]

Taxi for me too - would have even if we'd had a car as the hospital parking charges were extortionate.

[DefiniteMaybe]

I got a taxi both times with my dc. Both times I was holding in my pushes and dc were born very soon after.
Taxi drivers didn't say anything, just looked very worried.

[GrouchyKiwi]

Took a taxi with DD1. No problem. Apparently the driver took a different route when I complained about all the red lights...

And they knew it was likely a delivery because DH told them we were going to the birthing centre.

[AwesomeSuperTasty]

Took a taxi too, as we haven't got a car, live in a city centre and hospital is five minutes drive. It was a Sunday, 6am, and we said the name of the hospital (famous locally for its maternity services) when we rang up and no one said anything. Turns out I was in advanced labour (ftm, very fast progression), it was literally ten minutes from ringing up to getting to the hospital door. Would have taken at least three times that if we had to get car out of garage, get keys, find parking etc.

[themonsteratemyspacebaragain]

Thank you for all your replies.
Seems like when the time comes there will be one less thing for me to worry about!
Some nice stories of lovely taxi drivers who seem to take it in their stride too.

For those who asked, DP has always lived in the city where he works or if not, takes trains so he can work during the journey. Paying out for him to do lessons, tests, insurance etc for one return car journey seems a bit OTT in my opinion .
Plus i can imagine if he did indeed drive by then, he would be less than useless by flapping and panicking (sp?) that i wouldn't feel safe in the car with him driving anyway! (Sorry DP!)

[marthabear]

A lift from friend/ family or taxi. Definitely not an ambulance.

[Sleepyhoglet]

More importantly, how will you and the baby get home after the birth?

[fledermaus]

Taxis go both ways