to think you can't drive yourself to hospital when you're in labour?

[Flingingmelon]

Would have put this in Pregnancy but wanted opinions from people who have already had kids.

Good friend due with her first next month. Her DH works away a lot and she doesn't have a lot of close support - who can drop everything if required.

She seems to think that when she needs to go to hospital (to have the baby) she can drive herself.

There was no way I could have driven myself in, but has anyone managed to do it?

I think she's in denial a bit and obvs I have sent her suitable taxi company numbers, but am I just being soft?

I'm not am I?

Paaaahahaha! No chance.

My midwife told me not to go in until I 'couldn't cope'. If I'd gone any earlier I'd been there so early they'd have tried to sent me home. Even at 9cm dilated I could still 'cope' but there's not a chance in hell I could drive. It was stupid advice really. I'd definitely at least plan to get a taxi or have a friend on call.

I probably could have driven with dd up and till an hour or so before she was born. I was 4 cm and only really cramping. I thought they were taking the piss then whey said I was in labour

Midwives will state NOT to drive themselves in when in labour, therefore driving while in labour is driving against medical advice. Insurance would be invalid, and survivors could be prosecuted.

This thread is making me think - I'm planning on driving home from work at the first hint of a twinge (planning to work up until due date). Last labour was 13 hours from first twinge. I reckon I could manage the 20 minutes home if necessary. What do you think?

(DH works about 40 mins away if I couldn't)

That's a very valid point, TheEx.

IndomitabIe, bearing in mind I'm one of the 'I did' posts above... I drove all over the shop until I had my DCs. It didn't occur to me to think, 'I won't go to the supermarket today in case today's the day,' or 'Uh oh, better not take DC1, or DC2 etc to school today in case I go into labour' so personally I'd go to work and play it by ear.

Thanks four, that's what I keep telling myself. It's as likely to happen today as it is in 8 weeks (well, maybe not exactly the same likelihood, but you know!) and it's unlikely to be anything dramatic when it does. (That would preclude DH from reaching me in time).

The midwives at the ante-natal clinic warned us not to drive ourselves to hospital if in labour - there had been a woman who had done that and crashed on the motorway. She died.

I did too, similar story to some previous posters, was due to have a planned c section due to breech baby, so had to go in at first sign of labour. Wouldn't recommend it though!

I physically couldn't drive from about 37 weeks. Bump too big and I couldn't reach the pedals (or turn my head safely to look at the blind spot). I really didn't feel comfortable or safe so decided not to drive. What if your friend reaches that point? (Not saying it happens to all, but my DS was lying in an awkward position and I just could not get behind the wheel!)

I can't imagine driving myself! Other than in an emergency with no other option. If you can drive yourself you may not be far along enough for the hospital to let you stay.

We were planning to get a taxi as the midwives advised it due to the horrendous hospital parking situation. I rang round taxi companies and 3 out of 4 said they would take me. One said 'of course how exciting I will send our fastest driver not some rubbish one!'

As it turns out I was very overdue and needed to be induced so I never got to experience that joy!

Thanks all, thread starting to go my way! Wonder if it would be unethical to have MNHQ delete all the pro driving responses before I send it to her?

I would offer to be your friends lift. Iv been in that situation and felt I couldn't ask friends but was thrilled when they offered and made a back up plan incase dh was away

just NO, for all the reasons above.

Oh I've offered and I think if the circumstances mean she needs to call, she will after reading this

She's one of those people who would perform her own c section if she thought she was putting anyone out

Indomitable in that scenario would one of your colleagues not give you a lift or your husband come and get you? Or get a taxi. The car can be sorted out later. I didn't stay at home as labour approached either but I still wasn't planning to drive once it started.

LikeA, in reality if it kicks off at work (and I really don't think it will) I should be able to hang on for DH, and I'm sure a colleague or two would jump at the chance for some drama!

I suppose if it's that "hmm, is it...?" stage I probably wouldn't think about it and head home myself anyway. But you could hardly call that stage "labour" anyway!

I don't think she understands what having a contraction is like. I took a taxi to hospital. When I got out I was hit by a contraction and fell to my knees.

I drove myself. No one else to do it, so needs must. No taxis where I was living either out in the middle of nowhere on a Thursday evening. Drove home eight hours after the birth as well.

Not necessarily the most recommended method of transportation, but if you have no other option, then you do it.

Depends. With dd1 we took the bus in. With ds I left it a bit late and couldn't have.

What's she planning to do with the car after the birth?
That will be one big parking fine.

I drove in labour with DC2 but only because of DV at home, it was the lesser of two evils.

I was excused the parking charges!