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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

TO Call an ambulance in labour?

164 replies

1997r2017 · 14/10/2017 21:55

So I’m 39 weeks today and we don’t have a car. For the past week I have had pain all down my leg, my midwife said I can take cocodamol occasionally so I did but it didn’t really help with the pain.

Today I rang the hospital explained to the midwife there, and was told to go in. So I went in and the senior/head midwife just laughed in my face saying ‘what do you want morphine?’ Obviously not, just preferably a stronger dose or codeine or anything that would help, I was very upset as that is why I called up beforehand .. she didn’t check me or anything. However this hospital isn’t my local hospital as I moved during pregnancy.

On Monday I will be going to my GP to ask to transfer, although I understand this may be late, so my question is if I call am abulance in labour will I be allowed to go to the local maternity unit.. I have had a low risk pregnancy so there is nothing to ‘plan’ about the birth and I can provide blood group info etc.

To help this make sense I have really bad anxiety battle anciety hospitals/ medical professionals and the thought of this midwife being on duty when I’m not in labour has had me crying all day etc ..

OP posts:
Original poster
1997r2017 · 14/10/2017 21:56

Sorry for the long post/ spelling mistakes, autocorrect seems to have edited a couple thingsHmm

OP posts:
kaytee87 · 14/10/2017 21:57

Why would you call an ambulance when you're in labour? I'm totally confused.

sukitea · 14/10/2017 21:58

Sorry you're in pain, but ambulances are for life threatening emergencies, not people in labour who don't have cars. I really hate when people do that.

NeedsAsockamnesty · 14/10/2017 21:59

I’m pretty sure ambulances for Labour is not a thing it’s usual to call a cab and they take you where ever you want to go

Bbbbbbbb2017 · 14/10/2017 22:00

They won't send an ambulance unless you are literally about to give birth. Taxi

Haudyerwheesht · 14/10/2017 22:00

Like pps have said - ambulances aren't for people in labour unless there's another reason.

PinkSnowAndStars · 14/10/2017 22:00

Calling an ambulance in labour is TOTALLY inappropriate!! Unless there is some kind of emergency or the baby is actively coming at speed! Sort out a lift or a taxi!

NapQueen · 14/10/2017 22:00

Ambulances are there for those in need. You are not (and even in labour wont be) in need. Get a taxi.

Ummmmgogo · 14/10/2017 22:00

completely unreasonable get a taxi or ask a friend for a lift like everyone else

firsttimemummy24 · 14/10/2017 22:00

Midwife told us at our antenatal class to only call an ambulance if it is an emergency I.e baby is actually coming and you are not going to get to hospital or if you are bleeding red blood or ill! It's not a taxi service, So they will take you to the closest hospital.

WitchesHatRim · 14/10/2017 22:00

Sorry but I can't see why you need an ambulance? Confused

sukitea · 14/10/2017 22:01

Our local ambulance service has been drastically cut and there have been community awareness sessions in order to inform people what constitutes an emergency. They specifically mentioned being in labour NOT being one. I was astounded that someone would call an ambulance rather than a taxi.

Dinosaursdontgrowontrees · 14/10/2017 22:01

Just get a taxi they will take you wherever you want to go.

Steeley113 · 14/10/2017 22:01

An ambulance will not attend for a normal labour. Get a taxi.

littlemissalwaystired · 14/10/2017 22:01

It costs the NHS a good couple of hundred pounds to take someone to hospital in an ambulance, please save this for situations where there is actually an emergency. If you don't have transport or family/friends to take you then please call a taxi.

Original poster
1997r2017 · 14/10/2017 22:02

I mean if I leave it to the stage where taxis will refuse to take me? Or does anyone know how long it will take for the transferral, I jus really don’t feel comfortable giving birth in my current hospital, but I assume if I just turn up at the local hospital they will turn me away?

OP posts:
Candlelight234 · 14/10/2017 22:02

You need a taxi not an ambulance

PurpleDaisies · 14/10/2017 22:02

I'm also confused as to why you think you need an ambulance.

Original poster
1997r2017 · 14/10/2017 22:02

IDeally the transferral will be complete before I go into labour

OP posts:
xyzandabc · 14/10/2017 22:02

If you're a low risk pregnancy with nothing to plan then why are you calling an ambulance?

If your situation is serious enough to warrant an ambulance then you get taken wherever they deem best to deal with your emergency, which would probably be your nearest one, unless they are full.

How did you get to the hospital today? Taxi, friend, bus? I wouldn't recommend the bus really but no reason why you couldn't call a taxi or a friend, then they can take you wherever you want them to go.

Original poster
1997r2017 · 14/10/2017 22:03

I have no issue getting a taxi, the transport to the hospital isn’t the problem

OP posts:
Fairylea · 14/10/2017 22:03

If you think the pain in your leg is something that needs urgent medical attention (ie blood clot etc) then you need to get yourself to a and e - by taxi.

You really shouldn’t call an ambulance in labour unless you are in life threatening circumstances.

Ummmmgogo · 14/10/2017 22:03

get your dp to call the taxi. don't tell them you are in labour then there is no risk of refusing.

PurplePillowCase · 14/10/2017 22:03

yes to taxi.
if you were to need an ambulance it would take you to the nearest appropriate hospital.

Heratnumber7 · 14/10/2017 22:03

I mean if I leave it to the stage where taxis will refuse to take me

Don’t.* Call in good time.*