When should I leave for hospital?

[bytheMoonlight]

We have to get a taxi to the hospital.

At the moment my contractions are every 6 minutes, lasting about a minute.

Shall I wait to phone the taxi when they are 3-4 mins apart?

Phone your delivery suite before setting off. They'll talk to you through contractions and let you know when you should be setting off. Or if you need to stay put longer.

Or you could just turn up. But might be sent away again. But that's better than hanging around where everything will slow down!

Advice from mw used to be have paracetamol, have a bath, and go and bake a cake! (kitchen counters are a good height to lean on!)

Exciting times!

Have you gone in yet?

Or are you baking that cake?

Good luck!

Still at home - although I haven't gotten as far as baking a cake!

They are every five minutes now, I haven't phoned yet

A minute less now so definitely progress!

Are you moving round lots?

Is this your 1st?

I'm very excited for you (and slightly jealous at 39+6)

I would be giving them a ring at 5 min apart if I were you

Eek!!! You're having your baby!!

oooh exciting!! have you rung the hospital?
it's tricky to say, particularly if it's your first. personally i hate being sent home if i'm not progressing. and you sound like you are doing well at home. however you don't really want to be contracting like crazy on the journey in

ooooh keep us posted!! and i'm with buckbuck - eeeeeeek!!! am envious - you have a wonderful exciting journey ahead of you, truly amazing

This is my 2nd.

Thanks ladies, I'm very excited, esp. as I'm over - thought it was never going to happen

I never really laboured at home with my first as my waters went so had to go into DAU and then by the time I was seen I was well on my way, so stayed in.

Not keen on spending that much time in hospital this time, so trying to work out the balance between how far I can go at home and when I need to start moving.

I'm thinking the same as you MummyElk, I don't want to be too far gone on the journey esp. as I'm in a taxi but I don't want to be sent home! Couldn't cope with that many taxi rides!

Really need to phone in don't I?!

PHONE THE DELIVERY SUITE

go on, just do it! They're all really nice people and want to talk to you!

I think the advice (I read on here) for your 2nd is phone when contractions 6 min apart as it can all get going a bit faster 2nd time round.

I understand the reluctance to spend time in hospital when you don't have to, I didn't labour at home with mine til DC3 and I found it much better than with the 1st 2.

Give them a call! How far away are you from the hospital?

ooh crikey i think i'd call - i went from 4cm to birth in 40 minutes with my second... but i did get sent home prior to that which was bone crushingly demoralising...
bloo is right - they are nice people.
am really excited for you!!

did you call? did you did you???

I'm off back to bed, DC free atm and awake on and off all night with Braxton Hicks but want to wish you Good Luck!

Hope you're busy on the phone to the hospital and booking your taxi

Come back when you can and let us know

Really feel the need for another Eeeek! This is so exciting!

Take care x

I phoned!

They said to come in so taxi is booked for 8.30, just been getting ready and nervously checking bag making sure I have everything!

Very exicted now!!

Thanks for all the advice

Good luck!

Have you had a bit of breakfast?
A bit of sweet tea and a bite of toast may fortify you for later. If you're hungry.

yes! Deffo eat now. You'll need energy for the next few hours (minutes?!).

Pack snacks for you and dp?

Is your older one sorted?

Good luck have something to eat if you can

oh my i wonder what she's up to Right At This Moment.....

Hope you're getting on ok bytheMoonlight

Hey bytheMoonlight, hope all ok x

I hope you've had your baby and are enjoying him/her by now.

Hi everyone, I had baby Tessa at 2.31 this afternoon, had to have forceps intervention as she was quite high but she is doing really well and weighed in at 8lb13!

I'm writing this from the hospital bed as I had to have a couple of stitches and stay in overnight.

DD has been up to see her and gave her a big cuddle which made me cry!

Thanks for all your support

So pleased it went well, and congratulations! Enjoy your lovely new baby.

Congratulations on your new DD!

Lovely name

Enjoy cwtching up with your new baby and take care of yourself x

Huge congratulations on the birth of Tessa (gorgeous name) Get as much rest as you can and enjoy your new bundle x

Congratulations :)

ahhhhhh well done moonlight how lovely!!! you enjoy your little bundle, remember to be kind to yourself (and that means staying in your pjs, you are more than perfectly entitled to particularly with dc2) and Well Done You!!!!
excellent news