Travel time to hospital

[apples82]

My options of where to give birth are 31 minutes and 41 minutes from where I live.

In my brain, I think that half an hour in the car when in labour would seem like forever . However, the 41 mins hospital seems like a better option.

Would an extra ten mins make a difference?

Am I crazy to think of being in a car for 45 mins when in labour?

I wouldn't have thought that 10 minutes would make that much difference when you'd be doing half an hour anyway. Also, I'm willing to bet your partner could get you to the further-away one in less than half an hour if you're in labour

Too true TobyLerone

Go for the one with the best facilities.

Just leave in Plenty of time!

I was a good 45 mins away and it was fine tbh. I left a bit earlier than i would have done had I been 5 minutes away so had to do a bit of wondering round the grounds when I got there waiting to dilate an extra centimetre, but it really wasn't a problem

pushmepullyou I can just imagine every minute seeming like it's taking forever. But then, as TobyLerone said, i'm sure DH won't dawdle!

Mine is that length away and I did worry quite a bit about the journey beforehand but actually it was fine, I doubt ten minutes will matter to you

Our NCT teacher said that, generally, people have enough time to drive around the whole of London twice before needing to be at the hospital ie. that most people arrive at hospital hours too early.

I think 41 minutes would be fine for the Big Day but do remember that you'll need to visit the hospital loads for appointments in the weeks beforehand.

But remember to factor in rush hour. We didn't - and ds was nearly born in ht police station car park. We made the hospital with 21 minutes to spare!

seeker, 21 minutes!

I know! It was a bit tight, I must admit.

I was bathed, dressed and on my second cup of tea an hour and a half after arriving at the hospital!

my nearest hospital is 45mins away if no traffic and 1hour + when busy

there isnt even a private one closer

hoping to have a home birth cause dont like the idea of contractions on the car!

I found the car ride to hospital while in labour horrendous. every roundabout make a contraction so much more painful than it already is - at least for me. also, I had a very fast labour and DC was born very shortly after reaching the hospital.

but if your alternatives are 31 or 41 mins (both quite far IMO), then I would go for the 41 min hospital if this is the place you prefer.

also, where did you got the 31 mins and 41 mins from? we made it to my hospital in 12 mins around midnight. but during the rush hour it would take more than an hour. so the time it can take to reach the hospital can really vary. we did a non-rush-our trial and a rush hour trial before I gave birth to get some idea...

but if the hospital is a bit further away make sure you leave home on time.