Worried about getting to the hospital

[pozzled]

I'm aware that this is a pretty minor problem as far as birth issues go, but it's on my mind and I would appreciate any advice/ reassurance!

I'm 30 weeks with DD2. With DD1 I planned a home birth so didn't have to give much thought to transport arrangements. I have decided to opt for a hospital birth this time for various reasons. The problem is that the hospital is a 40 minute drive away (could be a bit more in rush hour traffic). And as my DH doesn't drive we will be relying on a lift from either my mum or stepfather, who live about 20 minutes from us.

I have two main worries:

1. How to get the timing right, I dread arriving too early and being told to go home, but it also seems like a lot could happen in 40 minutes. I had a long labour with DD, so I suppose it's likely that it will be long again?

2. How to stay calm and comfortable as it just seems like a long time. Last time I did a lot of pacing, so not looking forward to being sat in one place. And I'm also not going to be that comfortable with my mum or stepdad around (although obviously I'm very grateful that they're willing to drop everything at a moment's notice to drive us in!).

So I would love to hear from anyone else who faced a long-ish drive in and/or had to rely on someone other than DH/DP for a lift- how did it work out for you?

Hi Pozzled - I'm afraid I can't help but I will be watching this with interest as I am starting to worry about a similar issue (and I'm nowhere near as far along as you are!)
All the best :)

I would raise the issue with your midwife - she might be able to put something on your notes about not being turned away if you arrive early. She also might be able to advise on taxi companies that wouldn't freak out at the prospect, so you have plan B up your sleeve.

Did you try a TENS machine with DD1? That's something that could go with you in the car. If you're doing ante-natal yoga, remember the breathing exercises.

Labour likely to be quicker with DC2.

Good luck!

I would advise calling a few local taxi companies and sorting out which will/won't take women in labour, as not all will. It's good to have a backup list in case you don't want to call your family.

I'm about 30-45min drive from the hospital and would actually prefer a taxi to family as the taxi driver's not going to talk to you and expect conversation so it can just be you and your DH focusing on getting through each contraction. TENS machine helped me a lot too for the taxi ride when I was in labour last time.

You can ask not to be sent home when you arrive at the hospital, they will just ask you to wait in a waiting area or at best give you a bed on the post-natal ward. This might be a less stressful option than getting home and worrying about getting back again. I'd speak to your MW beforehand about what the options would be if you decide not to go home, as BlueChampagne suggested.

I'm 3 days from EDD with DC2 and wondering how the taxi/timing thing is going to work but trying not to worry too much. MW told me as it's DC2 to come in earlier than I would have with DC1 and that they won't make me go home. Will report back how it goes

Slightly different but I had all these worries with my last one because my first came very quickly. This time I had to factor in my parents getting here to have DD and then the 25 minute drive to hospital. As soon as I felt ready I phoned hospital and they told me to come in, then I phoned my parents who arrived within 30 minutes, then we left. I arrived pushing so timing could have done with being a bit better but DS was born by EMCS as he was brow, so I was pushing for 3 and half hours anyway.

This time, I have been told to go in with first twinge, and if I feel like I won't make it, or waters have broken, or I have pain in my scar then I must report it to delivery and they will send ambulance so there is someone medically trained there just incase.

If it comes in the car there is nothing I can really do to stop it, but not sure DH will be impressed. Was told to pull over if this was happening and phone for an ambulance for the same reason as above.

Thanks for your replies. I'll definitely have a word with the midwives. I'd be happier if I thought there was somewhere I could wait at the hospital, even if it was just a waiting area.

I did use a TENS with DD1 and found it quite helpful, so I'll make sure I've got that sorted again. And check out taxis, although I'd be paranoid about my waters going and making a mess!

caramellokoalalover Hope everything works out well for you!

Hi - we were about 35 mins from hospital for my 2nd baby- what I found useful was to ring labour ward when I thought things were starting and dicuss with them -
2nd labours are in general quicker than 1st -but if you had a long labour last time odds on it won't be super quick - and you will have a better idea yourself about things - at least i did.
Also it is common for things to slow down a bit when you get to hospital - just the stress of new place etc - friend of mine went for a walk with her DH at that point