SW London Cabs for Labouring Woman!

[doireallywant3]

As a last resort, I may need to get a cab to St Thomas's when I go into labour and am just wondering if anyone here has experience of this? I've called a local company and also Addison Lee and both say they won't take a labouring woman in their cabs.
This is my 2nd baby so am hoping/expecting it to come quickly!
thanks

That's shocking! How about Dial a Cab or Computer Cabs or Radio Cabs (all have black taxis). If no taxi would take you you would have to call an ambulance I imagine.

I used black cabs both times to get to hospital when in labour in London. Work also sent me to hospital in a black cab when I was in severe pain once at about 24w. None of the drivers made any fuss, they were all considerate and helpful.

I'm fairly sure that black cabs are legally obliged to take labouring women, but TBH I wouldn't even say anything about being in labour when calling for the cab. They're also vastly more comfortable for a labouring woman than a conventional car.

Definitely use a black cab company.

Great, I'll do that, thanks ladies!

I just called a local minicab; didn't tell them I was in labour. 40 minutes later, stuck in a traffic jam under the Westway, with me on all fours moo-ing out of the window like a tortured bison, I think he cottoned on...

I would be really, really surprised if they turfed you out!

We just called a local SE cab to St Thomas' at 2am, didn't mention i was pregnant, didn't mention my waters had broken and I sat on a towel and rubbish bag. Driver didn't say a word but it must have been obvious!

I used local mini cab, didn't say I was in labour. Were great for false alarm (only 2cm dilated) and then real thing 2 hours later.

My friend was born in a taxi cab in the hospital carpark

Our hospital had a direct phone extension to a cab company at the entrance/exit of the maternity ward. At one of our antenatal appts we picked up the phone and asked them if they could do home pick ups to the ward. They were fine with it. And we were in a good position as most of the drivers already knew how to get to the hospital and how to get to the maternity ward entrance.

We also looked into female mini cabs (Google it). HTH.