Calling an ambulance in labour - your experiences?

[JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff]

I am 27w og with twins so it is considered a "high risk" pregnancy although perfectly healthy so far.

My last birth was about 75 mins start to finish. But I didn't feel any contractions so didn't realise I was in labour till I began to push. I was booked for a HB luckily and the MW arrived literally as she was crowning.

Because it is a twin birth they have recommended I give birth at hospital this time but there are concerns about me getting there in time. We are 25 mins away assuming no traffic but the hospital is off a busy ringroad and I've known it take 1h+ in rush hour. If DH is not around when I start off, there may be no one to drive me.

The MW has therefore said I should just call an ambulance. I am really scared of that, though. I have read that they strap you down on your back during the journey which sounds horrendous. Has anyone rung an ambulance in labour? What was it like?

[JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff]

Thanks so much to everyone who has answered, esp the professionals. It has really helped. I am really scared of going into hospital anyhow at such a vulnerable time as my local hospital is very old fashioned and tried to insist on epidural on admission, lying on back for entire labour, minimum 8 ppl in delivery room etc.

I have had that battle but I just don't want any more fights and stress at such a time so want to be prepared. Sounds like the paramedics will be reasonable anyhow if it comes to that!

[Thishatisnotmine]

yass yeah, I was aware of my dh sounding more and more stressed! We live in a big city so I can only assume that there were no ambulances that could get to me. Certainly after about ten minutes on the phone it should have been clear that it wasn't a 'my wife might be in labour situation'. But he insisted on speaking to me, despite me bring unable to talk as there was no space between contractions. We were waiting at least 45 minutes. I still remember the joy of the gas and air arriving!

[Spartaca]

Absolutely, there was no indication whatsoever that I wasn't a priority.

[YassQueen]

I needed to push. He called 111 then 999 and the operative was preparing to guide him through the birth as the ambulance wasnt being sent as a priority.

Just wanted to say that this isn't standard; if you need to push the call should be graded at the highest priority. Just so that people don't panic and think that calling 999 is pointless. If you're pushing/labour is happening quickly and can't get to hospital in time, call 999. You'll be a high priority and they'll help you deliver over the phone if necessary.

[Situp]

I was taken to hospital by ambulance with my first.
It was not at all stressful and whether they strapped me down or not I have no idea as i was too busy getting the most out of the gas and air.

They were absolutely lovely and the only issue I had was guilt for having inconvenienced them. I was brought up not to use medical services unless absolutely necessary so I still have guilt issues!

[Thishatisnotmine]

Yes, would just like to say that the ambulance staff were fantastic. I overgesrd a conversation as one had not delivered a baby before but I have no idea whether they were excited or worried! Most of my memories are of them shouting "don't push, we are nearly there, don't push!" over and over again!

[endofthelinefinally]

I was taken to hospital by ambulance in labour. I was lying on my side and the strap was placed over my middle.
I cant remember much about it tbh. I thought I was going to deliver in the ambulance but made it into the labour ward with about 4 minutes to spare.
I really didnt notice the strap.
I was so grateful to the lovely paramedic who held my hand all the way. I dont know where he was sitting because I had my eyes closed the whole time.

[Spartaca]

And the ambulance was very quick, and they only sent one.

I was induced at 39 wks with #3 due to #2's quick arrival, combined with other factors.

[Tedster77]

I’ve transferred many people in 2nd stage labour from MLU to consultant unit and they’ve usually been on their side, strapped in.

The journey has usually jiggled the baby in to a better position and they’ve popped out once in the Consultant Unit to lots of ‘oh look they didn’t even need a transfer’ eye rolling 😒.

Anyway good luck!

[MissBax]

PersianCatLady

Not to worry, apologies all round

[Spartaca]

I wasn't strapped in, just lying down with rails up.

[Spartaca]

We called an ambulance on the advice of the hospital, as labour had come on very quickly... Waters had gone and I was pushing. Good job we did as son was born in it 😂

[Thishatisnotmine]

Ambulances don't come quickly if it is just a labour and they send two in case the baby is born amd mother and baby both need hospital treatment - so that is two ambulances not in use for life or death emergencies. Had a very quick labour with dd2 and by the time I realised how short it was going to be and woke dh up I needed to push. He called 111 then 999 and the operative was preparing to guide him through the birth as the ambulance wasnt being sent as a priority. But when they did arrive they were great. Convinced them I could make it to the birth centre. When transfered with dd1(from mlu to hospital) they did strap me on my back but dd2 they just put the rails up and I lay on my side loosly strapped. Dh said I was too scary to argue with!

But really don't rely on it. You might end up stranded without any way of getting to hospital if there are no ambulances free to get to you. I think you need to discuss it again wirh your mw and maybe the mw team at the hospital.

[JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff]

Anyhow thanks, this has been helpful.

I don't want to be induced before term just because of fast labour really. Will consider it at 37w.

It is difficult as if DH is not around there is no one else and so I don't see another option than ambulance!

[PersianCatLady]

Johnny
I am sorry that happened to you.

I am sure that you will be fine sitting up.

I think being forced to stay laying down is only relevant in the case of spinal injuries and when treatment necessitates it.

[PersianCatLady]

MissBax
Sorry as well, I got it all back to front.

I thought you were saying that you should insist on sitting on a seat even if the paramedics say otherwise.

Sorry

[JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff]

Cynara also really helpful.

I should explain that as a child I was once forcibly restrained on my back and made to undergo a gynae exam, and that flat on your back position makes me utterly panic, not to mention being painful.

Sitting would be okay though.

[VivaLeBeaver]

I reckon!

[MissBax]

VivaLeBeaver

Christmas has obviously gone to all of our heads!

[VivaLeBeaver]

Good luck, but I would def ask about an induction at some point. I’ve known women with previous precipitate labours be offered this.

[PersianCatLady]

Thank you Viva I will probably never need to know this but then again you never know.

[VivaLeBeaver]

I think we’ve both actually been saying the same thing!

Bloody autocorrect.

[JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff]

Wow lots of responses!

Viva Natsku and TasteofInk that is super helpful. If I could lie on my side or sit up on the stretcher that would be better.

[RatRolyPoly]

I've been transported to hospital in an ambulance with baby DS before. I was sat on the bed (so legs out straight but sat up) with straps over my legs and baby DS on my lap. Can't see why you couldn't do the same.

On an aside I felt really uncomfortable baby DS only being restrained by my holding him. If a first responder ever suggests that an ambulance will come to take any baby of mine to hospital again, I think I'll float the idea of me taking them myself.

[VivaLeBeaver]

I apologise as well, from your first post I thought you were encouraging the OP not only to sit but also to refuse any sort of seatbelt f she didn’t want it. I see from your further posts that wasn’t what you meant. I think we’ve both been aurally saying the me thing.