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?

[chubbymummy]

I was blue lighted to hospital at term (although not in active labour). I sat on a seat in the back of the ambulance, wearing a seatbelt obviously.

[VivaLeBeaver]

The paramedic or tech in the back generally prefers to sit on the seat at the head end of the stretcher so they can talk to their colleague driving. If they feel that the patient being transported needs closer observation then it’s much better that the patient is on the stretcher, but can be sat up but must still be restrained.

If they don’t feel that such close observation is needed then the chair is an option but that’s out of reach of the crew. And to be honest if you’re calling an ambulance because you think there’s a chance you might pop a baby out before you make it to hospital yourself then you really need to be on a stretcher.

[MissBax]

Exactly ^

[Devilishpyjamas]

The seat in the back of an ambulance isn’t that comfortable. I wouldn’t want to sit on it heavily pregnant in labour. If you can be propped up asked for that. You’re not restrained heavily - it’s just seatbelts to keep you safe.

[PersianCatLady]

I totally agree Viva

[VivaLeBeaver]

No I’m confused as well as to why you were asking me why the OP couldn’t sit when I’ve done nothing but post saying that she can sit.

[VivaLeBeaver]

persiancatlady. An anaesthetist can travel unrestrained as they may need to travel with an unstable intubated patient who may need a lot of input to ensure they’re still alive when they reach their destination.

[MissBax]

Ah ok, apologies - must have been a misunderstanding on my part.
Basically OP - if you don't want to be strapped down on your back you don't necessarily have to be. Whatever happens noone can force you to do anything you're not comfortable with. But if you sit then you'll still have to wear a seatbelt, obviously.

[MrsDilber]

I'm thinking you're more likely to be seatbelted in rather than tied down, but you won't be able to move around in an ambulance. I really don't think you should worry about it.

Good luck, hope it goes smoothly.

[Gibble1]

Anaesthetists May need to be unbuckled to manage the patient’s airway so would not be able to do that from the seat.
Off topic sorry but that’s the only answer I can give.
Op, you would not be forced to lie flat on your back as pps have said.

[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.

[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 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.

[PersianCatLady]

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

[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.

[MissBax]

VivaLeBeaver

Christmas has obviously gone to all of our heads!

[VivaLeBeaver]

I reckon!

[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.

[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

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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 😂

[Spartaca]

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