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?

PersianCatLady

Not to worry, apologies all round

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

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!

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!