Taxi to hospital?

[AdelaMia]

Hi,
If you don't have a car and no-one who could drive you, I assume you get a taxi to the hospital? Could anyone share their experiences with this. Is it not super stressful getting the timing right for when to go to hospital, and then you might be waiting a while for the taxi, and have to endure a taxi ride while in advanced labour (aren't you meant to go in when you have three contractions a minute?!)?
Does it end up actually stopping your labour because of the stress/ not feeling quite safe?
Tia! x

Wow, that's amazing @Biscuitsneeded !!!!

Thank you so much @Spindelina for taking the time to write this - this is really helpful!

Thank you too @FolkSongSweet

I got a taxi to hospital with DH. It was about a 10 minute drive. Neither of us could drive and I could have called my dad or brother to take us but I didn't want anyone else to know I was in labour as I know they'd fret and fuss and cause me extra stress. It was uncomfortable during contractions but manageable, but then when I got to hospital I was only 3cm apparently. I'm glad I went when I did though all the same as it would have been more difficult for me if I'd been further along I guess, and I went to 8cm within about 3hrs of that.

Thanks @MeadowHay. Are they more likely to let you stay if you'd otherwise have to go through another (two) taxi ride(s)? Or was 3cm alright anyway? I'm not sure about my hospital's policy.

No isea, I'm afraid. The hospital policy here is that you usually can't stay if under 4cm but they do make exceptions for certain circumstances. For me it was because I was known to the hospital in respect of my mental illness so they were more flexible and gave me the option as to whether to stay or go home, and I chose to stay. Worth discussing with them.

Thanks @MeadowHay!

@LunaNorth you could call an ambulance but they'll advise you to get a taxi and you'd likely be fairly low on the list of priorities (labour isn't an emergency in and of itself) so don't bank on an ambulance coming on time. A taxi is more reliable!

I think I would have been better off with a taxi. We had a sports car with bucket seats when I was in labour with DS1 and it was a nightmare climbing in and out. Plus I would have felt much more comfortable with waters breaking in a tax than over the seats in my DHs beloved car

I had a homebirth with my first because at the time my DH didn't drive and the idea of trying to get a taxi at an obscure time was really stressful (I don't live in a big city). My homebirth was right for me for other reasons too and it was an amazing experience. But I know lots of people manage with a taxi. All the best OP.

Thanks so much @Emelene!

@Onekidnoclue

I got a Taxi. North London Hospital and quicker than driving and trying to park. Took about 10 mins I was 8cm by time I arrived. I just had my headphones in and actually found it quite soothing. I couldn’t walk by the time I arrived.....

I echo a pp, you could be waiting hours for an ambulance depending on priorities.