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Childbirth

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Original poster

Can I drive home after C section if baby discharged today?

272 replies

Agrette0 · 03/11/2025 12:28

Hi, probably a daft question but I’m really not sure what to do and I don’t want to get in trouble.

I had my baby girl on Friday morning by C section, she came a bit early while we were up visiting family in Preston. We actually live in Great Barr (Birmingham area) and were only meant to be staying the weekend but my waters went suddenly on Thursday night.

Baby’s doing well and they’re saying we can be discharged later today. The problem is we’re quite far from home and I don’t really have anyone who can come get us. My partner can’t drive (we usually use my car) and my mum doesn’t drive either. Everyone’s saying wait a few days but we’re stuck in hospital and I just want to get baby home and settled.

I feel ok in myself apart from being a bit sore when I get up or twist, but I can move around fine and it’s an automatic car. It’s about a 2 hour drive mostly motorway (M6).

I know they say not to drive for 6 weeks after a section but is that like an actual rule or just what they recommend? I’d obviously take it slow and stop if needed.

Has anyone here driven sooner and been ok? I’m desperate to get home now and baby’s not sleeping well here at all.

Thanks x

OP posts:
Welshmonster · 03/11/2025 21:31

Make sure your car is covered by insurance for whoever is driving it. If you’re in an accident and your car is written off then it may only be covered third party. Also, if you are paying the driver then your car could be classed as for hire and reward and not covered if something happened.

might be time for partner to learn to drive now as it is going to suck being the only driver as kid gets older as you will need to take them to everything or ensure other parent takes them using public transport etc. it’s another job for you.

we only have one car and both drive it. It takes some scheduling with our kid’s activities over the years.

JTay14 · 03/11/2025 21:31

Agrette0 · 03/11/2025 17:40

I’ve managed to get hold of one of the volunteer driver people the midwife mentioned - he’s going to drive my car for me tomorrow and his wife will follow in theirs so he’s got a lift back. Bit of a lifesaver honestly! It’ll cost a bit but at least we can get home safely.

They’ve decided to keep us in overnight anyway just to double check baby’s temperature and weight before we go, so it’s worked out for the best. I feel a lot better knowing I don’t have to try and drive.

Baby’s finally asleep on me now after screaming all afternoon so I’m just enjoying the quiet 😅

Thanks everyone for being so lovely and helpful, I’ll update when we’re home x

I’m so glad you managed to organise something. Look after yourself and best wishes to you and the baby - congratulations!

babyproblems · 03/11/2025 21:32

Why hasn’t your partner organised you a taxi??!!! Honestly I’d expect him to get a taxi to you in hospital and get you all home together. I don’t think driving is a good idea!!!

hidinginthebathroomagain · 03/11/2025 21:33

Your insurers won’t give a damn. If your Dr clears you then you’re fine. I wouldn’t personally

Miraclemuma03 · 03/11/2025 21:36

Do not drive. Your response time is lacking. Your tummy muscles have been cut into and need time to heal, you need to use said tummy muscles to drive and being you just had surgery your reflexes will be slow so you are at fault if in an accident. In australia your not cleared to drive for 6 weeks.

Perfect28 · 03/11/2025 21:38

Time for your partner to learn to drive, this should be a big wake up call. You don't want to be the constant on call taxi over the years.

sherbertcandy · 03/11/2025 21:43

Absolutely not. You may feel ok but if you were in an accident and even if it was caused by someone else it would come out then that you were not insured. Is the a friend or family member that could travel to you by train etc then drive you home?

Zanatdy · 03/11/2025 21:43

I’d ask a friend if they could help, and add them temporarily to the insurance and get them to drive you all home.

bridgetreilly · 03/11/2025 21:44

Do your family know someone who might be able to drive you home in your car and then get the train back?

mumofoneAloneandwell · 03/11/2025 21:45

I drove a few days after stomach surgery - just take it easy, eyes on the road baby with mum/husband and stay in the slow lane xx

Also - tell your man to get a driving license! Times like this are why its important!

Congratulations xx

ArabellaSaurus · 03/11/2025 21:45

Have a good trip home, OP. Even being a passenger post C section requires careful driving,tbh! Rest well and heal swiftly.

drspouse · 03/11/2025 21:47

Preston to Birmingham is a really easy train ride. Leave most of your stuff in the car or with your friends, leave the car at their house. Get a taxi or a lift to the station either end and just carry a nappy bag.
Come back in a couple of months for your stuff!

Optimist2020 · 03/11/2025 21:48

@Agrette0 congratulations on your baby. Glad you got this sorted. I had an emergency c section and drove after 4 weeks , but this was a 3 mile round trip.

Your partner not driving and you being the only car driver in the wider family is 🙄. He really needs to learn asap as if you are in a position like this where you can’t drive, your partner needs to step up and the driving responsibility not to be left on you.

gejrhrjdnbbrrrnr · 03/11/2025 21:52

AmbassadorWyler · 03/11/2025 12:30

Your car insurance is going to be the problem. You need to speak to them to find out when they’d be happy for you to drive. It’s usually six weeks.

A long drive so soon after a section is a terrible idea either way.

No that's not the case

gejrhrjdnbbrrrnr · 03/11/2025 21:53

sherbertcandy · 03/11/2025 21:43

Absolutely not. You may feel ok but if you were in an accident and even if it was caused by someone else it would come out then that you were not insured. Is the a friend or family member that could travel to you by train etc then drive you home?

Stop lying.
There is no time after an operation where you aren't allowed to drive.

You drive if you feel safe

gejrhrjdnbbrrrnr · 03/11/2025 21:55

namechange92873636 · 03/11/2025 21:22

I called my insurer after my c section and asked when I could drive. They said it was up to me to decide if I felt I could do an emergency stop (ie slam on the brake pedal). I would suggest calling your insurer to determine whether you are covered.

in my case, I had a practice try of kicking a bin and decided it was fine. People’s physical state after a c section varies a lot, I was also out hiking and replaced a sink within a week of mine but I’ve heard of many people who were quite incapacitated, lots of pain, couldn’t get off the loo etc.

Exactly this

IwishIhadcheese · 03/11/2025 21:56

Glad that you found a solution. Congratulations on your little baby!

gejrhrjdnbbrrrnr · 03/11/2025 21:56

hidinginthebathroomagain · 03/11/2025 21:33

Your insurers won’t give a damn. If your Dr clears you then you’re fine. I wouldn’t personally

Doctors don't clear.

LittleElfOnTheShelf · 03/11/2025 21:57

gejrhrjdnbbrrrnr · 03/11/2025 21:53

Stop lying.
There is no time after an operation where you aren't allowed to drive.

You drive if you feel safe

Show quote history

If someone has had a GA they are not allowed to drive for at least 24 hours or maybe longer.
The OP hasn't I assume, but the principle applies- no driving straight after surgery with a GA no matter how well you feel.

gejrhrjdnbbrrrnr · 03/11/2025 21:57

Kitkat901 · 03/11/2025 21:20

The insurance thing is a myth.

What’s not a myth is how much being in a car hurts! I felt every bump and knock when my DH drove me home the day after my section. I really wouldn’t have wanted to be the driver!

Exactly

SapphireSeptember · 03/11/2025 21:57

Possiges · 03/11/2025 20:33

Oh mate no way. I thought I was moving ok 3 days after a C section. I had reduced down my pain relief and was ready to go home. One ever so slightly awkward twist and I was screaming in agony and needed morphine. Luckily I was still in the hospital at that time. It took two nurses and about 10 minutes to move me 1 metre back into the bed. It was like being stabbed. Never felt pain like it and I have a high pain threshold.

But even forgetting about my pain, I would never risk a newborn driving like that.

I pulled my stitches five days after my c section. It wasn't quite as painful as what happened to you and all I'd done was turn my head to look at DS, but bloody hell it hurt. It made me cry and then I felt stupid for crying!

Glad you've got something sorted @Agrette0 . I hope you have a safe journey home. ❤️

EggFriedRiceAndChips · 03/11/2025 22:00

Congratulations! But no, absolutely not!

I mean, thanks for telling us which roads to avoid, but seriously this would be extremely dangerous, reckless and anti social, please dont. I hate to think there are people on motorways pulling this sort of crazy stunt. What if you killed someone? Can you pay someone and pay their train fare? Or pick it up in 6 weeks time?

gejrhrjdnbbrrrnr · 03/11/2025 22:01

EggFriedRiceAndChips · 03/11/2025 22:00

Congratulations! But no, absolutely not!

I mean, thanks for telling us which roads to avoid, but seriously this would be extremely dangerous, reckless and anti social, please dont. I hate to think there are people on motorways pulling this sort of crazy stunt. What if you killed someone? Can you pay someone and pay their train fare? Or pick it up in 6 weeks time?

Read the replies

Cursula · 03/11/2025 22:08

Congratulations OP and sorry so few people could read your replies, and filled the thread with, well, stuff!

so lovely you found the volunteers, bet you can’t wait to get home. Best wishes.

CrackingOn50 · 03/11/2025 22:08

@Agrette0 I cannot believe you…

…haven’t shared a picture of your new baby! 🥰

Congratulations and glad you’ve found a solution to getting home 💐