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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

getting to the hospital

15 replies

marzipananimal · 06/08/2010 10:23

I think I was told at an antenatal class that if you don't have your own transport for getting to the hospital when in labour, you shouldn't get a taxi but should call an ambulance. Has anyone else been told that? Do you know why? It shouldn't be an issue for me as we have a car, unless things progress too quickly before dh can get home and drive me

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EggsandBacon · 06/08/2010 11:48

I've been told to get a taxi (and probably will be doing that unless we actually do buy a car!). I think you only get an ambulance if there is a problem, e.g. you are bleeding, or so far along in labour that the baby is about to come, or you are on your own and can't walk or similar.

I should say though this is my first so I've really no idea!! But I'll be going for the taxi option. Unless there's anyone more experienced out there who knows if that's a bad idea?

Umnitsa · 06/08/2010 12:16

We were actually advised at the hospital tour to take a taxi rather than use our car as apparently parking around King's College Hospital is abysmal.

No one said anything about getting an ambulance, somehow I don't think they'd be terribly enthusiastic about it seeing how discouraging they were about women showing up too early and having to be sent home because there is no room on the labour ward (I'd think ambulances are in short supply as well...)

TonariNoTotoro · 06/08/2010 12:19

Some paramedics refer to them as 'maternataxi's'

If you feel the need to call an ambulance, then of course do, but if are in the early stages of labour and would happily have taken the car if you had one, then get a taxi

japhrimel · 06/08/2010 12:27

Ambulances should only be used in emergencies. If you're alone at home and your labour starts prematurely or you're bleeding, then call an ambulance. If it's not an emergency, get a taxi - but check the taxi company will take you and take something to sit on (blanket, towel, pad, etc). If your partner is with you, either get them to drive you or get a taxi.

I know our hospital has a drop off point for labouring women & they can give you a car park pass.

Zimm · 06/08/2010 13:17

We don't drive and are planning to call friends if they are around or take a taxi. I wasn't going to tell the taxi in advance that I was in labour to avoid them refusing to take us (I figure they won't refuse once they are actually at our door). I will take a towel to sit on and if waters go then we will have to pay for the damage...but it's unlikely as such a short taxi journey for us. I think ambulances are supposed to called in an emergency only.

lainey1981 · 06/08/2010 15:53

I haven't heard about this, but would imagine like the others that an ambulance should only be called in an emergency (ie premature, or blood loss etc).
I would check again with hospital/midwife if you are unsure
I am planning on walking to the hospital (Kings) - as it's less than 10 min walk away. not sure how that will work mid contraction, but will hopefully get things moving.
We don't have a a car and would seem a bit funny taking a taxi round the corner!

proseccogirl · 06/08/2010 16:16

I am genuinely curious - how do you plan to get your baby home if you haven't got a car? Presumably you can't fit a car seat in the back of a taxi just for one journey?

nunnie · 06/08/2010 16:21

Why can't you fit a car seat for one journey?

TonariNoTotoro · 06/08/2010 17:45

Of course you can fit a car seat for a single journey :)

lainey1981 · 06/08/2010 21:44

I will only be walking TO the hospital - I will definitely be taking a taxi home from the hospital (with car seat) even though as I said it's a ten minute walk - it will be Novemeber and not sure if would be frowned upon (or indeed sensible) to take newborn out in the cold straight away in a pram.

TonariNoTotoro · 06/08/2010 22:59

Of course you can take a newborn out in the cold (DS was November born and we did). As long as it's not 10pm at night you'll be fine.

You could get a taxi back and DP/DH walk back with the baby? Save teh agro with a car seat.

japhrimel · 07/08/2010 07:57

Legally you don't need a carseat in a proper taxi - personally I wouldn't want to take that risk with a newborn, but there is a legal exception for taxis on carseats.

me23 · 07/08/2010 22:12

As a st midwife in their final year I do not know any midwife that would advise a woman in normal labour i.e not an obstetric emergency to go to hospital in an ambulance.

It is taking away a service that someone in a actual emergency needs.

Obviously if birth was immenent i.e head coming out then ambulance is advisable.

I got the bus to hospital as no taxis available was 7cm on arrival so very much so in active labour.

birth is a normal life event not an emergency!

Poledra · 07/08/2010 22:15

DH cannot drive, so that was not an option for us. My mum came to stay with us all 3 times and took us to hospital when the time came. However, before she arrived, we had a rota of friends on call - they organised themselves, and presented me with it.

Would otherwise have taken a taxi rather than ambulance.

MrsMogwai · 07/08/2010 23:50

I'll be getting a taxi when I go. Luckily there's a cab office at the end of our road, so should get speedy service. I've heard of people near me in London being stuck with carparking fees in the hundreds of pounds if it's been a long labour! Even if we had a car, wouldn't drive. Could potentially get the train home too...

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