Partners drinking

[lizmarshmallow]

When do you think a DH/DP should stop drinking? I'm 33 weeks and starting to worry about going into labour at night. Don't want to be unreasonable about it so wanted some opinions.

Both of my friends woke up in the middle of the night and had to go straight to the hospital, would be worried this happens and that DH had had a couple of beers and couldn't drive.

Don't wanna ruin his last few weekends of being baby free by acting like a mad woman (or more so than usual!)

I've never expected DH to stop drinking. As long as he moderates what he has (ie isn't bladdered) then if he's had too much to be able to drive safely then we could always get a taxi or a lift to the hospital if need be.

I planned homebirths for both though, so it's never really been something that's come up as an issue. This one's not quite due yet, and DD was induced in the end so we knew when the hospital trip was going to take place.

I'd say 36 weeks. But I agree with Flisspaps, as long as he does not get bladdered I am not that fussed.

Your friends' experiences were pretty unusual though. Most people would spend at least two hours (often much much more) having a bath, repacking their hospital bag, doing one last leg shave/hair conditioning treatment (last chance for several weeks - do it while you're in early labour and have nothing better to do), finishing the ironing etc before heading to the hospital (where they will be told that they're only 2cm dilated and have come in much too soon).

Presumably if you needed to get into the hospital stat while DH was at work you'd just get a taxi?

Anyway, in your position I'd suggest a limit of no more than 2 units above the drink drive limit as being reasonable and practical, falling to no more than the drink drive limit once you get to 39 weeks and none at all if you've woken up with the distinct feeling that something is happening.

Fliss and DialM are nicer than me as I've banned DH from having more than a bottle of beer/glass of wine at a time from now until the baby's here . I'm 38 weeks today (but went to 42 weeks with my first - first time around I think we had this around 36 weeks).

My main reason is for driving to hospital (am in London and taxis take 45min-1hr if not booked in advance so not a great option). But my other reason is that when I go into labour I don't want DH smelling like a brewery next to me (it would annoy me beyond description!). I figure a few weeks off the sauce for him is no great hardship in the grand scheme of things!

Ooh, I hadn't really thought about it. I'm 33+5 and hubby is currently at the pub...

I suppose I was sort of expecting to labour at home for a fair old time, this being my first, and DH doesn't get really bladdered these days. Not often, anyway.

I don't think I would ask him not to drink, but I might mention the possibility that his driving services may be required at some point, just to sow the seed...

thanks! thought I was over thinking it.

We're not going to the closest hospital so would hate to have to get a taxi there. I'm planning to work until 38 and once I stop work, I might suggest he stop drinking more than one or two. I think he would be a bit annoyed with himself if something happened or I went into labour and he couldn't take me himself. So I don't think he'll mind that when things get a bit further on, that he cuts back (not that he's a big drinker)

My DH made the decision entirely independently that he would limit himself to 'driving quantities', or just a little more, once I got to about 36 weeks (which I will on Sunday) and he's already started moderating himself.

I said to him at a 50th party last weekend, to not worry that evening as I was pretty sure labour was not imminent, and this sort of give and take, and working together seems to work for us!

Again, I am hoping to have an active labour and to stay at home for as long as possible, so should have a bit of notice, but he certainly won't be drinking full bottles of wine of an evening!