when did you go to hospital for baby number 2?

[LimesMum]

I've been freaking out as I've had 3 friends give birth at home with baby number 2, one who just made it to hospital in time and one who was pushing in the car park!!

Just wondering if people have any guide or advice on when is best to get to the hospital?!

My midwife said once contractions are 5 mins apart but i know if you call the hospital they don't always agree.

Thanks!

I'll be going in quickly this time I think and TBH I probably won't even phone them so they can't put me off.
I'm atleast 30 min from the hospital.

I went in when waters broke (as advised) but then came home (contractions were about 7 minutes apart at this time. Went back in 10 hours later as the contractions were just constant and I felt like I needed to push and the tens machine was barely touching by this time. Got to hospital and was 7 cms - had baby nearly 5 hours later.

Had a sweep 12.30pm on the Tuesday, regular contractions started 9pm ish. Called hospital at around 12.30am when they were about 6 mins apart and they told me to carry on at home. Waters broke approx 2.30am and contractions started coming every 4-5 mins. Called hospital again, told to go in. Didn't get there until about an hour later as had to wait for mum and dad to get round to sit with DD1. Was 4cm when I got there, had her at 10.57am on Wednesday. She was back to back aswell so that's pretty good going I guess.

Don't always wait for your waters though, I've had mine broken for me every time god knows what they are made of but they don't break on their own!

Wow some of you were super quick with DC2!!
I was only in labour for 3 hrs from first twinge with DD, so have planned a home birth for DC2...do not fancy a side-of-the-road delivery

I made it to the hospital 26 minutes before DD (second labour) was born. My notes showed I was in "active labour" whatever that means for 5 minutes. But then I did go from 3cm to 10cm with my first in less than 30mins.

I really do not want an unplanned home birth or a planned one....

Not what you want to hear but I was 45 mins from feeling a bit funny to baby being out. Few minutes of deliberation, my neighbour drove me at top speed to the hospital then baby born two minutes after arrival at hospital. This was after three weeks of midwifes saying it's definitely going to be today! (2nd baby btw, first was normal 11 hour build up)

With my first it was 12 hours from being 'high and closed' tp her being in my arms. Went from 5cm-10cm in 10 minutes!!

With dc2 im worrying slightly it will be super fast lol!

Went to hospital when ctx were 5 mins apart. We are a 45 min drive from hospital. Was 5cm on arrival and DS2 was born 3.5 hours later. --

An amazing birth and I enjoyed the whole experience after a horrible traumatic delivery with DC1. Hope it goes well for you

With my first it was 24hours from first contraction to DS1 being born.

With my second total labour was 5 hours. When we decided to go to the hospital I thought I'd have ages before baby was born but then I felt his head move really low as I was waiting for DH to put bags in the car. Once we arrived at the hospital I went from 4cm to baby in my arms in 30 minutes.

Thanks all again - just made DH read this thread - he works 2.5 HR commute away and is now also stressing out!!!

That was exactly my situation too Limes, my DH was 2.5 hours commute away and my labours are fast. Fortunately it worked out because I've always laboured at night! No idea what we would have done otherwise, my last labour was 3 hours.

Me too Limes. Was also lucky dd2 came at night. I had a couple of friends on standby in case an emergency drive was needed while DH was at work.

Dc2 came out in her waters, they don't always break so definitely don't wait for that!

I went from 20 mins to contractions every 30 s. So we phoned the consultant led unit and told to have a bath and we weren't in labour (2:30am). Half an hour later still every 30s but bath had not done anything so DH called them back - told to go in. Was told I wasn't in labour when I got there (!) and but they suspected my hind waters had gone so they'd induce me in the morning. Bedded on post natal. 6am asked DH to get someone for pain relief because I needed something - told to get back in shower without even checking me. Started bleeding so was reluctantly examined and found to be 10cm and waters went. Back to back labour also. Had to have forceps as baby got stuck so didn't give birth til 10.20am but labour was documented as 4 hrs in total.

Needless to say for this one im reluctant to let them mess me around again- asking for elective c section for this and multiple other reasons.

Thanks all

Why why why are the so happy to say "you're not in labour" and turn you away?? It's scares me!!

59 min labour with dc2- made it to hospital with 30 min to spare, but found labouring at home fine and terrible once in at/ at hospital

Had DC 3 last night at home (planned) and was lovely
Called MW at 7.30pm and was still pottering around with DC1&2 making tea etc. MW thought I wasn't in labour contractions about 5 mins apart but very manageable

Got in birthing pool at around 10pm and drank a cup of tea with DD1 and partner and DD 2 born at 10.54

I'd recommend a home birth, using hypno birthing methods for breathing and visualisations. Was all very calm and peaceful. I'd asked for no talking in lounge (where I was) and had my yoga music playing and candles and fairy lights. DP supported me in the pool for 2 pushes and she was out. Used G&A for last 20 mins when I reached the 'I can't do this anymore' stage ha ha.

Was very vocal (screaming/ shouting etc) with DC1&2 but this one just some groans when I was pushing.

DD1 says she's like to be a MW after watching her sister being born!