When did you start being on standby for labour?

[loladisco]

Hi all, DH and I are expecting our first on 17 August and were talking last night about when we need to start being on standby for labour and the possibility of having to jump into the car to go to hospital? We live about 30 mins away from the hospital but quite a rural spot so taxi availability is not always guaranteed

We've sort of agreed that DH will not drink from start of August so he would always be able to drive us. Is that over cautious, or not cautious enough? We really don't know so thought we'd bow to the experience and wisdom of mumsnet!. BTW just to confirm there's no drinking problem here, it's difficult to word the question without DH sounding like a big boozer which he isn't. Would appreciate any advice

Haha I know what you mean about the drinking, I didn't think he did.

I was induced so not really any personal experience however we had a 'go bag' ready from about 34 weeks (just in case). Every woman I know has always made it to the hospital in time and from what I've heard, sounds like most labours go on for several hours.

Sounds like you're being sensible to me x

DH didn’t drink for about 2 weeks before the baby was due I don’t think. In reality we had plenty of notice for baby no 1 (I was in labour for 2 days before going into hospital!).
Baby number 3 is due at the end of December so DH is facing the prospect of a sober Christmas and new year!

At 37 weeks as that's considered term.

DC no 1 - from 37 weeks
DC no 2 - from 40 weeks
DC no 3 - from 40 weeks and 5 days
DC no 4 - from 40 weeks and 6 days!

Either I was more blasé, knew my body better or was confident I’d recognise the incipient signs!