Stressed about how to get to hospital when I’m in labour - any advice please

[Rosebudx]

Hi!

I’m just wondering what other people in a similar situation are doing with the whole covid situation at the moment it’s a bit of a nightmare! Or what people are planning on doing.

My fiancée doesn’t drive, I do but obviously won’t be able to drive in labour (well I doubt so anyway 😂)

We can’t really ask family as we are meant to be distancing, the only family who could take us is either of our parents but they’re still working so I’m concerned about that risk, we don’t really have any friends who could be on stand by either.

But then I’m also worried about the risk of getting a taxi 😣

Plus at my hospital my fiancée can only come in once I’m in active labour, so I’m worried about either getting to hospital too early and having to come back home and risk another taxi, or my fiancée not being allowed in and having nowhere to go unless he gets another taxi home and then one back again.

Would you risk our parents driving us there? We live too far to walk or get public transport (which I also would be worried about at the mo!)

Feels like a bit of an impossible situation. What would you all do?

I’m a bit of a worry wart as it is but the thought of exposing ourselves to the virus just before giving birth to the baby is really causing me anxiety x

I’m a first time mum so the whole thing is totally new to me anyway, before all of this we had just planned on getting a taxi as it would be more convenient (our parents live a little out the way but not massively far)

Just get a taxi. If it is a reputable firm, they'll have precautions in place.
Or your parents are allowed to mix for medical reasons so no reason to not take you.
Where do you live? Is it an area that has high, active infections?

Someone from outside your household can drive you as it’s for medical need. Are you worried about catching the virus from your parents? Could you ask your local council or GP surgery about any community transport options?

I have the same concerns as you. DH can drive, but hasn't in years (obviously he'll have to suck it up). We also live 35 minutes from the hospital, so if it's false labour, do we turn around just to come back? If only I'm allowed in based on the stage, DH could go home and wind up missing the birth and meeting the baby in his 2 hour window completely!

Just get a taxi. I’ve had to go to hospital by taxi numerous times since lockdown (also pregnant and on immune suppressant medication). I’ve worn a mask, had the windows down, used hand gel after doing my seatbelt and then again after getting out. I sit in the backseat diagonally opposite the driver (so as far away as possible). It’s been fine.

@Weedsnseeds1 I’m in one of the worst hit areas in the UK outside of London so i am concerned about it 😣

@onemorepringle I am yeah, I know it’s probably very unlikely but just with them being at work still I’m uneasy about it that is a good idea to ask the GP though thankyou, I will speak to my midwife

Same as you my DP doesn't drive - I'm being induced at 39 wks though and will have to stay in so I'm actually going to drive myself - easier as I'll not have started labour yet so will be able to drive still - at my hosp they said at the moment, parking is free anyway and for anyone staying in they will sort a parking exemption anyway - thankfully we're only about a mile from our hospital so DP can walk there or get taxi (we do have black cabs in our area which will hopefully be safer) when he's allowed to come - if worst case scenario happens and I end up with c-sec the doctor said it would be fine for my parents to come meet me at hosp as would be essential travel/medical, one to drive me home and the other to drive my car home - tricky to know what's for the best really isn't it - good luck!

Would it help to ring a few taxi firms and see what precautions they are taking?

If your parents aren't in any of the increased risk categories or at high risk of being exposed I would still consider them an option - again with appropriate precautions, sit in the back and only the parent that is driving in the car. I guess the advantage of a parent taking you is (depending on the time of day & the wait) they could wait with your partner in case you aren't in active labour yet/get sent home.

@Rosebudx also just to say I’m in the worst hit area in the whole country (most affected borough in London). I used Addison Lee and some if them had plastic screens up between me and the driver. Black cabs also have a partition if you have any.

If it were me I'd have my parents take us if that was an option. Presumably they'd be more happy to wait around until your fiancé can go in with you & more likely to understand the urgency of getting to you asap when you call for a lift, rather than getting

*posted too early

If it were me I'd have my parents take us if that was an option. Presumably they'd be more happy to wait around until your fiancé can go in with you & more likely to understand the urgency of getting to you asap when you call for a lift, rather than possibly getting delayed with another customer etc