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

Original poster

When to head to hospital?

32 replies

EmC96 · 27/06/2020 20:24

I hate the phrase ‘ you will know’ in regards to heading to hospital in labour.

I’m unsure when to go- my hospital is 1.5 hours away from home.
I had a sweep yesterday as I was having tightenings and cramps lower abdomen already. I was 1-2cm dilated already, cervix soft and thin , midwife could feel baby’s head.

This morning I had my ‘show’ and have gradually lost more and more throughout the day. I have lower abdomen cramps, have had some tightenings that have stopped me in my tracks, lower back pain and some shooting pains in my
Vagina.

I do not wish to drive 1.5 hours to be sent home so I don’t know what I wait for before heading in?

OP posts:
rottiemum88 · 27/06/2020 20:26

Why not speak to the hospital and ask them? I think given the journey you'll have to make its very unlikely they'd send you home

OhioOhioOhio · 27/06/2020 20:30

When you are in control of steady contractions. When you are definitely still in charge of your breathing. When you can still comfortably sit down. Think about rush hour traffic.

Original poster
EmC96 · 27/06/2020 20:30

@rottiemum88 yes I would call the hospital but it seems they have criteria to meet before bringing someone in. I.e regular contractions a certain amount per 10 mins. So I’m wondering in other mums experiences considering the journey I have to make what I should look out for!

OP posts:
Original poster
EmC96 · 27/06/2020 20:31

@OhioOhioOhio
Thank you! I’m hoping it is going to happen overnight/tomorrow so rush hour doesn’t have to be considered but if not will defo bear that in mind! X

OP posts:
123girlsandboys321 · 27/06/2020 20:34

If it's your first baby then it's likely to be a bit slower...for my first we had a 45 min drive and left when my contractions were 5-7 mins apart...once I got there it was still another 8 hours until she was born!

Original poster
EmC96 · 27/06/2020 20:36

@123girlsandboys321
It is indeed my first, my concern is that I have to be on anti biotic during active labour due to being strep b positive. It’s a tricky one always knew it would be. I’m sure it’ll work out how it’s meant to. X

OP posts:
SpuriouserAndSpuriouser · 27/06/2020 20:37

www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/hospital-birth-centre-labour/

There’s some info here but honestly if your contractions are regular and you feel like they are getting stronger I would head in, if you’re that far from the hospital you don’t want to leave it too long. Apart from anything the car journey would be really uncomfortable if you’re in active labour! But yes I second giving them a ring and asking!

SpuriouserAndSpuriouser · 27/06/2020 20:38

Click link! www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/hospital-birth-centre-labour/

Seventytwoseventythree · 27/06/2020 20:39

I don’t think it’s an exact science unfortunately, I was told to go when there were 3 contractions every ten minutes and they were consistent. I went in twice when this was happening and both times was not dilated enough to be admitted (needs to be 4cm at my hospital). It was the third time that I was dilated enough to be admitted. I’m not sure if it would be different if you lived further away but the only way to know what the admission criteria are for your centre is to ask.

Original poster
EmC96 · 27/06/2020 20:42

@SpuriouserAndSpuriouser
Thank you! X

OP posts:
Original poster
EmC96 · 27/06/2020 20:43

@Seventytwoseventythreeok thank you! X

OP posts:
BeautyAndTheBump1 · 27/06/2020 21:01

I dont think there is an answer unfortunately!
I had contractions for 36 hours - every 5 minutes lasting 1 minute apart. So I met the "requirements" the hospital want you to be to go in.
The first time I went in, 1cm. Was breathing through contractions and could say words through some of them.
2nd time I went in, 2cm. Couldnt talk through contractions, in a lot of pain.
Baby was back to back so was dilating slooooow.
3rd time, I rang them up crying saying I know I'd only been in 6 hours prior but I was begging for pain relief as they hurt so badly, I couldnt focus on anything I was in so much pain and i was getting alot of pressure in my bum. I went in, I was 10cm and he was born within 20 mins.

I would wait until you cant talk through them, but not long enough that you cant speak between them either

happytoday73 · 28/06/2020 10:11

How are you this morning OP?

Original poster
EmC96 · 28/06/2020 10:26

@happytoday73
I’m ok thanks. Haven’t progressed any further than the cramps/ lower back ache. Still loosing bits of plug. Off to the hospital now for a second sweep x

OP posts:
happytoday73 · 28/06/2020 11:14

Well hopefully you are further on than you think and they keep you in... 😁

Good luck for today...
Baby is obviously very comfortable in there!

Original poster
EmC96 · 28/06/2020 11:27

@happytoday73
Not being kept in sadly haha!
My cervix has shortened to 1cm, head is really far down and she said I’m very favourable to go into labour. We shall see! Xx

OP posts:
happytoday73 · 28/06/2020 15:09

Head being so far down is great... Will hopefully make faster when baby decides to make an entrance...

Original poster
EmC96 · 28/06/2020 17:23

@happytoday73 I do hope so!
I really want this second sweep to work 🙏🏻 I don’t think I can wait weeks more knowing I’m in the right direction already! X

OP posts:
happytoday73 · 28/06/2020 17:53

You have my sympathy... My first was nearly 2 weeks late... Just very comfortable where they were! We tried all the old wives tales to get the baby out before induction.

I delivered about 2 hours before my induction appointment... At least it meant I already had a bed with my name on it!

Hope your baby is better behaved!

Niki06 · 28/06/2020 18:25

Good luck! It's so difficult because everyone is different! I was a ftm and only 37+6. Had contractions since 1am. When I called at 10 with 3contractions every 10 mins, the midwife said that I didn't sound like I was in enough/ the right type of pain and to wait. An hour later I couldn't bear the pain anymore and told them I was coming in. We had to order a taxi as our car was broken. During the short wait my body started to push and I couldn't help it. After a scary taxi ride where the driver counted my contractions (he was lovely luckily) I got to hospital where the midwife refused to give me gas and air as she also didn't think I was far enough, also wouldn't examine me. It wasn't until I told her that he was crowning the that she realised! I had my son at 12:30. With a long drive I'd be quite cautious, just because youre a ftm doesn't mean it will take days!

Original poster
EmC96 · 28/06/2020 18:53

@Niki06
Omg wow- I hate how they don’t trust the mothers instinct sometimes! I do keep being told how first ones always take longer and are likely to be late! 🙄 I hope my little lady decides to stay put until I get to the hospital! X

OP posts:
Niki06 · 28/06/2020 19:33

[quote EmC96]@Niki06
Omg wow- I hate how they don’t trust the mothers instinct sometimes! I do keep being told how first ones always take longer and are likely to be late! 🙄 I hope my little lady decides to stay put until I get to the hospital! X[/quote]
It was really frustrating! I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine. I still loved my birth and can't wait to do it again ☺️. Wishing you all the best! X

happytoday73 · 29/06/2020 19:20

Still at home OP?

Original poster
EmC96 · 29/06/2020 19:51

@happytoday73
Sadly... yes
I’m due another sweep tomorrow! Nothing is consistent enough to head into hospital 🙁

OP posts:
happytoday73 · 29/06/2020 20:30

😱... Think this baby wants a July birthday!

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