Don’t think I can make it to appointments

[BillywigStings]

I’m 38+1 and tomorrow I have been booked in for a growth scan as my baby is looking like he’s not grown as much as he should. However everything else looks healthy and well.

Midwife so casually told me to make my way to hospital tomorrow (this was on Thursday) for the scan and I just wanted to cry. I don’t drive, have no one to help me other than my husband (who will need to stay at home to take care of my other two kids) and hospital is two bus rides away which takes about an hour and a half. My whole body hurts when I walk and I could go into labour. I will wear myself out if I attempt to carry my hospital bag with me just in case, but I probably should bring it.

I have managed to negotiate a lift to hospital but I would arrive 4 hours early and I assume hospital cafe may very well be closed due to covid so I’ll be sitting on a bench somewhere for hours.

I’ve mentioned how not driving makes it hard for me to get to hospital before and the midwife always just says get a taxi and makes no comment when I say I can’t afford that. Bus ticket is probably about £8-£15, I assume taxi there will be at least £50 but most likely more. I’ve been recommended to get this scan so I don’t dare not go in case my baby is at risk somehow, but at the same time he has been having strong movements as usual and everything else has measured fine.

Is there any help for me?

Understand you, the last couple of weeks are hell tbh!
I hope your scan goes well and baby makes an appearance very soon!

Totally understand. I found pregnancy to be horrendous, I struggled the whole time. Plus we also had a major financial crisis after we conceived and when from Being comfortable to living off credit cards and fresh air - it was hell. Some people have no idea.

@BillywigStings Hi lovely, I’m also 38 weeks but thankfully myself and husband both drive & have family support around us for appointments.

Sounds a difficult situation for you. I’m sorry some of the responses on here haven’t been helpful either.

If you have PayPal private message me your email & how much a taxi is and I’ll pay your taxi fare. Consider it a mum to mum gift.

Nobody should have to struggle.

Our hospital cafe and coffee shop are open to eat in. (St Thomas' London)
Maybe yours is the same

@ER20 don’t offer money! You have no idea who this poster is and if they are real.

Wow hats off to you for already raising two kids in a rural area and neither of you being able to drive, I don't know how I'd cope.

But yeah at least cafes are open to sit in tomorrow so maybe get whoever is giving you a life to drop you to the nearest cafe (if the hospital one isn't open) and you can have a few hours to yourself with tea, cake and a book?

Your husband cvan put the kids in the car and drive you to your appointment (with your hospital bag, in case|). Then he can take children to a park/for a walk until you phone him to say either, bring the bag I'm staying in or " pick me up, I'm coming home take me home".

If your kids go to school, they won't need to come to hospital. DH can phone their school friends parents and find someone willing to keep your kids after school.

DH tells work "I'm taking a days leave to take my wife to hospital "

@2bazookas

Your husband cvan put the kids in the car and drive you to your appointment (with your hospital bag, in case|). Then he can take children to a park/for a walk until you phone him to say either, bring the bag I'm staying in or " pick me up, I'm coming home take me home".

If your kids go to school, they won't need to come to hospital. DH can phone their school friends parents and find someone willing to keep your kids after school.

DH tells work "I'm taking a days leave to take my wife to hospital "

What car is that then?

@2bazookas

Your husband cvan put the kids in the car and drive you to your appointment (with your hospital bag, in case|). Then he can take children to a park/for a walk until you phone him to say either, bring the bag I'm staying in or " pick me up, I'm coming home take me home".

If your kids go to school, they won't need to come to hospital. DH can phone their school friends parents and find someone willing to keep your kids after school.

DH tells work "I'm taking a days leave to take my wife to hospital "

Oh so he can learn to drive in under 24 hours, buy a car and start the first bit of this fantasy.

Then the OP can magic up some additional help from local families to support her with the older kids (why hadn’t she thought about that I wonder?)

and her DH can ask his work for a day off, just like that... because that’s definitely how most work places operate. ‘Sorry I need a day off for a non statutory reason, to give some one a lift.... you don’t mind finding cover at the last minute do you?’

And back on planet earth if it was all that easy...

I feel for you. It's a pain not having a car though I've been lucky as all appointments are within walking distance. My plan is to get a taxi into the hospital when I go into labour - not looking forward to that.

Ignore the mean comment. I think some people just like being horrible online.

I don't think it's necessary to take a hospital bag for a scan appointment especially if you decide to go in alone. Your husband can always be called and bring it in if needed - and chances are it won't be. If you go in as a family just try not to stress out too much.
Hope it goes ok!

The hospital canteen may be open - it was at mine. You can go sit there.