Transport to hospital when in labour?

[Stardust127]

Hi

I’m currently 33+5 weeks and I’m sorting out all the logistics in terms of the birth/labour.

Me and my husband don’t drive and have no nearby support or anyone that could drive me to the hospital when I go into labour. I’ve called a couple of local taxi companies to ask if they’d be happy to take a person in labour to the hospital, one company the lady was very sweet and said of course, but did clarify that it depends who is working when I call so basically I could be told no, it really depends on the discretion of the employee working at the time basically. The next company I called it was an outright and sharp ‘no’.

Although it’s a possibility at any time day or night I don’t fancy getting the train or bus during labour. It’s at least an hour journey. I’ve read that if you call an ambulance they will tell you to make your own way to the hospital unless the baby is literally coming out there and then.

im high risk so i need to absolutely be on the labour ward at the hospital. I’m starting to panic a bit.

thank you for reading and any advice x

Taxi is totally normal - I did it for two out of four births. Just don't tell them you're in labour when you order the cab, and obviously don't leave it too late. If the taxi driver asks, tell them you're going to a routine antenatal appt.

Having said that, I do know someone who gave birth to an undiagnosed breech baby in the back of a minicab stuck in traffic, so I can see why taxi companies are wary, but body fluids of all types must be an occupational hazard for taxis. Amniotic fluid less obnoxious than vomit, I'd have thought.

I'm assuming OP would just call a taxi as she is considering now as well.

Yes I see that but it’s also an hour on public transport so seems unlikely with a child who is unwell or hurt as well.

But yes this trip can definitely be a taxi - no way to pre book really but also no reason to tell anyone you’re in labour - we just didn’t mention it. Do recommend going a bit earlier than you might if driving yourself though - I waited a bit too long and then there was a wait for the taxi.

Do you know that many people can't drive because of disabilities/medical conditions/financial considerations etc? Driving is a privilege that many take for granted.

Call a taxi and just don’t tell
them you are in labour. Go early and take disposable waterproof pads to sit on, like the ones people
use for children who wet the bed.

Labour isn't like in the movies, for most people. Quite often it's a slow, manageable start. I'd get a taxi at the earliest signs that labour is starting, and then just stay there, even if they try to fob you off about coming back later.

What are you high risk for? Sorry, not being nosey but that could impact when you deliver/whether you'll be brought in pre-labour?

We got an Uber - my husband put that I was in labour on the booking notes. The guy who turned up had 5 kids, started getting blankets out of his boot for me to sit on, whilst telling us the best parts about being a dad and apologising every time he went over a speed bump. He then asked to be kept updated and gave my husband his mobile number.

We live in SW London and were told to avoid coming to the hospital by car as parking is a nightmare, and we didnt have a car at that time anyway. I was also high risk (epilepsy), phoned up at midnight to say it had definitely started, was told to phone back in the morning, couldnt get through at 4am so we just went to the hospital anyway and baby was born by 7am. I was sent straight to the delivery room after they had examined me, so it all turned out fine.

Does your hospital not offer transport for women in this situation? Mine has a non emergency ambulance that they would send in this situation, you just call the maternity unit when you want to go in and they send it out. Have you spoken to your midwife about this? You won’t be the first or last in this situation.

But true.

Not owning a car isn't that unusual, especially in big cities, 42% of households in London don't have access to a car. My sister and family never even considered getting a car until they moved up north.

I did this ^^ twice. I avoided uber but we just rang our local minicab firm. They were also so nice when we brought both the girls home.

In early labour, the contractions were not so bad that it was obvious. My main issue was waters leaking, but I put the maternity pads in, sat on my waterproof coat and a bed mat.

I drive but we live in London. Really no need for a car just for the very occasional times it is needed. A taxi is perfectly fine.

Agree with pp about going early. If triage tried to send us home, our plan was to hang about in the M&S cafe for a bit first to see whether things ramped up to avoid a back and forward.

Thank you all so much (apart from that one particular person, obv) for the info, it’s been super helpful and reassuring, I’m starting to panic a lot less 😅 I think because the birth is coming up so soon I’m starting to overthink and worry about absolutely every little thing

We got an Uber - my husband put that I was in labour on the booking notes. The guy who turned up had 5 kids, started getting blankets out of his boot for me to sit on, whilst telling us the best parts about being a dad and apologising every time he went over a speed bump. He then asked to be kept updated and gave my husband his mobile number

This is very sweet!

I took a taxi for both my DC’s birth. No problem at all. But I didn’t say in advance that I was in labour. Why would anyone? That seems weird.

Some people are not able to for medical reasons. But both you AND your partner can’t drive for some legitimate reason other than you just never learnt? I’d find that pretty hard to believe. Whatever. It’s your life. But it’s very limiting as you’re discovering.

Ah here 😂 Give it a rest... just because they don't drive doesn't mean they are living a limited life. That's a bit extreme now. Plenty of people don't drive out of choice

Our DD and her husband don't drive. She is registered blind in one eye.
He has epilepsy.
Fortunately there are plenty of buses and taxis in town. Trains to get to our
2 nearest cities.
They both walk a lot. We try and give a lift if we can but they don't rely on us.

But how are you planning to function when life logistics get way more complicated in the next month or two? Living remotely with an infant and no way of transporting yourself is a really bad and unsustainable idea. You, as a couple have not thought this through.

I agree about just getting a taxi and not saying anything.

I’d make sure you’ve got a plan to get home as well. Public transport might be ok after a straightforward birth, but I wouldn’t have coped with a bus or train after my forceps birth!

Where did OP mention living remotely? I mist have missed that information

If you’re high risk they may talk about being induced anyway.

I was induced- got a taxi to the hospital - was ready to get a taxi home after giving birth but a friend offered me a lift which I gladly accepted.

Not everyone drives- the cost of a car can be astronomical and when you live in a city with good transport links driving isn’t the better option.

I have taken a taxi to hospital twice and it was very obvious both times i was in labour. both drivers were fine about it. i was wearing a pad and trousers and put a towel underneath.

just don’t tell them when you get in. not many drivers are going to kick a women out of their car mid journey for being in labour. and then when you get to the destination and out of the car they will realise there is no mess (most likely) and be fine with it.

You must have someone willing to help? Who’s going to support you when baby is born? Can’t a relative who drives come and stay for a bit? You or husband must have someone?