Hospital Distance Matter?

Ms.lucky13

This is an odd and possibly stupid question but:

When we first found out I was PG I was excited to deliver at "Hospital A", but we recently move and the closest hospital is "Hospital B"

I've heard its okay but I fell in love with Hospital A!

Everyone (including my OB) suggests that its best I just go to Hospital B cuz its closer. Hospital A would now be an extra 9 mile more

But does it really matter?

nannyannie

Do a tour of Hospital B. Maybe you'll love it too.

If not...I don't know how much of a difference WHERE you deliver makes. I mean, unless Hospital A is like..the Hilton, and Hospital B is a Roach Motel. O_O

 

...Giving birth in a Roach Motel sounds not fun. I'd stick with the Hospital you feel great in I guess.

Summer20

I would only switch to Hospital B if the driving time was more than an extra 20 minutes or so.  You say it's 9 miles, but 9 miles on a traffic-free highway is nothing.  9 miles through city traffic could take forever.

greeneyes9800

No, it doesn't matter. We drove right past a hospital that many people like, but I wouldn't trust to deliver at my hospital of choice about 15-20 minutes away. Trust your gut on this one.

MrsRebecca

How far are we talking? I was previously about 45 miles from my hospital. We moved closer and now I'm about 30 miles away.

My doctor is fine with it.

daisyterp

I would tour Hospital B.  I would ask around about both hospitals- what are their C/S rates and other policies (I know of a hospital that makes you get induced @ 41 wks- they don't let you go past that.)

9 miles may = 9 minutes or it may = 30 minutes.  I don't know because I had to be induced w/ DD, but I have heard that the car ride to the hospital can SUCK if you are contracting, not able to move around, etc.  Something to think about. 

Shell24

  It depends on your location.

People from my area will know what I'm talking about.  I live in Lakeview, an area north of downtown, by Wrigley Field. 

My doctors/hospital is Lutheran General, which is in a suburb called Park Ridge. 

During rush hour, it could take me well over an hour to get there.  In the middle of the day with no traffic it takes me 45 minutes.  So to me, 9 miles could add a lot of time onto that commute....maybe an extra 30 minutes if not more!!

But in a more rural area, 9 miles wouldn't make as much of a difference.  

Ms.lucky13

daisyterp:

I would tour Hospital B.  I would ask around about both hospitals- what are their C/S rates and other policies (I know of a hospital that makes you get induced @ 41 wks- they don't let you go past that.)

9 miles may = 9 minutes or it may = 30 minutes.  I don't know because I had to be induced w/ DD, but I have heard that the car ride to the hospital can SUCK if you are contracting, not able to move around, etc.  Something to think about. 

Yeah this is what makes DH more nervous about the extra time, thats why hes pushing for B 

babyluv617

I am driving an extra 20 miles (highway, no traffic, small area) more to get to my hospital A. We're moving next month.

TMDMJAOCT07

We'll be passing a hospital to go to the one I want to deliver at.  I have 3 that are about equal distance (all different directions) away, one of which, I wouldn't even consider stepping foot into, the other two are good, but my doctor isn't on staff at them. 

So, I agree with pp's it depends on how much actual driving time it is and possible weather factors to take into consideration. 

Ms.lucky13

greeneyes9800:

Trust your gut on this one.

My mother says this all the time to me now lol!

"A mothers instinct is always right, trust you gut!"

And my gut says Hospital A!

Thanks Ladies  ^_^

KABKD

I think we drive by at least 3 hospitals on the way to the one I am delivering at. The total travel time is between 25mins to an hour depending on traffic. Luckily with DS I was induced so we were not in a rush!

Luv-a-Bug

Shell24:

  It depends on your location.

People from my area will know what I'm talking about.  I live in Lakeview, an area north of downtown, by Wrigley Field. 

My doctors/hospital is Lutheran General, which is in a suburb called Park Ridge. 

During rush hour, it could take me well over an hour to get there.  In the middle of the day with no traffic it takes me 45 minutes.  So to me, 9 miles could add a lot of time onto that commute....maybe an extra 30 minutes if not more!!

But in a more rural area, 9 miles wouldn't make as much of a difference.  

Yeah, I know what you mean.  I'm by Midway.  I'm planning to deliver at Prentice.... Loyola is actually better traffic wise for me, but Prentice and NWM have everything RIGHT THERE if something were to go wrong... so I'm taking the chance.

Keianna

I am passing a hospital that is 20 min away for one that is 40 min away. I toured both and just felt at home at the one further away. Hoping I go into labor in the early morning or late at night (only takes 25-30 min then).