2 dumb questions

bumpuser260585

Okay, here goes:

 1. I'm planning on working until I go into labor, if allowed.  So my 1st question.  If I go into labor and start having contractions, can I drive myself home to meet DH so he can drive me to the hospital or would it be better to have him come get me?  I work about 15 minutes from home, so I figure with early labor I might be able to do it?

2.  I've read that if you go into labor at home that you should try to relax and possibly even take a shower.  If my water breaks, could I still take a shower before going to the hospital?  Would I even want to at that point or should I just go straight to the hospital?

Sorry, I know these are dumb questions, but I had to ask.

Connys1976

Well depends on how far appart your contractions are, you dont need to go into the hospital until they are 3-5 minutes appart and last for atleast 1 minute. So this should give you plenty of time to go home first. As for the shower same thing, depending on how far appart your contractions are.

pitterpatter129

My OB said if your water breaks you can take a shower, but to avoid a bath - due to an increase in the likelyhood of getting an infection from sitting in the bath water.  I have no idea about the driving... I have no experience with labor to base that decision on either. 

Angeldcf

1) Being only 15min from home, I'd drive IF the contractions are more than 5-7min apart & not overly painful.  I'm also stubborn and would prefer to have my car at home instead of worrying about it sitting unattended at work.

2) Shower is fine, & I plan on this.  No baths due to potential infection from water entering.  Our hospital requests you come in to deliver within 12 hours of your water breaking (again- infection risk). 

canthardlywait426

I don'. Think those are dumb questions! I think it depends on how far apart and manageable your contractions are. Personal preference you know? I've heard that a lot of women like to take a shower after ther water breaks, so again as long as your contrax are manageable go for it!

LuciesMama

For the vast majority of women, you will have all freaking day to... hang out before going in, even if it begins with your water breaking (which only happens about 15% of the time).

So yes, you can get home from work. And yes, you will want to take a shower, do your hair, read a magazine, work on a puzzle, do some laundry.... you get the picture ;-)

bumpuser260585

Thanks everyone.  I've been thinking about both of those questions for a few days and was going to ask my dr tomorrow, but I figured I'd get your professional opinions first!  The closer I get to my due date, the more random things pop into my head.

LittleMissLMC

I'm a little late, but I asked #2 at my appointment today and the midwife I saw (not mine, but very sweet) told me that they would like for me to come in within an hour of my water breaking to make sure that LOs head is engaged to prevent the cord from coming out first, resulting in it being around his neck. But she said if I'm just having the contractions and my water hasn't broken, then I can relax until they get close together.

Now I think I may get a second opinion from MY midwife....