Stressed about getting to the hospital

mm&es · October 2013

Is anyone else stressed about actually getting to the hospital? My labors for my first two pregnancies have been fast and furious. First, I'm worried about knowing when its actually starting, as opposed to regular cramping, which I had a lot of last pregnancy during the last two weeks.

Once I'm sure its actual labor, I still have to call my parents and get them to my house to watch the kiddos, which will take 20 minutes, then we have to drive to the hospital, which is another 20 minute drive. Previously, we've been able to take a cab, which was great because DH was able to support me during the drive. But this time, while he is driving, I feel like I'll be on my own. Then, once we get to the hospital, I'm worried about parking. The hospital has valet parking until 10pm, but if it happens at night, we have to use the parking garage. The first 30 or so spots are handicapped, so we'll have a long walk from the car to the door, and then its a LONG walk to the L&D area. I don't want DH to leave me alone to park the car.

I know walking is great for labor, but since I have had fast and intense labors in the past, I'm worried the walk will be too much.

Anyone else fixating on the trip to the hospital? Any tips on staying calm during the car ride?

SittingOnAMtnTop · October 2013

It's only a 20 minute drive to the hospital and he'll be right next to you in the car, you'll be fine.

3Dewdrops · October 2013

He can always pull over to catch the baby if needs be.

I tease but I'm nervous too.

Kfran84 · October 2013

Why not take a cab again? Have you moved since your last deliveries?

Personally, I'm way more terrified of a long, grueling labor than what you're worried about. I get that there are some logistical concerns with precipitous labor, but, dude, if you're only in labor 1-2 hours, you win at life.

Mytaras · October 2013

Oh dear, I haven't even thought this far ahead yet. Now I'm a little worried too. I'm sure everything will work out fine though!

Maimes10 · October 2013

Sorry, but I think you are WAY overthinking this. Unless by "fast and furious" you mean that your first signs of labor hit you and you had your babies within 1 hour...I suppose if that were the case you would be justified in your concerns....and a VERY lucky lady indeed!

LibberDuck · October 2013

I have just under a two and a half hour drive to my hospital and that is the drive alone, not accounting for making sure someone takes my DS, traffic/road work on the way there, or parking and getting into the hospital. There is absolutely nothing between my house and the "city" I'll be delivering in, so I'm pretty much screwed if we need to deliver because even emergency help is far away (plus I had a c-section the first time, so my risk of complications is higher). With all that being said, you are way more stressed about this than I am! I never went into labor on my own with my first, so I don't know what early labor feels like. You just have to make sure to listen to your body. You've done this before and you just have to trust your instincts. I'm sure you'll end up being fine and even if you don't make it to the hospital, it sounds like you live somewhere where emergency personal will be able to assist and/or at least talk you through it (we have places where there is no cell reception on the drive). And your husband can still help talk you through your contractions even if you're driving. I would suggest having him drop you off at the ER if it's after hours and they will get you in a wheelchair and take you up to L&D. I think you'll be fine!

mm&es · October 2013

Thank you for all the helpful replies. You are right, I am overthinking it. Sometimes, you just fixate on the unknown! Its true, I don't have as far to travel as others, and I should be grateful for that. We have moved since my last labor, and I feel far away from the hospital now, even though I know we really aren't. I just have these nightmares about giving birth on the side of the road.

My first labor was about 6 hours start to finish, the second was 1.5 hours from when I decided I was in labor until I had the baby in my arms--that was pretty intense, and if its like that again, I wouldn't feel comfortable with DH just dropping me off at the main entrance. Just a personal preference.

I hadn't thought of the ER option--you are right, they must have wheelchairs available if I feel like I can't make the walk. Its also good to know that I shouldn't panic about DH having to drive--I know he'll be right next to me, it was just nice in the cab being able to hold his hand and having him help me breathe. Plus, with the cab, we didn't have to worry about parking!

I also hadn't thought of bringing the kids with us. I would prefer for them not to see me in a lot of pain, but if worse comes to worse, it would save us 20 minutes. We could ask our neighbors to watch them until my parents came, but I don't think I would feel comfortable calling them at 3am.

Thanks for the calming advice!

katie.725 · October 2013

GOBLU1274 said:

This is your 3rd pregnancy, did you have issues with the 1st two? Did they both get delivered at the hosital or on the side of the road? I guess I don't see what the issue is here.

This. I guess they say Third times a charm so maybe you'll know this time around...

SharonB222 · October 2013

Hmmm, my 1st was 6 hours from start to finish also - with minor complications, e.g. DD was compound presentation. My DH drove to the hospital when I was half way through active labor (30 sec contractions, 2 min apart) and it was ok - not ideal I suppose, but ok. For DS, I was planning on laboring at home again for a bit, but my m/w suggested I head in as soon as labor starts - I didn't have BH so it was pretty easy for me to tell. I thought that was a little soon but maybe not so much after reading your experience. Of course I know it goes all ways... If I got stuck between the parking lot and hospital entrance, assuming no complications, I wouldn't mind delivering under a tree...

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