Scared I won't make it to hospital

damian10 · September 2014

Hi all, I'm new here but not a new mom lol I have three beautiful kids and am due October 24th with ds#2. My last was born at 35+5 with no warning, I had her in 4 hours from start to Finnish. I lived less then two min from hospital but still didn't make it to get an epidural.
This time I'm 35 min from hospital if there is zero traffic. I'm already 4cm and 50% but ob doesn't seem to care!

MrsSinner402 · September 2014

damian10 said:
Hi all, I'm new here but not a new mom lol I have three beautiful kids and am due October 24th with ds#2. My last was born at 35+5 with no warning, I had her in 4 hours from start to Finnish. I lived less then two min from hospital but still didn't make it to get an epidural.
This time I'm 35 min from hospital if there is zero traffic. I'm already 4cm and 50% but ob doesn't seem to care!

QFP, JIC.

golfingdarwinfish · September 2014

damian10 said:

Hi all, I'm new here but not a new mom lol I have three beautiful kids and am due October 24th with ds#2. My last was born at 35+5 with no warning, I had her in 4 hours from start to Finnish. I lived less then two min from hospital but still didn't make it to get an epidural. This time I'm 35 min from hospital if there is zero traffic. I'm already 4cm and 50% but ob doesn't seem to care!

What exactly do you want your ob to do? Hospitalize you until you go into labor? Place the epidural now?

SCMomma · September 2014

Were the other births also quick??

Maybe read up on how to handle a birth emergency. Have you specifically talked to your OB about this? It wouldn't hurt to learn some drug free pain/stress managment techniques.

FINNISH. :P

MrsSinner402 · September 2014

I mean, I'd say if you made it to Finland in 4 hours last time you can totes make it to the hospital that's only 35 minutes away this time. Amirite?

MrMrsandBaby · September 2014

Are you having contractions? Or just dilated and effaced? if you don't have contractions yet why are you worried? A lot of women are dilated already and aren't in the hospital.

And I find it necessary to say that I'm about the same from my hospital and not really worried.

Also, you had four hours last time, you should make it 35 minutes this time.

golfingdarwinfish · September 2014

MrMrsandBaby said:

Are you having contractions? Or just dilated and effaced? if you don't have contractions yet why are you worried? A lot of women are dilated already and aren't in the hospital.

And I find it necessary to say that I'm about the same from my hospital and not really worried.

Also, you had four hours last time, you should make it 35 minutes this time.

Logic? Pfft. Overrated.

pnwlover12 · September 2014

I'm thinking 4th kid, why even go to the hospital? Just squat, push, grab baby and call it good!

MrMrsandBaby · September 2014

golfingdarwinfish said:

MrMrsandBaby said:

Are you having contractions? Or just dilated and effaced? if you don't have contractions yet why are you worried? A lot of women are dilated already and aren't in the hospital.

And I find it necessary to say that I'm about the same from my hospital and not really worried.

Also, you had four hours last time, you should make it 35 minutes this time.

Logic? Pfft. Overrated.

I had a weak moment....

Unknown · September 2014

This content has been removed.

BreandMikewedding · September 2014

theresat858 said:
My OB wants me to leave when contractions are 10 minutes apart. Maybe just head to the hospital at the first sign of actual labor?

I think this is excellent advice!

Ravenbaby · September 2014

I can understand your concern. I mean the thought of not having time to get to a hospital is terrifying. It sounds like you went sans epidural last time so that's something you don't have to worry about which is great! I would just try to relax and focus on things you do have control of and prepare best you can. I think you will have time to get there but sympathize with your worry.

meggiev123 · September 2014

theresat858 said:

My OB wants me to leave when contractions are 10 minutes apart. Maybe just head to the hospital at the first sign of actual labor?

This is my plan. DD was born 4 hours after my first contraction, so I'm worried about this one coming even faster. We have everything ready and had our nanny start staying with us yesterday so we don't need to wait for someone to get DD and and can get on the road as soon as my first contraction hits. If my labor progresses differently this time we can always turn around and go home, but better than having a baby in the car!

damian10 · September 2014

Talking to maternal fetal medicine tomorrow about augmenting labor because it seems that (per ob, on sep 26th) my labor has stalled!! 4 hours is enough time to get to hospital but not to get an epidural as blood work takes 45 min to an hour and if your 5-6cm at my hospital they will no longer give you one

damian10 · September 2014

Forgot to add that my hospital won't admit unless 5cm without active contractions! I never know I'm in labor cuz I don't start with painful contractions till I'm already 5+

trisharenee0316 · September 2014

damian10 said:

Talking to maternal fetal medicine tomorrow about augmenting labor because it seems that (per ob, on sep 26th) my labor has stalled!! 4 hours is enough time to get to hospital but not to get an epidural as blood work takes 45 min to an hour and if your 5-6cm at my hospital they will no longer give you one

damian10 said:

Forgot to add that my hospital won't admit unless 5cm without active contractions! I never know I'm in labor cuz I don't start with painful contractions till I'm already 5+

The two bolded statements don't make much sense working in tandem.

Mmylsa · September 2014

So there are no worries! You can't get an epidural at 5 cm and they won't admit unless you're 5+. Seems like there's an issue with the information being given...

damian10 · September 2014

That's just what I was told! New hospital for me so idk. Had all three of my others at a hospital that no longer has maturnity

trisharenee0316 · September 2014

Given the conflict between the two statements, your questions would be better addressed to another individual at the hospital who can shine light on it. Because like I mentioned above, that makes no sense.

gooberdoofus95 · October 2014

If it bothers you that much you should pack supplies in your car to delivery your LO if that be the case. Knowledge is power so read up. Plus you can always rent a hotel room near the hospital for the night if you go to the hospital and they decide to send you home because your not quite ready. The last thing you wanna do is stress over the little things!

Emerald27 · October 2014

I agree with PP to head in at the first sign of labor. May have a few false starts, but it's worth it.

Also, just because your last labor was speedy doesn't mean this one necessarily will be. A lot has to do with baby's position. A friend of mine had her second child in triage because she walked in and delivered, literally just a couple hours after the onset of labor. But she labored for some time at home and at the hospital with her third. Different babies, different labors.

turtlewifey · October 2014

Agree with PPs that you need to figure out the policy before worrying and asking internet strangers what you should do.

It sounds like you aren't actually worried about making it to the hospital in time, but rather making it in time to get an epidural. These are two very different things. I suggest looking into some natural birthing and relaxation techniques since you may not make it in time for the drugs.

Also, if you have a very fast labor and are at risk of having the baby at home or in the car on the way to the hospital, call 9-1-1. An ambulance can get you there if it is a medical emergency.

I feel the need to add a disclaimer that 9-1-1 is not an appropriate option if you are only concerned with getting there in enough time to get the drugs.

Want a personalized experience?

Scared I won't make it to hospital

Re: Scared I won't make it to hospital

Choose Another Board

Search Boards