Getting your pregnant partner to hospital when the time comes

This is a key part of your preparations, so make sure you know what you’re doing. Follow these tips and you’ll be relaxed and in total control.

Think ahead

Make sure you know exactly how to get to the hospital. Then make sure you do a couple of practice runs – once during rush hour just to see how long it takes at the busiest times. If the hospital has more than one entrance make sure you know which one you need and where to go once you get inside.

As it gets nearer ‘the time’ keep an eye out for roadworks. You’re going to need a Plan B route just in case they’re suddenly digging up the road.

This is your car’s big moment. Make sure you’ve got all your stuff up to date – tax, insurance and your licence - and most importantly, fill it up with petrol. 

So two of you went in the car to the hospital. Three (at least) are coming back in it. So remember to fit the car seats a week or so before the baby’s due. There’s nothing quite like trying to fit a baby seat for the first time in the hospital car park while your partner and baby wait in the rain. 

If someone else is driving, like a relative or friend, make sure they have their mobile switched on at all times and know when you’re ‘in the zone’ and likely to call them. This is important stuff and you need someone reliable.

When the moment arrives

When she says it might be time to go to hospital, don’t reach for the phone and ask for an ambulance. If you do have concerns that things aren’t going to plan, call the labour ward at the hospital (make sure you’ve got those saved into your mobile, right?)

Calmly get her and the bags into the car. There’s no need to rush it and she needs you to be supportive and in control right now and turn the car stereo off.

Don’t worry if her waters break. This is not a sign that the baby is about to appear in the next couple of minutes. Phone the labour ward and ask for their advice. They might ask you to come on in, or stay at home and wait for the contractions to increase. 

Empty the piggy bank

If you’re taking your own car be aware that hospital car parks can be incredibly expensive – remember to move the car if you get a chance.

You shouldn't need to be Lewis Hamilton. In the vast majority of births, there’s plenty of time to get to hospital and you don’t want the most memorable picture of the day to be the one taken by the speed camera.