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Taking a cab to the hospital?
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Anonymous
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Hello, I am almost four months pregnant. My husband and I live in Woodley Park and don't have a car. I am getting a little bit nervous about transportation to and from the hospital. Does anyone have any advice? Should we plan to take a cab? Has anyone had this experience?
I am reluctant to take a cab, but what is the alternative! We just moved here and don't have any close friends or family members to count on. I would appreciate any suggestions! 
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Anonymous
Is there a zip car in your neighborhood? |
Anonymous
| I don't have firsthand experience, but here's what I would NOT do -- tell the cab company on the phone that you're in labor! I feel like the cabbie would be reluctant to let you in the cab... |
Anonymous
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Unfortunately, we moved here from Toronto and don't drive! I am so afraid! Shouldn't there be a service to help women in this situation? I think so.
I am just as nervous about the ride home. Are there any cabs out there equipped with infant car seats? |
Anonymous
Can a cab legally refuse a woman in labor?! |
Anonymous
| if you were thinking about hiring a Doula, you could get one who would be willing to drive you as well. |
Anonymous
| Take a cab or call an ambulance. For the ride home, know that many hospitals will not let an infant leave without a car seat, even if they are walking home. You can strap almost all infant car seats into a cab or other car, they dont need to be installed. |
Anonymous
| With our first, we took a cab to Columbia hospital (back when it was around) at 24th & L. We lived in Adams Morgan called a cab and didn't announce to the dispatcher that I was in active labor. I panted during the 7-minute cab ride. The cabbie was cool and collected during the ride. Wasn't a big deal at all. |
Anonymous
Thank you! I am happy to hear that I am not the only one who will have to (or has had to) rely on public transportation in labor. How much notice will I have that I am in labor? If I have to take a cab, perhaps I should try to arrive early (if I can). |
Anonymous
Prior to actual contractions, my body felt sort of off like right before having a period (hope this makes some sense). I labored at home all day, the intensity of my contractions increased by 7p that night. To avoid meds & machines, I stayed home until I was in active labor. We taxied over to the hospital at around midnight. While we were in the hospital lobby filling out forms, I entered the pushing phase (ass felt like it was on fire, big bowel movement pressure sensation). If my water had broken or I felt that my contractions were way too uncomfortable, we would have gone to the hospital earlier. |
Anonymous
| Have you considered taking a private ambulance? Someone on another list serve I'm on suggested this to someone who was at home on bedrest. If you use a regular ambulance, they'll just take you to the closest hospital. But if you use a private ambulance company, you'd be able to go to whatever hospital you prefer. Ask your OB / midwife / caregiver for advice, too. Good luck! |
Anonymous
| Also, I've never heard of a hospital not releasing you without a carseat if you are walking. That is ridiculous. |
Anonymous
| Check on what your cost would be for an ambulance. Insurance may not fully cover it. |
Anonymous
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I'm also from TO and just wanted to welcome you to town!
No advice on the cab issue -- we plan on driving. Bet if you got on the Metro in labor, you still wouldn't get a seat! |
Anonymous
| A private ambulance is not necessary. I took a cab twice. Once in labor once for an early morning induction. It's not a big deal. Have several cab company numbers by your phone and don't tell them you're in labor. |