How to Safely Drive a Woman in Labor to the Hospital

Has the baby bump become uncomfortable and the big day could be any day? There are likely countless tasks running through your mind about preparing this or finishing that, but preparing for the drive to the hospital shouldn’t be overlooked. Keep the following in mind as you prepare for a safe drive to the hospital.

Practice the Route in Advance

There may be several ways to get to the hospital and it’s important to know all of them well. Choose the fastest or easiest route as Route A and only deviate from this route if there are problems such as construction or an accident. Know Route B and Route C just as well as you know Route A.

Practice all hospital routes often. If you always practice your route at the same time of day, you may not realize that there is heavy traffic in the evenings, for example, and that the route isn’t ideal at specific times. Practice driving these routes on different days of the week at all different times so you know what to expect on the big day.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Preparing to leave for the hospital isn’t only about having that “hospital bag” sitting next to the door; your vehicle should also be just as prepared. When on your way home from any errands, always stop to fill up for gas. Even if you didn’t go very far, you always want to top off.

You can also have comfort items already in the car so they are ready when you are. Comfort items to bring might be a favorite pillow, a soft blanket, or even a playlist that was prepared in advance.

Have a Friend Ready to Go

You will most likely have a few minutes from the time you start feeling contractions or your water breaks to the time you leave for the hospital. Have some phone numbers for friends or family who can be on standby ready to assist with the drive to the hospital.

This additional person can help start the group notification chat and help the driver with directions should unforeseen traffic pop up. They can also help mom-to-be get through contractions and concerns, keeping the driver’s attention on the road

to help get to the hospital safely.

Drive Deliberately and Slowly

Labor rarely progresses so quickly that you should rush to the hospital, increasing the risk of a car accident. You’re more likely to get there in time and safely if you slow down. Be sure to put your hazard lights on so others know you are going slow. Another way to alert drivers to your cautiousness is to have a pre-made sign put up in the back window to let them know the good news!

Another way to make sure the growing family gets to the hospital safely and comfortably is to invest in a new vehicle. The right family car will be there for you as you leave the hospital with your bundle of joy as well as when you leave that child at school for the first time. Burien Chevrolet has the perfect family car for you. Stop by and test drive one today.

Posted in Community | No Comments »