Most people think that the route to the hospital starts when you’re in your car starting up the engine but we at Superdads believe that it starts some time prior to this.

As soon as the Mum-to-be’s Waters break then it’s begun. Going from being pregnant to being in labour can be confusing for many women so you need to be prepared for this. You need to bare in mind that every labour is different and how your partner reacts may be very different to how you imagine she will. So get ready, the emotional roller coaster is about to begin and you’re not in the car you’re strapped to the track right in front of it.

When your partners waters break….

When this moment arrives most couples have a conversation along the lines of ………

Mum to be – I think my waters have broken

Dad to be – Are you sure?

Mum to be – Well I’m all wet

Dad to be – You sure you didn’t have an accident

Mum to be – No I didn’t you silly *&%**&!

Dad to be – oh oh oh quick, get the phone, wheres the bag, what do I need to do !!!!

Waters breaking is normal but even so when it happens get you partner to call her midwife. Waters breaking means that the membrane around the baby has broken and fluid is released. This is normal though so don’t worry and is an indication the baby is not to far from arriving but still there is no need to panic as it can be upto another 24 hours before labour commences.

Waters can break in varying ways, it may be a big gush, or so slowly that your partner may not realize what’s happened.  To put you in the picture though the waters should be clear or a yellowish colour. If it turns out to be greenish water it means that it is meconium which is from the first discharge of the baby’s intestine. This is not serious, but you need to call the midwife immediately and prepare to take your partner in.

When the contractions start…..

Your partners first contractions will be spread quite far apart so don’t panic, you’re still not required to jump into the car and drive like Lewis Hamilton just yet. If it’s the middle of the night get yourself and your partner a warm drink and go back to bed. If it’s daytime try going for a short walk with your partner whilst also encouraging her to drink plenty fluids and maybe prepare her something small to eat, such as a piece of fruit, a cereal bar or a pot of yoghurt.

How long will contractions last?…..

How long is a piece of string? Some women contract irregularly for several days whilst other may go straight into full labour.

Things to do while you’re waiting…..

Whilst waiting to go to the hospital there are several things that you can do to assist:

• Run your partner a nice warm bath.
• If you have other children, make sure your babysitter or childminder is ready.
• Give your partner a massage. Her feet, neck or shoulders should be your target areas.

How you know it’s time to go…..

Ususally you’ll take you partner into hospital when the contractions are 5 minutes apart but as you should be in regular contact with the midwife or delivery unit they will advise you based on your particular circumstances.

It’s now time to go…..

This is usually a moment of panic and the reality of the impending arrival is starting to kick in. So how do you avoid this sudden onset of panic? The answer is to be prepared.

Well by now you’ll already have packed the bag for the hospital using our Superdads guide so you’ll not have that to worry about – as such we’re off to a good start.

Now we need to ask ourselves what else is there that we can do?

Firstly – Find out what the process is for notifying your chosen delivery suite that your partners waters have broken. Usually it will involve a simple phone call to fill them in on the details of what is happening.   It is recommended that if you’re going to have to phone the suite that you put the number into your mobile phone prior to the event…..well, what are you waiting for? do it now!! Okay, so we’ve got the bag   sorted, we know the number of the delivery suite…what next? There may have other people who you will want inform of you your little ones impending arrival so make sure you have these numbers safely in your mobile too.

Secondly – Have you got the maternity notes? Make sure you know where the maternity notes are so that you can grab them on your way to the hospital. It may be you want to keep them close to the hospital bag so you can swipe all you need quickly at what will be an exciting yet nervous time. You may wish to leave the hospital notes and maternity bag in the boot of the car as the countdown to the due date approaches. This is especially a good idea for those of you that are forgetful.

Finally, but by no means the least important, is the actual route to the hospital. You may think “I know where the hospital is” or “It’ll be alright the Sat-nav will guide me” but there is definitely no better alternative to planning it out and doing a dry run (pardon the pun). The little things can prove to be the most important when planning the route to the hospital.

Here are our tips:

• Avoid, if possible, routes with vast numbers of speed bumps. If your partner is uncomfortable she won’t thank you for giving her a bumpy ride.
• If you live in the country side try and work out which route has the least chance of getting you stuck behind a slow moving vehicle , like a tractor for example, and avoid it.
• Work out which route has the least number of traffic lights. Less lights can mean less stopages.
• Consider different routes for different times of day. No point venturing down the High Street during rush hour even if it is a little shorter distance wise.
• Find out where you can park and how you can access this area for when you arrive at the hospital. It may be the delivery unit has set down spaces where you can leave you car if you’re short on time.
• Make sure you have some change in the car in case you need to pay for parking.
• In the run up to the due date don’t let your fuel level drop too low. You’re not going to want to stop for fuel on the way to the hospital.
• Finally stick to the speed limits. Doing whatever it takes to get to the hospital is one thing but doing it both legally and safely is another.

Author: SuperDads

We’re here to make a difference. Superdads not only offers advice but we are her e to promote the importance of fatherhood. Many people are oblivious to the fact that Dads really do matter and this is something we’d like to put right.

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