Your birth day departure plan: who to call and how to get there

The birth day is rarely known in advance; it can start in the middle of the night, at a weekend or in heavy traffic. A small logistics plan in the last weeks takes some of the “What do we do now?” panic away. For the signs of labour, see the article on first signs of labour; this one covers only preparation and getting there.

First, decide who to call

Searching your phone while contractions are starting takes time. Write the following on a sheet and put copies in your bag and on the fridge:

• The phone number of your doctor or midwife and the hospital’s delivery ward
• A first and second support person (partner, relative, neighbour)
• The person who will come with you to the hospital
• The person who will look after your older child

Route and traffic plan

1. Try the journey from home to the hospital once in the morning, evening and at night to learn the usual times.
2. Choose an alternative route in case of roadworks or congestion.
3. Ask the hospital which entrance is open at night and at weekends (delivery or emergency entrance).
4. Think about fuel and parking.
5. If you have no car, set a taxi, a ride app or a friend’s car as a backup.

Bag and car seat

Many people feel calmer with the hospital bag packed and ready by the door from about 34–36 weeks. The hospital bag checklist in the app can help you spot what is missing.

To travel home safely, your baby needs a suitable car seat. Fit it ahead of time and try out how it works; learning at the last minute adds stress.

Records the hospital may ask for in advance

Many hospitals ask for pre-registration, paperwork or consent forms. Check:

• ID, health insurance details and your pregnancy notes
• The hospital’s pre-admission or appointment system
• A copy of your blood group, test and screening results
• Your birth plan and preferences, if you have one

Asking when and how the paperwork is completed lightens the load on the day. For insurance details, see the article on birth benefits and social security coverage.

Plan for an older child and pets

• Talk in advance about who will look after your older child and whether they can come at night.
• Give your child a calm, short explanation such as “We will go to the hospital, and you will stay with…”.
• Arrange for someone to feed and walk the pet, and leave them a key.
• Pack a small bag for your child (pyjamas, a toy, a snack).

Night and weekend preparation

Arrangements can differ at night and at weekends. If you can get information by phone before you arrive, follow the instructions your doctor or hospital gave you. Name a backup person for weekends too.

When to contact your doctor

• If contractions are regular and closer together, call the hospital once you reach the criteria your doctor gave you
• If your waters break, you bleed or the baby moves less, go in without delay
• For severe, constant abdominal pain, confusion, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, call 112 (in Turkey) or your local emergency number
• If labour is moving very fast and you may not reach the hospital, call 112 (in Turkey) or your local emergency number, leave the door open and follow the instructions

Frequently asked questions

Should I drive myself? Ideally someone is with you; it is advised not to drive alone during contractions.

What if I go to the hospital too early? Being sent home in early labour is common and is not a failure. Follow the criteria your doctor gave you.

What if my child wakes at night? Having someone stay at home or the child going to a pre-agreed person is the calmest way.

This article is for information only; for when to go to hospital, your doctor’s and hospital’s advice comes first.