London - Can I take an Uber or taxi to the hospital when I'm in labor??

I don't have a car, I don't have any friends with a car and my hospital is 8 km away.

I live in London and always thought I could get an Uber to go, but I was browsing over the internet and it say they won't take you.

Does anyone of you have experience with this?

Thank you.

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I don't have experience with this but worth asking your midwife cause I think that you can maybe call an ambulance?

Sorry not much help but wanted to comment so I can follow this post as I’m also worrying about the same thing! I don’t have any family in London to take me and we don’t have a car, from my research lots of people have said to phone around your local taxi companies beforehand and explain to them that you are expecting a baby very soon and looking for transport to hospital so that you can get a list of taxi numbers ready for the day and you know who would take you or not, in regards to Ubers I have no idea but I have read that it isn’t recommended to call an ambulance out unless it is an absolute emergency. I’m just going to have to wing it at this point 😫

I’m not in London but I did get a taxi to the hospital when I was in labour last time! X

I watched an episode of one born every minute where a midwife said a lady came in clutching a man, the man was there the whole labour and then left they said why has your partner gone so quickly? The lady said that was the taxi driver 😭🙈 so I'm guessing it is fine.

I believe you can only call an ambulance for emergencies, not for transport purposes. Xxx

unfortunately I heard that uber or other similar companies might decide not to take on a woman in labor (absurd!). Black cab should be obliged to take you though. I will call to ask at some point just to be sure because I have the same problem with no cars.

I'm no longer in London, but I did take an Uber to hospital in London with my first birth. I actually took 3 Ubers while in labour because I got sent home from the hospital the first time 🙈 they were all fine though, not an issue at all!

I think it is best to call an ambulance, especially if you're alone, just to be on the safe side, they have gas and air and are just safer hands to be in especially because you don't know how quick labour will progress. Only down side, they do so much paperwork but it's necessary.

I had to call an ambulance when I was in labour and they only came because it was an emergency as I was bleeding. I'm not sure they will just come because you don't have transport. Best thing to do would be discuss with a midwife xxx

Thank you!! I will call the local taxis and comment on the neighbor's group chat to see if anyone can help

You should only call an ambulance in an emergency, it’s unlikely they will come if you’re ‘just’ in Labour and need a ride. I’ve heard of Ubers being a bit funny about taking women in labour but hopefully a local company will be okay xx

I called an ambulance as I was in labour and had started bleeding. It was about 3am and I had no one to ask for help I was alone.
I certainly didn't feel safe getting into a taxi and stranger with my contractions. 3 paramedics turned up and they took their time completing paperwork and got me to the hospital in no rush. I guess it's ok to ask for help to see if it's possible and maybe if they're not that busy they can help?

I suppose it depends on the situation at the time.

No that’s totally understandable especially as you were bleeding. I just meant that under ‘normal’ (again, not trying to offend) it’s probably best to avoid ambulances where possible x

I’m in similar situation. I’m planning on black cab because they cannot refuse, but with Uber it depends on the driver

I'm not in London but I got a taxi (private but not uber) when I was in labour with my son

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