I don't care what you've been told, it's not genetic.

4. Schedule a C-Section. This can be done months in advance. You'll only have to scratch one day. I'm sure she'll understand and agree. :D

My first was born in June '95. When he was six hours old, held him on my lap in front of the NBA Finals on TV, stating, "Lesson number one, kid, basketball."

One other thing: Be very patient, and expect a few false alarms. The baby will come when time says so. Just be there for your wife; you'll have plenty of games (though not much sleep) after the arrival.

Come On Down ...
 

"The price is wrong, b*tch."

Our first one was born 2 hours after we got to the hospital, our second had to be induced so while you are right for the most part, there are no guarantees.

I simply would not accept games in a three week window around her due date. Your kid is only born once, there are tons of opportunities to officiate ball

I worked a game on Friday and Tuesday around my wife's Sunday evening birth. I didn't miss a thing.

You know your wife and your relationship better than any of us do. I know people who are appalled that I was on the floor when my wife was in the hospital being monitored and admitted, but she insisted I go and do the game after the doctor told her it would likely be at least 12 hours and they'd probably have to induce labor. She knew I'd drive her crazy. And it wasn't 12 hours, it was more like 72 between being admitted and when they finally induced labor. By then I had been there and had been sent home to sleep on Saturday night.

If you're going to work, you need to leave someone with her in case she does start having labor pains.

Also, if I took games and did this, I definitely wouldn't take anything out of town.

But if I took the game, I would not leave in the middle of it unless there was a life/death stiuation. Stau close and you'll be there in plenty of time.

Hmmm, my wife went to the hospital when I was at a game, I went there after the game and stayed til midnight, came back the next morning at 7am and she had the baby at 7:30...worked out nicely. BTW, they really don't need us there, we just get in the way.

My first baby ended up being a C-section after being up all night trying to do it the regular way. The second one was born 10 minutes after getting to the hospital (thank God all the lights were green 'cause I wasn't stopping).

My suggestion, for your piece of mind and hers, block out the week (or two) and be ready to be flexible.

Consider adoption.

My first child was delivered less than 1 hour after arriving at the hospital.

Check with your assignor....If the due date is close, I'd either cancel a 2-3 week window or give them back 2-3 days before the game (whatever your assignor is OK with) until the baby is born. There will always be another game but the opporutnity for your wife to throw things at you while she's in labor only happen a few times in a lifetime.

Having missed one of those two chances I had, I agree completely.

"It's unrealistic to think I'm gonna be here every time you have a baby. I'm gonna miss some birthdays and some christenings. I'm gonna miss some births, period!" Dewey Cox

Option 5 -
 

Bring your wife and her Dr. to your game. If she goes into labor, have her hold off until half time or between games. She's pretty considerate right?

Just a thought. ;)

Other than that, I agree with the others. Don't risk it - don't take games. Many of us have had injuries, illness, family problems, etc. during the seaon. Basketball will be there when your done tending to personal and family needs. Health and family come first!