Traveling @ 36 weeks- bad idea?

[JFTB1177]

DH and I were invited to a family wedding we really want to go to. We will be driving a few states away (about 12 hours driving time) with our two kids, and I'm 36 weeks PG. We are leaving on the 30th and will be back the evening of the 1st. My doc's office is all worried about this but honestly I'm not... my first kid was an induction at 41 weeks (which ended up a c/s) and my 2nd was born at 42+5 weeks (HBAC). I do NOT go into labor early (almost wish I did!!). Do you think this is a bad idea? Anyone else do some "light" traveling this late in the game?

[Evergreen]

If you feel up for it I'd go for it.  Neither of my kids came until 42 weeks so I wouldn't be worried about the timing but 12 hours in the car at 36 weeks pg with my kids does sound like some version of hell to me.

If you can do it and don't think it would make you too uncomfortable you should go.

[JFTB1177]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evergreen 

but 12 hours in the car at 36 weeks pg with my kids does sound like some version of hell to me.

Hahahahahahaha! True!! Believe me, I have my reservations lol. Just wanted to make sure no one thought it was dangerous. ;)

[MeepyCat]

At this stage of pregnancy, you are at additional risk for deep venuous thrombosis (blood clots forming in the veins of your legs), which can be quite dangerous.  I don't know how great the additional risk is, but it's there. 

The only way I would be at all willing to do this would be if we were planning to stop every two hours (no more than two) for me to pee and stretch my legs.  And I would still expect the trip to be hell.

Twelve hours in a car (and then twelve hours back) is not "light" traveling.  I would be very reluctant to go so far at this stage.

[prothyraia]

I wouldn't do it- but from a misery standpoint, not a safety standpoint (12 hours in the care, one day off, then 12 hours in the car again sounds just.....ugh).  Just don't be tempted to skimp on the fluids to avoid pee-stops!

[lillymonster]

I wouldn't sit in a car for 12 hours, but I can't handle an hour, just because of SPD and back aches. Id get out and take a lot of breaks, even spread it over two days so it's 6 hours a day. And then I'd probably have to stop to pee every 1 1/2 -2 hours.

[Stayseeliz]

I wouldn't do it either. Both from a safety standpoint and comfort standpoint. If you did go I'd plan for extra travel time and possibly a hotel stay. Also know where the nearest hospital, etc are just in case. I'm 25w and we traveled 4 1/2 one day last week, stopped at a hotel and did another 4 1/2 the next day. The break at the hotel was great. We're traveling all the way home in a few days (9+) hours and I'm not looking forward to it. We're planning on stopping every 2 hours. We had to do that on the way down. My legs were throbbing by the 2 hour mark each time. We might take one short trip (less than 3 hours) in 2 weeks then I'm staying home until the babe is born.

[PAgreenmama]

i'm thinking about doing the same thing, but not until april.  my best friend is getting married when i'm 36 weeks and the wedding is an 8-9 hour drive from here.  i mentioned it at my last mw appointment and the nurse i talked to seemed to think it would be fine as long as we stopped and stretched every 2 hours but my mw was a little more concerned.  however, she said that the biggest problem is insurance because many companies won't pay out of the area if you are past so many weeks (usually 32, i think) since you *shouldn't* be traveling in the last 2 months.  so that's something to look into.  

[mclisa]

I'm someone who always goes late as well, but I still wouldn't go.  My rule is nothing over an hour, though something family related I might push it to 1 1/2 hours.  That's because most of the women in that radius deliver at the same hospital where I will deliver.

Twelve hours is a long time.  2 kids in the car with you will be stressful.  You will be traveling over state lines and not near your local provider.  Even though you might not deliver until 6 weeks later, is it worth the risk of going into labor, have them freak out that you've had a previous c/s and then find out that because of their malpractice guidelines they can't let you labor?

[Schae]

I drove down to the coast at 36 weeks pregnant - it was a 10 hour drive. It's doable but uncomfy and not much of a holiday lol. I wouldn't do it again.