I'm 37 weeks pregnant and need to travel should I?

Question

My grandmother passed away today and i need to go to illinois this week. Which is a 6 hour trip. I'm already dilated to 1cm but could stay like that for a while. This is my second child and i had my first within 7 hours of starting labor. They say i could go fast this time. If i dont go and dont go in labor than i will regret it. But if i go and start labor i will be upset if my mother in law isnt there either. What should i do? some advice please?

Answer 1

I think if you asked your doctor they would advise you to stay put!!
Like you said you can go at any time...good luck and congrats..and sorry for your loss

Answer 2

I hate to say it, but at 37 weeks and 1cm, it's really just a waiting game. If you go, it has to be with the idea that your baby may be born in Illinois, and without your already-decided-on-plan. And you are right, if you don't go than you will think about it for a long time. It would be easy to say, "What would your grandmother have you do", but funerals aren't for those that have passed, they are for those that are still alive. Perhaps a family member could video tape the service for you, and you could spend a day honoring your grandmother from home? I realize it isn't the ideal solution, but saying goodbye is personal and I believe it can be done anywhere. Best wishes, and I am sorry about your loss.

On a side note, I was my mother's second child. She did not realize when she first went into labor with me, and I was already knee out by the time she got to the hospital. I'm only saying this because when they say that the second baby can come much quicker, it's true. Just be careful. Take care of yourself. Take care of your new baby.

Answer 3

You're really not supposed to be in the car for long trips. I had a death in the family and had to drive for 22 hours when I was around 5 months and I shouldn't have done that.
I think it would be fine if you took very frequent stops to get out and stretch and walk around about once an hour. You're really not supposed to be in the car longer than an hour at a time especially when you're so close to having the baby.
You could be dialated to a 1 for a long time but I know once I was dialated to a 2 I had the baby the next day. I would say go if you're comfortable with taking a chance of delivering in a different hospital with a different doctor, either that or try your hardest to go and come RIGHT back. It's risky though but hopefully since you're only 1 cm dialated maybe you'll stay 1 cm long enough. Good luck!

Answer 4

Well if it just happened today, then maybe you should wait a day or two. I know how horrible that sounds, but it would be very expensive for you if you had your baby in another state's hospital wouldn't it?

And things DO go by faster the second time around! I'm speaking from experience on this one. My first labor was 10 hours and my second was 4 hours! And the second one hurt twice as much too!

Answer 5

usually the advice is to stay close to home after 36 weeks.

Provided you have had a normal pregnancy, If you do go, don't plan to stay very long. Map out your trip and make notes as to where every hospital is on the way and in the area you will be in. Stay for the service and reception and maybe overnight.

that said. I went to my brother's wedding 3 hours from my house at 39 weeks and a troubled pregnancy (my baby boy was born 5 days later with and induced labor, everything turned out fine!).

best wishes.

Answer 6

You may not be allowed to fly at this point. Airlines don't want to take the risk. If you are driving and don't mind going into labor at any point along the way, then why not? Talk to your doctor first, but as you know you can be more dilated then that for weeks. I'm so sorry about your grandmother. I hope you can spend time with your family as soon as possible. Best wishes.

Answer 7

i'm a flight attendant, and I can tell you the rules. At least for the airline I work for, If you are to travel within 14 days of your due date you must have a note from your doctor stating that it is ok. Say for example, you give birth while out of town...Your child has to be at least 7 days old to travel back by plane. I wouldnt recommend it. It is not unsafe to travel while pregnant, you should just be very cautious at this time. It might be ok for you but not for the FAA (federal Aviation Administration) Good Luck with the baby

Answer 8

I am sorry for your loss. I would stay home. Family members should realize that you are about to hav a baby. If it was an hour away, I'd say go, but six, don't chance it. Ask yourself this, Would my grandmother understand? She knows you would want to be there if you could, keep you and your baby safe and close to your doctor. After the baby is born, make the trip to her grave then and say your goodbyes. Best of luck to you.

Answer 9

I am so sorry for your loss. I think you might want to ask your doctor, but if it was me? I would stay home, its better to be safe than sorry. If you do chose to go anyway, make sure you map out all the hospitals that are on route, and bring your medical records with you, also plan to stop every two hours to get out of the car and walk around, you don't want blood clots!

Answer 10

I think you should think about the health of your baby and stay put...You could go into labor in the car and that would not be good...everyone will understand if you cant make it.

Answer 11

Stay at home. You would not want to give birth in a strange place. I know that you would hate to miss the funeral but maybe you could go visit after the baby is born.