Is it comfortable, or safe, to take long car trips during pregnancy?

Question

During my first pregnancy, I never drove more than one hour in any direction right up until the day they induced me. Now I've moved 500 miles away (an 8 hour car trip one way), and now that I'm pregnant with my second child, my family back home is begging me to come down every month, especially for the baby shower and other family gatherings. I want to know if anyone has traveled a long distance while substantially pregnant, (between 6 to 9 months) and if there are any unpleasant things I should anticipate? Will my lower back kill me, irritability, frequent stopping? Any prior experience in the matter would be a great deal of help. When should I stop traveling? I know every woman's pregnancy is different, but every little bit helps. Thanks!

Answer 1

I know it is recommended that a pregnant woman does not fly in airplanes after about 7 months, but I think driving is ok. I would not travel long distances after about 8 months because you can go into labor at any time and you want to be close to home and comfortable. I am driving on a family trip that will be 5 hours one way and I got cleared by my doctor beforehand to go. I will be 33 weeks at the time of the trip. The doc told me to stop every hour and walk around to avoid swelling and cramping and to go to the bathroom each time we stop. The back pain thing is no big deal, walking on rest stops should take care of that. Make sure you have equipment in the car for emergency labor....just in case. Blankets, clean trashbags, bottled water, change of clothes, local emergency #'s along the way, latex gloves, and a reliable cell phone.

Answer 2

Are long car trips safe during pregnancy?


There's no reason to avoid car travel when you're pregnant, provided you plan extra stops for toilet and stretching breaks. However, once you reach the end of your pregnancy, you may prefer to let your partner drive as, by now, your bump will be very close to the steering wheel.


Will pregnancy make me more prone to travel sickness?


If you're having morning sickness, extended car travel may aggravate your nausea. But in general, being pregnant doesn't make you more likely to have travel sickness.

How can I stay comfortable while travelling by car?


Sitting anywhere for long periods of time can make your feet and ankles swell and your legs cramp. Keep your blood circulating by taking a break from driving at least every 90 minutes (although you may need to stop more often than that for toilet breaks!). Pull into a service station to walk around and do some simple stretches. If you're sitting or standing, extend your leg, heel first, and gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. When you're sitting, rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.

It pays to be extra prepared for breakdowns and other emergencies, too. Unless you fancy the prospect of changing a flat tyre with a huge bump, consider carrying a mobile phone and joining the RAC or AA. Keep a supply of warm clothes, a torch and some snacks in the boot of your car, just in case. Always carry some water for drinking, too.



Hope this helps. More info in the link. Congrats on the baby!

Answer 3

Typically after 34-35 weeks, no more travelling long distance by car. At 6 months it's okay, but you need to stop and get out every 2-3 hours to walk and stretch so your feet don't swell. When I was 5 months pregnant my hubby and I decided to go to NYC for a week. We drove and its about 750 miles from here. It wasn't fun. My feet did swell and I had lots of pelvic pressure after the trip.

Answer 4

Eight hours? You must be a brave woman. I know that i would not want to travel that far for anything. They say you should try to make the most frequent stops possible. once every hour or two. Back pain, hemhoroids, vericose veins, are all things that can happen if you stay in one position for too long. even if you can't stop as often as that, make sure to shift positions often. Wear your seatbelt, pregnant women can get into accidents too. and bring plenty to eat and drink.

Answer 5

It depends on you and your body! Every woman's pregnancy is unique in its own beautiful way. I have taken a 19 hour road trip before. My husband stopped every 2-3 hours so that I could walk around and stretch. I also took small pillows and a blanket for propping and positioning. You might want to pack a cooler with some ice packs, because your "Puppies" (your feet), will probably start aching. Also, have your S.O. to take it easy on the road bumps. You need less bouncing as possible.

Be sure to take your insurance card with you in case you need medical attention. Don't forget to check your Out-of-Network benefits.

Get plenty of rest, consult with your OB, and you'll be fine!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

The long drive sitting is not good for you or anybody for that matter. Deep Vein Thrombosis is blood clots that form in your legs from sitting too long. Get up and move every hour or so. I know it will make the drive longer to do this but you will be better off for it. Either that or cancel the long trips until after the baby comes.

Answer 7

As long as you and baby are healthy there is no reason you can not travel. I traveled several times with my first three pregnancies with no problem. You may need to take extra pillows and find someone to go with you who can share the driving also plan for extra bathroom stops and time to stretch your legs so you don't cramp up. Don't expect to be comfortable the whole ride but it shouldn't be to bad.

Answer 8

Well I live in Houston Texas and I traveled to El paso Texas which is like 12 to 14 drive. I was OK the only thing is I had to used the bathroom so much so I took us a little longer to get there and of course you get tried of being in the car but of me it was not that bad

Answer 9

I took a flight from Florida to Georgia to Texas when I was 5 months pregnant with twins. The most horrible trip of my life. If you don't want to make the trip, just explain to your family how you feel. They are your family and they love you, they will understand. If it's family and a few close friends and they really want to throw you a shower, ask them to come to you.

Answer 10

well I was ok with long rides until this pregnancy (4th) and ever since I was 7 months it is very uncomfy. I am now 9 months and it kills my back..