When is it NOT okay to travel when pregnant?

Question

I am thinking about taking a trip in late September, and I will be approximately 7 months along. We would be driving to Laughlin, Nevada, from Phoenix, Arizona, which is about 4-6 hour drive.

I am concerned that as I will be in my third trimester that it will not be advisable to take that trip. I DO plan on asking my doctor at my next visit, but I wanted to get others' opinions on the matter.

What do you all think? Would be wise to travel so late in the pregnancy? Or should I wait?

Answer 1

I wouldn't. My doctor advised me not travel more than 2 hours away in my third trimester. PLUS, you would be sooooo uncomfortable in a car for 4-6 hours!!! Not to mention how many rest stops you would need!!!!

Answer 2

The main reason you don't want to travel late in pregnancy is because of the risk of going into labor away from home, in a strange town, without doctors you're familiar with or that take your insurance.

Check with your doctor, and see if he's comfortable with you going at that point. I sat on a jury for two weeks at that time, and it was no trouble at all! Provided you aren't a high risk pregnancy, there should be no reason not to travel, especially by car when you can make frequent stops. 4-6 hours by car really isn't all that far. I ride three hours to see my inlaws every couple of months. :)

Answer 3

Best time to travel, is your second trimester..... (I should know, I took a 15 hr plane ride half way across the earth (4 months). In your first trimester you risk having a miscarriage, and in your third you're way too big, and risk a premature delivery. The second trimester is the best time to travel, so I would have to say skip the trip. Trust me, you will be soooo uncomfortable in the car for that long.

Answer 4

From what I've read, it is fine to take longer trips up until the last month, then you should stay within an hour from your hospital. Just be smart about it. Make sure you have all the important numbers along and know where the hospitals are along the way in case of an emergency. Also, make sure you stop about every hour to stretch your legs (and pee too probably). You are more prone to blood clots and cramps at this time. If you are prepared you should have no problem at all.

Answer 5

Definitely ask your doctor, but if you've had a healthy pregnancy w/ no complications there shouldn't be any problem w/ that...just make sure you stop and stretch out and walk every hour or so...how long will you be there? If you plan on being back before 36 weeks along or so, you should be fine...but check w/ your doctor! Best of luck and hope you have a good trip!

Answer 6

Unless you run into some complications, what on earth could the problem be?

Worrying about that makes about as much sense as worrying about getting out of bed for 4-6 hours.

Worst-case scenario, you have to stop to pee a bit more often than usual.

R e l a x !!

Answer 7

I see no need for concern unless you are a high risk pregnancy...just be sure to keep yourself hydrated and take frequent breaks to stretch your legs (and those wonderful bathroom stops!). Any closer to the due date then I would be concerned. If you do decide to take the trip..have a good one!

Answer 8

in the pregnancy book i have says shouldn't travel by plane at 28-30 weeks. But as for me...i restrict myself not to leave TOWN starting in the 30th week.

Answer 9

As long as your doctor gives you the ok to travel, it is fine. Just make sure you stop at least once an hour to stretch your legs to help prevent blood clots. You will probably have to stop that often anyway to pee.

Answer 10

unless you have complications or something I don't know why not take the drive. It is not that long. You should probably take breaks to stand often and make sure your AC is working. Check with your Dr. of course, but I don't know why it would not be ok.

good luck