traveling at 37 weeks pregnant. is it ok??

Question

have any of u traveled at 37 weeks. i am really homesick and my parents cant come but i am planning to go with my husband by car and its 3 hours away. i called the doctor and he said its not safe. i want to know what do i need or what will i do if my labor starts while i am there. please try to understand the fact i am really alone in this city. any advice will be good. i feel suffocated here

Answer 1

If your doctor says it's not safe then it's really worth waiting another few weeks to see them. I know that you feel really lonely. Maybe if you tell your parents how you feel and that your doctor said no traveling they will be considerate enough to make the drive to you.
Very Best Wishes!

Answer 2

You can travel at 37 weeks (3 hours away) provided you answer these questions all with no's...

Is your pregnancy high risk?
Have you been having contractions?
Are you dilated?
Have you had other children?
Are you going for 2 days or more? (drive there stay over night drive home would be ok)


You must also answer yes to these questions

is there a hospital close to where you are going (within 20 minutes)?
Will you have a cell phone with you?
will you be traveling on well known easy access roads like a highway (back roads would not be safe/easy to locate you for easy access with an ambulance)?



I wouldn't let your doctor stop you from traveling (since you won't be alone) - provided you answered all those questions right - it is your life and you do risk giving birth in the backseat of your car (make sure you take some supplies along just in case) but if ti was me - i would go hell i have complications and I would prolly go lol - im stubborn like that!


Good luck and I hope you have a great visit - but an option might be to have your parents meet you half way on a Saturday then it could be just a day trip - meet in a town with a nice restaurant or a park and have a picnic.

Answer 3

Hi Lucky S,

I understand where your at. It is very hard to feel alone, especially this close to your due date. And with your parents unable to come to you, it is understandable that you want to go to them.

But that's why your Doc said NO. Because you are so close to your due date. Anytime after 37 weeks your little one could show up unexpectedly. And in quick time too. Your Dr doesn't want you delivering on the side of the road.

But if you are determined to go then this is what I would do. Plan your route, know where all the hospitals are along the way. Take your hospital bag with you. You will also need some extra blankets and clean towels. Your baby capsule is a must. You will also need something to sterilise your hubby's hands for the big catch.

I would seriously think about this as it could be potentially very dangerous to both you and your bub. Please talk to your hubby and your family. If they understand how much you need them then maybe there is a way they can come to you instead.

I hope you have a safe delivery of your little one.

Answer 4

I don't think a 3 hour drive is a big deal at all. Just to be safe, you may want to travel on some kind of interstate highway and go online ahead of time to map out all hospitals on your route. I say go for it, I'm 38 weeks and if it were me I would go, but like many others stated, it depends on your pregnancy.

Answer 5

Uh how far did Mary travel by donkey? How did she do delivering the baby without a Dr. If you walked into a local hospital where your parents live would they say "oh sorry lady you have to travel 3 hours back to your doctor we can't deliver your baby here"
Please spare me the fear tactics! Unless you are already dilating and you are going for 2 weeks I would say the only thing I would caution you about is sitting for long periods of time would be uncomfortable and you will have to stop frequently (3-5X) to get the blood moving again. You'll be a happier Mommy and refreshed for delivery. Last suggestion: Next time get a good midwife.

Answer 6

Questions for you...
Is your pregnancy high risk?
Are you going to travel to a place where hospitals are far away?
Could you travel after the baby is born?
How does your husband feel about it?
Do you trust your doctor?
How long do you plan on staying?

Answer 7

i understand how you feel, but you should really listen to yur dr. hes right, its not safe. but if you do decide to go, make sure you stop every 30 min or so to stretch and pee of course lol. and just in case you happen to go into labor down there, have arrangements made at the closest hospital to your parents, that way if you do go into labor or something happens when your there, they will have all your information and everything will be set to go. that will be one less thing that you have to worry about and you can enjoy your visit with your parents. good luck and have a safe trip.

Answer 8

It is not safe - You are worried about being lonely? what if your water broke on the 3 hour trip - you stop at a hospital, you get a doctor you do not know, who you have never met and now they have to deliver your baby - now youare so far from home, both homes, having a doctor you have never met delivering your baby who knows NOTHING about you..and you have the be at the hospital for 24-72 hours....Sorry to be blunt but it's true...

Answer 9

you shouldnt travel never go against your doctor. at 37 weeks anything can happen stay near your doctor