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Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Pregnancy

How late can I/should I drive?

28 replies

HelgatheHairy · 03/05/2013 10:04

Been pondering this since I saw another thread where the OP mentioned she was 35 weeks and couldn't drive any more.

I'm 26 weeks with PFB and had thought I'd be driving till 39 weeks or so really. Kinda planning on it as we're getting a new car when I'll be roughly 34/35 weeks and was thinking I'd have a month to get used to driving it before baby is in it.

Is it bump gets too uncomfortable behind the steering wheel or is it safety in case of an accident?

OP posts:

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HelgatheHairy · 03/05/2013 10:06

Should have mentioned (even though its not actually relevant) I live rurally, (no busses etc) so I'm in the car everyday.

OP posts:

freddiemisagreatshag · 03/05/2013 10:07

I drove myself to the hospital to have no3

Jojobump1986 · 03/05/2013 10:08

I imagine it's a comfort thing. I had quite a small bump last time & drove on the day my waters broke at 41 weeks. This time my bump is still quite small but I find sitting in the car quite uncomfortable. I have to do it for short journeys though or I'd never leave the house! I'm currently 35+3 with no intention of giving up driving any time soon!

shebangsthedrum · 03/05/2013 10:08

I have driven to the hospital for my c section with dd now 10, but I never gave not driving in pregnancy a thought really, passed my test at 34 weeks with same child.

TobyLerone · 03/05/2013 10:09

You have to stop driving? Ha! Not likely.

I drove myself to hospital to have DC2, and home again afterwards. Might have to do the same this time.

AnythingNotEverything · 03/05/2013 10:10

Some people find thy have to move their seat back to squeeze the bump in so it doesn't touch the steering wheel, but then they can't reach the pedals!

Unless you're tall, I'd plan for driving being a non starter in the last few weeks! Maybe get that new car a bit sooner?

TallGiraffe · 03/05/2013 10:12

I drove myself for my ELCS, never occurred to me to stop!

flakjacket · 03/05/2013 10:12

Drove myself to the hospital to have all 4 of mine. I've got long legs though

McPrice · 03/05/2013 10:16

i drove the day before i had ds. as long as you can fit behind the steering wheel and comfortably drive u'll be fine. then again i worked and climbed 3 sets of stairs up until a week before i had him. i was saving my holiday for after i had him

GrandPoohBah · 03/05/2013 10:22

I drove myself to the appointment in which they told me I had to come in that night for induction. Didn't consider not driving, tbh!

HelgatheHairy · 03/05/2013 10:24

These are the answers I was hoping for! Bump is quite small as yet (baby is measuring perfectly) so hoping that continues. I am quite short (5foot 3) so I guess not reaching the pedals so the bump can fit behind the wheel could be an issue!!

Can't get the car any sooner unfortunately but can always get used to it after driving it around a car park on my own!! Just glad there's no medical reason I didn't know about!

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TobyLerone · 03/05/2013 10:28

I'm only 5'3" and it was fine :)

CoolaSchmoola · 03/05/2013 10:29

Til you can't reach any more. I drove til the day I went into hospital to be induced, I just kept moving the seat to suit!

If someone can't drive any more its usually because they can't reach or the baby is down and they're finding it uncomfortable.

BabyHMummy · 03/05/2013 10:38

I have had to stop driving my dp's 4x4 cos bump is getting in the way already. Am 24+5 and still quite small but if i move seat back i can't reach the pedals! As for my car i will be driving as long as possible.

I know there used to be an issue with insurance and pregnancy but i think it pretty much covered by everyone now

HelgatheHairy · 03/05/2013 11:47

Thanks all!

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mum23girlys · 03/05/2013 11:54

1st time round was pg with twins and never drove after about 28 weeks. Am 5ft1 and couldn't reach pedals comfortably. Had zero confidence as well.

With dd3 I drove about 12 hours before I gave birth. Had a more comfortable car by then though.

Steffanoid · 03/05/2013 11:56

im 34 + 3 have got slight pgp and am quick.finding getting in and out of my beautiful mini Cooper quite difficult, my seat only has 1 click left before it's fully back as I have a huge bump too, he's above the 90%ile, it really does depend on when you dont feel comfy any more, im determined to keep driving for my sanity, just glad im on mat leave and dont have to go far anymore

MrsBungle · 03/05/2013 11:56

I never stopped! 8 days over due and I was still driving.

midori1999 · 03/05/2013 12:13

You don't have to stop unless there's a specific reason to. I passed my driving test at 36 weeks with DS2. I was huge and gave birth to my 10lb baby two weeks later at 38 weeks. I was driving until I had him.

Twinklestarstwinklestars · 03/05/2013 12:16

I drove myself to and from hospital with dc1! By the time we had dc2 dp could drive, I'm struggling getting comfy with dc3 and keep getting leg cramps at 29 weeks but I have no choice but to drive, we live rurally too and school is 6 miles away, my bump isn't too massive though, if you can't reach the pedals you'll obviously have to stop but there's no set rule when you should stop.

Charleymouse · 03/05/2013 12:41

My waters went whilst on holiday at Center Parcs. I started having contractions so my MW recommended going home. I arranged for my Mum to look after kids so their holiday wasn't spoilt and set off for home.

I passed my mum on her way there and she played merry hell as I was behind the wheel.

I had heated massaging seats and found it quite comfortable and when I had a contraction I just squeezed the wheel a bit tighter.

DH can drive but doesn't, it was preferable to drive myself than have him drive me.

This was at 38 weeks. The little blighter couldnt wait to get here, she then made me wait almost 24 hours for her arrival though.

I also drove a couple of weeks after an emergency section. I rang my insurance company and asked when I was allowed to drive and they said the '6 week rule' is an urban myth and you can drive whenever you feel like it just ensure you feel competent to do an emergency stop.

HelgatheHairy · 03/05/2013 13:09

Was just in the car (had to drop my mum and aunt into town) and it looks like there's LOADS of room between bump and steering wheel, can't imagine getting that big! Not saying I won't, just can't imagine it at the moment!

steffanoid I'm very jealous of your Mini Cooper, I LOVE minis and have promised myself that a Mini Cooper convertible is going to be mine when I don't have to worry bout fitting kids and dogs in the car!

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MyNameIsAnAnagram · 03/05/2013 13:16

I'm a shortie (5ft2) and drove till I had him at 42 weeks. I'm now 38 plus 5 and still have plenty if room behind the wheel.

Steffanoid · 03/05/2013 13:44

Helga its very lovely and i adore it, have got the M+P luna pram that fits in the boot, and a carseat thats perfect for it, im determined its not being given up, i'm one of the most stubborn arround, the dog fits in it too, when we go on holiday we will have to take my mums 4X4 which she's very happy about as she'll get to have the mini for a week ha!
it is possible to have one, just need to get your tetris on!

HelgatheHairy · 03/05/2013 13:50

steff I have a large golden retriever, much as I would love it to work, I'm not that good at Tetris!!

Getting a Qashqai or Sportage so can fit baby and dog in the same car.

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