Dilemma about travelling at 36weeks 🙈

[kath1987]

So I'm due 14th January. We've had tickets booked to go on the Christmas polar express with my 4year old since last year. I will be 36 weeks by then and I don't know what to do. I don't want to let my little boy down (and the tickets cost £100) but I'm scared about if I go into early labour. The place where it is is 2.5hours away from home then an hour round trip on the train once we get there. Any advice would be great x x

[MaryManchego]

It's unlikely that you'll go into labour but I can understand why you'd want a plan B.

I'd probably put my labour bag and maternity notes in the boot and hope for the best

I went away (within the UK but 3-4hrs from home) at 38 weeks with my first and Googled maternity units in the area before we went (no baby til 40+9 and we had a great time)

Assuming pregnancy is straightforward and dc1 wasn't early?

[EsmesBees]

Is the train place near a hospital you could get to if you needed? If so, I'd take my notes and go.

[Lamaitresse]

I would go... Maybe take your notes, and a few essentials just in case (and to put your mind at rest). Am presuming it won't just be you and your ds? Might think differently if it's just the two of you but if you've got someone going with you then that would be better.
I travelled abroad (by car) at 32 weeks for a family wedding. Earlier I know, but I took notes etc and all was fine. It was very tiring though!

[kath1987]

I was induced at 37weeks with my son so I've no experience of going into labour naturally and I'm a bit scared lol. I had cholestasis which didn't surface until later on so I've no idea if I will get it again and have to be induced again. I would presume there will be a hospital near by

[frenchknitting]

I also had cholestasis, and was induced at 36 weeks last time. Apparently there is a 60-90% chance of it reoccurring. I'm not planning anything the involves spending money in advance from 36 weeks onwards, as I'm assuming that there is a good chance i'll have had the baby by then.

If you already have the tickets though, there is no harm playing it by ear? Is there someone else who could take your DS if you are in hospital?

[oldlaundbooth]

I'd go.

Take your notes, bag etc and try and enjoy it!

[OldFarticus]

I would go! I just flew back from the Middle East (needed a fit to fly note). They saw my (ahem) girth and I was upgraded to first class - wouldn't have missed that for the world! The travelling tired me out more than I expected and I became fairly bloated for a couple of days afterwards, but I would absolutely go and have fun. It will be a lovely time together for you and your LO before the new bundle of chaos arrives!

[Dixiechick17]

I travelled at 36 weeks. Only an hour and a half away by train, but I just looked up local hospitals, noted down numbers and took my notes with me. I was a little whale like at that point and swollen but otherwise all fine.

[babyblabber]

I went to work 2 hours away at 39 weeks (drove there and back) so I'd go but I didn't have your history. Wait to see how you are but if you're well there's no reason not to.