London at 35 weeks pregnant?

[lostinegypt]

I am meant to be travelling to London this week for a few days. This has been booked for months and to be honest I didn't think about how far along I would be. The only thing we have planned is a couple of shows. Whenever I suggest things to do when we are there Dh just says no you will be too tired, it will be too much, whats the point you will be knacked and will want to just sleep. My mw was surprised I was going but just said to take my notes, find out nearest hospital, take it easy etc. London is about 4 hours away from our home. Am I being unrealistic in thinking it won't be a problem? (my previous child was born 2 weeks early btw)

[Allstoppedup]

I think you will be fine if you follow your midwifes advice. It doesn't sound like you have anything too taxing planned so as long as you feel up to it have fun!

Make sure you have nice food/drink back at where you are staying so that if you do get too tired you can relax.

Ooh and wear comfy clothes/shoes!

[Allstoppedup]

And tell your DP that you able to make your own decisions about how you are able to cope with things and you should make the most of your couple time together!

unless you have been complaining of being too tired to do anything a lot

[eurochick]

If you are in good health I don't see why it won't be fine. Do you have the budget for taxis if you get tired?

At 32 weeks I went to a gig in Hyde park. The day involved a fairly long walk to and from the tube, plus all the usual trekking about of an outdoor gig. I had a great time!

[JennyBlueWren]

I think it's a good idea to think of a few things you'd like to do which you don't have to book (apart from the shows obviously) so you can be more spontaneous if you feel up to them but don't feel you have to have an action packed time.

Shame it's probably a bit cold for sitting in a park feeding ducks but something similarly restful but not sitting in a hotel room would be ideal.

And (if you can afford it) don't stint on taxis if you feel you need them.

[Zahrah5]

I think you should be OK as far as you plan very little.
The thing what worries me most are the unbelievable crowds of people in London and how rude they walk, they bump into you all the time, not looking, texting etc.
This would be my biggest worry that some idiot will bump into my belly, so if you somehow manage to avoid crowded places you could maybe actually enjoy.

I walk with me arms crossed in front of my belly.

[WingsClipped]

I commuted daily to London at 36-37weeks pregnant and plan to do the same with this baby as well. London is busy but it's not THAT bad, I've generally managed well and actually it's better when heavily pregnant coz at least it's visible. Of course you will get some idiots who don't look where they are going but generally Londoners are a lot more considerate of pregnant ladies than some other major cities in the world.
In terms of shows and stuff, I went to see two when heavily pregnant (last month of pregnancy) and really enjoyed them, the only thing I would say is London theaters do tend to be quite squished so you will gladly welcome the interval when you can give your legs a stretch!
There are loads of (free) galleries and museums in London that you can just pop in and out of. Don't attempt to do it all as some are so vast it takes a whole day even for a non pregnant person. Just go in with the expectation to see a bit- locate your favorite/most interested part on a map and just aim to see that and then a general wander around if you feel up for it afterwards. There are also lots of markets in London which are nice for a general wander around (some only open certain days so check before you go). Winter wonderland is nice if a little overpriced. Do NOT go during the weekend, especially so close to Christmas. It is manic and takes half an hour to walk a few steps.

[broodysnoopstie]

I live in London. I'm 34 weeks pregnant. No one walks or bumps into me. It's just a city. Do what you can and rest when you can't like you would at home. As others have said get cabs people always underestimate the amount of walking you do!

[WingsClipped]

Also just to add, the people who don't tend to look where they are going are and bump into people are (in my experience) mainly tourists. Us Londoners are well versed in dodging and weaving through crowds coz it's what we do every day

[TimefIies]

I did this at 35 weeks. I'd suggest taking bigger footwear (this is when I had severely swollen lower legs and ankles for the first time) and think about when during the day you can put you feet up. If you can get an aisle seat in the shows, so much the better for repositioning yourself. Also plan for it to take longer to get about - I found myself very short of breath at this time (before baby drops),and would stop for a sit down twice in a 20 minute walk back to the hotel.

[Chatty987]

I live in London so my advice would be:

• Really comfy shoes/trainers. People can be very casual in London even when going to the theatre so just go for comfort and leave the smart shoes at home.
  
• Get taxis if you can rather than the tube as going up and down escalators/stairs/platforms on the tube can be exhausting.
  
• You might not have enough time for this but email TFL to get a "Baby on Board" badge and wear it whilst you're out and about.
  

Have a great time!

[GotToBeInItToWinIt]

As long as you are having a 'normal' pregnancy I think it will be absolutely fine! I went to a wedding in London (3 day trip in total) at 38 weeks and didn't have any problems. Yeah I was shattered but it was nice to be away from home and doing something different. Just factor in lots of breaks/refreshments and take your notes. One of my best friends came to my wedding (2 nights away from home) at 40+2, now that's hardcore

[Beangarda]

I was living in London when I had my son, and I spent the four weeks I had on maternity leave before he was born waddling running around town on public transport going to every possible play, opera, gallery without problems. Don't over schedule yourself, as you may be tireder than I was as a Londoner who was used to the place and the pace. I certainly wouldn't cancel if you don't want to. I really value the memories and experiences of those last few weeks of music and plays before my life exploded!

[Gunpowder]

When you are super visibly pregnant (32 wks plus) even grumpy commuter Londoners are nice to you and offer a seat IME. (Does not always happen before this point!) Just take your notes, there are big teaching hospitals everywhere so you are in a great place if you need to go in urgently.

I went away for the weekend (6 hour drive) when I was 38 weeks pregnant, it was great, I had loads of energy and was really pleased I'd made the most of the last weeks. Obviously every pregnancy is different but the only thing I found tricky was the journey.

[PenguinsandtheTantrumofDoom]

I don't see an issue with London, but four hours from home is quite far if your first was early. For peace of mind I would make sure you know how to get to the various hospitals.

[beebop100]

I went recently at 37 weeks - was okay, even with xmas crowds. Definitely got tired at times but just sat down when I needed to.