Driving...

[Ellarose85]

Did or have any of you given up driving at the end of your pregnancy?

With DS I drove right up until the day he was born but this time around I'm 35 weeks and really struggling to drive. I live in a rural location with no way of getting to my midwife appointments without a car.

Does anyone have any tips for making driving easier or would it be wiser just to give it up until baby arrives?

[DesignedForLife]

I drove up until DD was born. I think it makes a huge difference what car you have. I'm 33 weeks and can't drive my own car very easily, but can drive DH's no problem. What is it that you are struggling with?

[Pootles2010]

Talk to your midwife - if its just your appointments, tell them you're struggling to drive to them! I wonder if they'd come & visit you, I know they do once babys born so don't see why not.

[cheekstime]

I was told to place a cushion on car seat to keep bump forward but depending on steering wheel. I found I still dont touch it late in pregnancy but some people do and thats obviously not safe or good for bubs. Goodluck like someone else said could MW come to you!? it makes sense spech in rural location

[BeauticianNotMagician81]

I'm struggling we have a ford galaxy. I'm short and need to pull my seat forward. The steering wheel is digging my bump. I've pretty much given up and I'm walking miles which is a nightmare at 37 weeks.

[Ellarose85]

Thanks all for your replies.

My car isn't practical at all, it's sporty, low and has bucket seats! (It is being replaced ASAP!) I can't lean forward to see to pull out at junctions and look over my shoulder etc so I don't feel safe.

I didn't think about the midwife being able to come to me, I'm seeing her tomorrow so will mention it to her and see what she says.

[Lamaitresse]

We have a car like that Ella, and it was impossible for me to drive it for the last six weeks or so - it felt so uncomfortable & as you say I couldn't lean forward or even get in and out easily.
How fast can you change the car? I made my husband use the two seater & I used the sensible car - so much easier & was driving right up until the evening before dd arrived.
Good luck and hope you get it sorted asap!

[Ellarose85]

We are tied into a deal with it until the end of Aug before we can hand it back.

MIL has a big 4x4 which she has I can use when the baby arrives and she will use mine. I might ask if it's possible to use it for these last few weeks!

[Shelby1981]

I'm struggling and I drive a Fiesta so it's not low or sporty lol! I'm 36 weeks, I feel like I'm being folded in half when driving and can't breathe, I get cramp in my swollen ankles and pain in my wrists (carpal tunnel) I'm pretty much not driving anywhere, only to midwife appointments if DH isn't able to come. Even that I've said to him I might have to stop driving altogether soon, so he's said he'll take me from now on.

[ChatterNatterer]

I have a BMW Z4 and am 25 weeks - getting in feels like a big drop down and I have to throw myself out but it's not painful or uncomfortable. We're looking to give it up which I am gutted about but can't imagine being to drive it up to birth! Going to swap for a higher up larger car sob