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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Has anyone went to a music festival while pregnant?

38 replies

SchrodingersMew · 23/06/2011 12:02

If so, was it okay? Was there anything you done to make yourself more comfortable?

I am thinking of going to a festival this year. Being told it's a bad idea from many people though.

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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tigana · 23/06/2011 12:06

I did. I was, um, about 8 months. I didn't sleep over though as it was close enough to drive home each night (would have stayed if it weren't for animal-related responsibilities at home).
I was fine. Bit of bump ache from standing for so long. Also some beer-envy .
Take extra pillows for sleeping comfort ( for between knees/under hips etc).

foxter · 23/06/2011 12:12

I went to Glastonbury when I was 5 and a half months pregnant, and saw some very heavily pregnant women there. We borrowed a caravan though, as I refused to sleep in a tent (which was what we normally did).

I was nervous before going because I 'd never been to a festival and stayed sober before, and I normally like to dance in the mosh pit. However, I really enjoyed it as I saw a completely different side to it. I spent a lot of time watching the comedy and other acts, and a he'll of a lot of time working my way through the food stalls!

The biggest problem for me was that it rained (surprise, surprise) meaning that I couldn't sit down.... Until I gave in and just sat in the mud. So maybe take a chair? I didn't because I thought it was uncool, but I wish I had!

Original poster

SchrodingersMew · 23/06/2011 12:15

Thanks people. Normally I love festivals, I went to 4 last year and it was killing me knowing I can't really go this year.. But I think I will.

I just thought I would be looked at as a bad Mother and careless. :(

It would be a long drive though as it would be Sonisphere. I will be around 7 months. Went there last year though and stayed sober and it was the best festival I went to. :)

Luckily though, I will be able to get the disabled section so better toilets. :o

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Original poster

SchrodingersMew · 23/06/2011 12:16

Also, will load up on she pees :o

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DitaVonCheese · 23/06/2011 12:22

I went to Glastonbury at 28 weeks pregnant and was absolutely fine - only issues were getting shoved a bit because people didn't always notice my bump and getting heat rash on my arms because I didn't realise being pg made me unusually sensitive to the sun. We also camped offsite to save us carrying much (camped where we could park next to our tent) though that did mean a lot of walking. Slept brilliantly though - we took an inflatable mattress but could only half inflate it so I kind of lay in it, supported from all sides like a hammock - was amazing!

Went back the following year with 9 month old DD :)

Was kind of wishing we were there this year (at 36 weeks pregnant) until SPD kicked in yesterday so now very relieved that we don't have tickets.

wobblyweeble82 · 23/06/2011 12:23

I did Glasto a few years back about 6 months pregnant and it was lovely :) Everybody was soooo kind and considerate and the comradery you normally experience in these places was tenfold ... Strangers came up to me with ice lollies, people let me queue jump the loo queue, I even got a lift across site in a wheelbarrow contraption thing froma very dashing old hippy :) And, reassuringly, there are midwives available if I'd needed. Just familiarise yourself with where the first aid tents are or help points etc and you'll be fine. Invest in a recliner camping chair too so you can elevate your trotters if they swell when you're back at camp. I also took incontinence pants Hanging but fab! I've a 5 week old this year and no Glasto for us for the first time in eons... Was envious until I saw the quagmire of mud

Anyhow, Oooh go and have a ball :)

msbuggywinkle · 23/06/2011 12:25

Done a few while pregnant and with newborns (and up) it has always been fine. I just make sure I have more water than usual, more pillows and where the toilets are!

eurochick · 23/06/2011 12:28

A friend did Reading when about 8 months, but did book a hotel rather than camp. She mentioned that everyone was really great when they saw her bump, making sure she had enough space. They did take a folding chair for her so she didn't have to get down to the ground every time she wanted a sit down!

SelinaDoula · 23/06/2011 12:33

I was at Bearded theory this year at 29 eeks.
It was fine, took an inflatable bed. Also a pregnancy support belt was good in the evening to avoid bump ache when dancing.
I was tired by the sunday though and went and had a lie down in theafternoon for a couple of hours!

SindyTellsMe · 23/06/2011 12:34

Yes, at 5 months pregnant, although I had VIP tickets so I had a shower every day, decent toilets, and sit-down meals with cutlery etc.

A few things were still annoying - it was incredibly sunny and there was precious little shade away from the tent. Also, the VIP camping was a bit of a party area and I got very little sleep, which made me grumpy.

I am glad I went thought and always enjoy telling DD "You heard this band when you were in my tummy!"

Original poster

SchrodingersMew · 23/06/2011 12:37

Ohhh, I think I am very tempted to go now! :o

Thank you for all the replies, you have cheered me up knowing there's still hope for a festival!!

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MamaChoo · 23/06/2011 12:54

I am going to camp bestival, 6 months pregnant and three year old. My main concerns are food hygiene, i will be a bit more picky than usual about what i eat and being too hot, so i will take lots of that compressed cooling spray. Obviously CB is a very family oriented festival, so pregnant women are not uncommon there.

Original poster

SchrodingersMew · 23/06/2011 13:04

Mama Just had a look at Bestival. Maybe that would be a better option and it looks pretty good. :o

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saladfingers · 23/06/2011 13:07

Definately take a chair!

Original poster

SchrodingersMew · 23/06/2011 13:09

I love Salad Fingers!!! And I will definitely take a chair. :o

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soupmaker · 23/06/2011 13:40

I went to the Connect Festival in Scotland when 5 months pregnant with DD. We camped but in pod thing (like a wee garden shed) so there was a blow up bed, cost us a fortune but was worth it. It was the first year of the festival, and it was all a bit of a shambles (and muddy) in the camping area so I wasn't anywhere near toilets. Take blankets and extra pillows and something to pee in overnight. Chair is a must. I didn't look very pregnant so kept well away from rowdy, drunk crowds who were barging about. Thankfully the food was fantastic - it was a 'boutique' festival - and there were areas to chill out and relax. DD, 3, still doesn't like the Jesus and Mary Chain or the Beastie Boys!

Original poster

SchrodingersMew · 23/06/2011 13:45

I haven't heard of that festival Soup, I am in Scotland so might look into it. I'm just desperate to get away anywhere and love festivals. :)

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KatyN · 23/06/2011 16:47

my mum did.. and I'm here to tell the tale!!! I think I went to one at 8 months (inside). Couldn't tell you which it was.. and it was 34 years ago!

Original poster

SchrodingersMew · 23/06/2011 16:48

Very interesting to hear from someone who actually went to a festival before they were born!! That's impressive to me. :o

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YBR · 23/06/2011 17:36

Am going to Greenbelt festival this summer, I'll be about 23 weeks. It hadn't really occurred to me not to, as we had tickets before we knew ... I am making some concessions: we have just upgraded our tent and I plan to use a camp bed rather than just a karimat.

I know from experience that Greenbelt is generally populated by polite and considerate people and I've generally found it well provided with loos and all that, otherwise I might have changed my mind!

gothiccomper · 23/06/2011 17:41

no personal experience as such but at Sonisphere last year there were loads of families and expectant mums. I think there is something in the 'rules' to say you could be in the family camping section which is quieter!

Original poster

SchrodingersMew · 23/06/2011 17:44

gothic I was at Sonisphere last year, and it is after seeing all the families and people with babies that is making me want to go!

It was the only festival I was sober at and it was the best. :o

We were in the VIP camping though, so it was much quieter. Even had a playpark!

YBR As for the airbed...Whenever at a festival or camping with friends I always have people fighting to share my tent, apparently it's the "inflatable hotel", I use a 4 person double skinned pop up Quechua, double airbed and I fit a sheet, 2 sleeping bags, actual pillows and a duvet.... I guess I wouldn't really need to change my camping habits then!

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Tiredtrout · 23/06/2011 18:53

OOOOH Mamachoo, I'm going to Camp Bestival too. It's our third year and I love it

LAbaby · 23/06/2011 22:01

I went to Coachella in California at seven months. It was soooo hot, but I made sure to sit in the shade and drink lots of water, and was absolutely fine. I did get a couple of comments - from men of course - saying my wife wouldn't even go to a bar when she was pregnant... but I think Americans are generally more uptight about pregnancy anyway.
I loved being pregnant there, could feel the baby moving loads when the music was loud and when I was dancing.
But I think being pregnant at an English festival might be much nicer, I prefer them anyway - although glad not to be at Glastonbury this year!

Original poster

SchrodingersMew · 23/06/2011 22:38

LAbaby Ohh, I'm jealous. California! Hmmph :(

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