DH going away at 37 weeks

[blushingmare]

So DH has been offered a really good work opportunity which involves a long haul trip away for 4-5 days when I am 37 weeks..... Is this a good idea or not?!

I think I reacted really badly as am feeling tired and hormonal so played the "well if you're happy to miss the birth of your first child" card. But I don't want to be neurotic about it.

Anyone know the actual percentage chances of going into labour at 37 weeks with your first pregnancy?

My first as born at 37+3 and my second at 36, while it is less likely for your first it does happen. My biggest concern would be having back up, someone to take you to the hospital and support you, you say you have your mum which is good. If your bp is up closer to the time I would advise him to stay, that's what triggered mine off. At least you don't have any other children to juggle yet, that would be a definitely no no. My dh went skiing last week, I told him to go, it was only for 4 days, and that is when my crippling heartburn decided to start! I am only 26 wks but I have 2 dd's and i literally couldn't look after them for a day it was so painful. I had to get in-laws to come from an hour and a half away. I wouldn't want my dh to go away from this point onwards as I had PE on both previous pregnancies and i don't know what will happen. I would judge the situation again closer to the time, if you are feeling ok then you might feel a bit happier about it.

You are (both, but you more than him realistically) facing into a long period (measured in years, and varying depending on how many DCs you go on to have) where you will have to miss opportunities because if responsibilities at home.

You need to weigh the importance of the opportunity, both professionally and personally for him, against the chance that him being away at 37 weeks will present a problem. And when you do, bear in mind that life is about to get a lot more complicated. It won't necessarily be easier for him to take up a chance like this once the baby is here, even if it does come up again.

Also, if he's like my DH, he won't be seeing the risks you are seeing, because the whole thing is an abstract concept rather than a daily biological reality :)

If you really, really need him with you, then don't be afraid to ask for that. If he's a good guy he'll put his pregnant wife's feelings in late pregnancy first, even if he doesn't understand them.

Don't feel sad that he doesn't feel the same way as you do. How could he, really?

I guess what you really want is for this never to have come up as a possibility, so there would be no decision :)

It is stressful trying to make plans when you are facing into the completely unknown.

Hiya,
My DH is freelance and was offered two jobs in France around 39 weeks, both of which he turned down - and DD wasn't born till 42 weeks! Naughty little sausage! We said we'd take the money he lost out of her allowance .
This time I'm thinking of saying OK to anything up to my due date but not later as long as it's not further than France.
If your DH does go away, just be aware you might be really tired and life is dull when you haven't got the energy to do stuff sp you might want to invite someone to stay to cheer you up

My partner is going abroad for a week when I am 36 weeks pregnant. My first baby was late, as was my all my sisters and my mums babies. So, I think I will be late again. Does your family has history of early/late labours?

My DH works overseas and will not be home until I am 37 weeks... I think that if staying at home does not really affect him work wise, it is better to say no and wait for the next one. A first baby is a once in a lifetime event and he would also be gutted to miss the birth I am sure.