Can someone please give me a slap and tell me to stop being stupid...

[blushingmare]

Sorry but bit of a nervous first timer post coming up!

We're due to go away for two nights to my PIL's next weekend when I'm 36+6. They live about 3 hours drive from home. I just can't stop worrying about going into labour!! I know it's unlikely, but I still am really anxious about it. DH is just v laid back generally and says its v unlikely to happen and even if it did, "they do have hospitals up there...!". But I really really don't want to be in labour at my PIL's house!

I don't feel we can back out of it at this stage as its been arranged for ages, I know it would piss everyone off and know I'm being pathetic and irrational. So can you just tell me to pull myself together please .....

No you don't need to pull yourself together, you're worried and that's perfectly fine!

I doubt very much if anything will happen, especially if it's your first baby. But take your notes/bag with you. And if something did happen then you;ll have plenty of time to get home

Well this is what I was wondering McPhee... If I did start having contractions, would it be sensible to just get in the car and drive home? That's what I'd much rather do, but don't want to risk having a baby on the motorway. Or, more likely vomiting and having the runs for three hours in the car!

I'd come straight home, if it were me. I'm pretty sure you'll have plenty of time. Does your DH know your worried?

Yeah that's what I'd much prefer to do too. He sort of knows, but is just being the laid back voice of reason, which is just pissing me off in my hormonal state ! Don't think he realises I'm obsessing about it at 4 in the morning though....

Ok well first thing in the morning, the proper morning, not the stupid o'clock one. You need to have a proper talk with him. Tell him exactly why you're worried. Is there no way FIL can come to you instead?

Yeah we will have a chat, although I'm not expecting to not go! It's a family party for their wedding anniversary and lots of of people have been working hard on getting everything ready etc, so obviously I'd never spoil that for them. I just need to be a bit less stressy

I wouldn't recommend driving home if you start getting contractions. I had a very quick labour with my first child and was glad I went to the hospital straightaway when my waters broke. Three hours is a long time to have the stress of being in pain and not being seen by a medical professional and not knowing how far along you are. It might help ease your anxiety if you feel you are prepared if it does happen. Take your hospital bag and notes and ask hubbie if you can do a trial run to their local hospital when you get there so you feel a bit more familiar with the place and know how to get there and how long the journey time is. Perhaps make sure your family have the phone number of that hospital too in case you do need to go in. It's normal to feel anxious at this stage where the baby could come any day. I didn't want to go too far from home either just in case but some things are unavoidable I guess. Whatever happens you will be fine just make sure you feel as prepared as you can be and get plenty of rest after all that travelling as you will be feeling more tired at this stage. Don't overdo things just to keep others happy! Good luck xx

Don't worry about feeling silly, it's perfectly natural to be concerned. One of mt best friends is getting married when I will be 38 weeks & it's going to be over a 2hr drive away. I'm freaking ut a bit myself (only 18 weeks at the mo!). Good to know there's someone else who appreciates this concern as well!