Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Pregnancy

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

Travelling over Christmas

13 replies

Hayls · 18/12/2003 15:45

Hi, hope somebody can offer me some advice or reassurance!! I'm just over 34 weeks and was told yesterday that the baby's head was 3/5 engaged. Last night I suddenly developed horrible lower abdominal pains and after a couple of hours went to hospital. They put me on the monitor and everything was fine with baby but my urine sample showed up an infection, for which they gave me antibiotics. I was checked over by the doctor who measured my bump and said that he thought it should be bigger than it was (30cm)and suggested I have a growth scan. I was in a state about this and had the scan first thing this morning- it showed that baby was OK. The measurements gave average gestation of 33+6, 34+6 and 36+4, with estimated weight of 2.5kg. Although I was reassured by this, I'm now really worried that these figures combined with the engagement means that baby might come early. I've also had quite a lot of quite thick (not smelly or itchy) darkish discharge. THe problem is that we're planning on going to our families for Christmas- 400 miles away! Does it look like this baby might arrive early? And how advisable would it be to travel at this stage?
The hospital facilities there are not very good, as it would involve a boat trip and 45-60 mins drive. Has anybody else done anything like this? DH isn't sure if we should go but I'd love to see my family.

I'm still in a bit of pain from the infection but have taken antibiotics and paracetamol as well as loads of cranberry juice- does anybody have advice about this as well?
I don't ask much, do I?
TIA

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
TinselDragon · 18/12/2003 15:54

Ordinarily I'd say go and just take your notes with you but the long trek to the hospital would make me nervous too. Is it your first baby?

Northerner · 18/12/2003 15:59

Oh Hayls this is a tough one luvvie. I'd normally say go but the trek to the hospital should anything happen is a very long one. But I understand you really want to see your family. Have you asked your doctor/midwife for their thoughts?

twiglett · 18/12/2003 16:07

message withdrawn

SenoraPostrophe · 18/12/2003 16:33

I think I'd be inclined to stay put too - or maybe meet the family in a B&B nearer to a hospital?

But saying that, how long is the total journey time from where you are staying to the hospital? Does the boat run at night? Is there a midwife or doctor close by who you could call now and work out an emergency plan?

Babies can come any time from 36 weeks (so my midwife keeps telling me - I'm 36 weeks myself and not ready!! ) So definately make some kind of plan anyway. Hope you can sort something out - I love family Christmasses too.

Hayls · 18/12/2003 17:04

My mum had already spoken to the local practice and 'booked' me in with a midwife as I was due my 36 week check while there. The boat runs until about 11 pm and starts again at 6ish- the total journey would take about 1- 1/12 hours. THis is my first so I'm really nervous anyway.
I think my mum and dad and brother and sister would come to visit after Christmas (not for Xmas day tho)if we couldn't make it but dh's family couldn't. I spoke to a close aunt today and she said I should stay here and that all my family would understand but I feel I'd be depriving my dh of seeing his family- I told him to go without me but he wants to stay with me whatever I decide. Sorry to go on but I'm getting really worked up about it.
P.S And I've never cooked a Christmas dinner before!

OP posts:
twiglett · 18/12/2003 17:23

message withdrawn

TinselDragon · 18/12/2003 17:31

If the boat doesn't run all night and there's no alternative, I'd stay at home I'm afraid

SenoraPostrophe · 18/12/2003 17:34

Hayls if you don't feel comfortable about it then don't go.

do not cook christmas dinner though - it can be dangerous when you are heavily pregnant (that's what I've told dp anyway ) - get your dh to do it, or book a meal in a pub/hotel. It'll be your last chance to have a posh Christmas dinner in peace for a few years!

Hayls · 18/12/2003 17:41

Thanks for all your advice. There is a hospital where my mum stays but it doesn't have a maternity dept and if we're staying with dh's family we would be really close (about 20 mins from a hospital)There's also an alternative route without going by boat but it's about 80 miles longer.
Suppose i've realised I can't really go but am trying to justify reasons why it would be possible. dh syas we're staying here and he doesn't like Xmas dinner anyway but I know he'd like to go. If only I had a crystal ball... I'd really love to know when this baby is intending to come- does the fact that she's 3/5 engaged mean it'll be soon?

OP posts:
SenoraPostrophe · 18/12/2003 17:49

I think in first pregnancies the baby can be completely engaged a few weeks before birth (someone who knows more may correct me though).

Do you have any friends nearby who you could get together with for a special non-family Christmas? (and perhaps a chef)

Hayls · 18/12/2003 17:54

We don't really have any friends we could go to- have got some obviously but they will mostly be going to stay with their families. TBH most of my friends are still 400 miles away!
Thanks for listening to me, I really appreciate it. The thought of not seeing my family, who I'm incredibly close to at Xmas upsets me sooo much I get tearful thinking abou it. Doesn't look like there's much choice now though.

OP posts:
Crunchie · 19/12/2003 10:44

Yeah but Hayls just think of the amazing present you are going to be giving them this year In a few weeks time (once you are ready) perhaps you can make the journey then to show off the new arrival. Travvelling with a new born can be really easy if you are breast feeding

Stay home, relax, get pampered by DH and enjoy. Knowing babies however this one probably won't make an appearence until you are 2 weeks overdue!!

LIZS · 19/12/2003 11:22

Personally I'd stay put. A 400m journey would be tiring and uncomfortable for you anyway and I'd feel really nervous at the prospect of having to rush around in unfamiliar systems and hospitals, let alone with transport complications, should anything happen. Your families will probably appreciate it more if you take the trouble to visit with their grandchild and can still spoil you then too.

Why not plan a quiet but indulgent Christmas Day -perhaps with one of those M and S style fool- proof turkey breast joints. Spend loads of time on the phone and relax. It is hard feeling so isolated from family and friends, especially at Christmas, but it will probably be the last opportunity you will have to enjoy time as a couple for a while.

Hope it all goes well,

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread