DH going abroad for work at 36 weeks

[rainand]

Hi,

My DH is planning to go abroad for work when ill be 36 weeks (for a week). He obviously asked me 1st and I told him to go ahead with it, it should be fine (everyone always says the 1st baby is usually late and plus I'm working till 36 weeks anyways).

However, I don't feel too sure now. I don't have any family around me (they are 4 hours away) so if I went into labour I'd be alone, which I don't mind, I think I'd manage fine on my own. However it is my 1st and I know my family would freak out if they found out I went all alone (but of course no need to tell them until its done!)

I'm just wondering whether anyone else has been in this situation and what you would advise? Also has anyone ever taken a taxi into hospital? As in would I be able to get into a taxi with my dignity in tact? Lol.

Obviously once the baby is born he'd be on the next flight back and loads of family will pop round to help etc.

The chances of you going into labour that early, especially with your first, is extremely unlikely. I'd discuss your fears with him, but at the end of the day it's his job and he may well have to do it now that he has committed to it.

I would book yourself a hair appointment (lots of photos coming up soon), go to the cinema by yourself, go out - just keep yourself active and busy.

Try not to worry too much! My husband is in the army and has been away on and off for the last month (all of last week and is away again now) and I'm 37 weeks. It's very unlikely your baby will come early, take the opportunity to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet lol. You'll miss him, so keep busy! But don't stress about baby coming early, stress won't help! Xx

I am 34 wks with my second & DH has just gone away with work to Tanzania where he will be 2-3 days travel away for the next 3 wks! I totally feel your pain & hear your nerves!!

I'm just doing my best to survive with a v energetic toddler alone for 3 wks & am hoping if baby comes early that I can find someone to look after DD whilst I get myself to hospital until my family arrive (4 hrs drive away also).

The chances of baby coming early are quite slim but I still total empathise with the worrying!

Thank you everyone for your support and re-assurance! :-)

I'm in a very similar boat - he's going to a close friend's wedding in Sardinia when I'm 36 weeks. My mum lives nearly 5 hours away, but I've decided to go and stay with her for the week anyway just in case. I figured I'd rather go into labour in a different town with my mum there than on my own! It makes sense in my circumstances, and I don't have any close friends near where I live so I'd really be on my own if I stayed here. I'm more worried about being bored and lonely than the risk of early labour!

DS was born unexpectedly early when DH was away on a work trip (I had certain pregnancy issues that put me at higher risk of early labour)
The staff at the hospital were all lovely and supportive.

I'd advise making sure you've planned for what you'll do if you do go into labour before your DH is back.

i.e. make sure your hospital bag is fully packed so you can just grab it and go.
Have telephone numbers of local taxi firms programmed into phone.
Have contact numbers for DH when he's abroad programmed into phone so you can get through to him from the hospital.

Also, I managed the trip to hospital in my mum's car with my dignity intact, so I'm sure it's possible in a taxi. Chances are your DH will be home before you go into labour anyway, so try not to worry about it.

Hi
My DH was working away on weekdays when I was 34-39 weeks. He was an overnight plane ride away. We figured that baby was unlikely to arrive early and if I did go into labour he would probably have got back in time for the birth.
We also hired a doula to support us at the birth & I was happy for it to be just her if the unexpected happened.
In the end LO was born at 40 weeks so DH was there!
Good luck. You will be fine! If you are worried talk it through with him and see if you can find a good mate to be on stand by. Only you can birth your baby anyway but it is nice to have someone to talk to in labour