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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Weekend away in Europe at 32 weeks

19 replies

whiterose2011 · 18/04/2013 16:48

How sensible is this? My DH has to attend an event in Brussels and wants me to come with him (just to be clear, he isn't pressuring me, just wants me to be with him). The flight isn't going to be too long (90 mins max) but I'm wondering how I'll feel at that stage? The event is outside so it'll probably mean crowds and quite a bit of standing up. Would this have been your worst nightmare at that stage of your pregnancy? I'd like to go along and support him but wonder if its just best to rest up at home? Thanks

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fedupwithdeployment · 18/04/2013 16:56

I would go. I flew to the US at about 35 weeks, and went to Lille by car and ferry at 37 weeks (that was a bit uncomfy as it was a long drive), and was absolutely fine. I took my travel docs and insurance just in case. In terms of events, with DS2 I had to go to a do at Buckingham Palace at 37 weeks (long story but dates weren't shiftable) which involved a bit of standing about and hanging around. Everyone was very solicitous though and I had a great time!

It depends on how you will feel at the time, but if everything is fine now, 32 weeks should be no problem. Make sure your midwife or dr signs you ok to fly.

Cavort · 18/04/2013 21:07

Not quite 32 weeks but I have just returned from Spain at 30 weeks and I was fine.

The only bad thing about it was parting with £31 for my GP to spend 2 seconds signing a Fit to Fly certificate so I could go. If I had needed a consultation before he signed it would have been another £118 but luckily I haven't had any issues so he took my MW's word for it that I was fine to fly.

jkklpu · 18/04/2013 21:12

I certainly wouldn't have wanted to hang around standing up for a long time, especially standing in one place (going for a walk is different) by then in any of 3 pregnancies. If you do go, make sure your travel insurance covers you in case you do go into labour while you're away, including for travelling back home with a neonate. You don't want to be stranded with a potential bill of many thousands.
Where do you live? Could you go by Eurostar instead of flying?

Littlemissexpecting · 19/04/2013 00:04

I'm 31 weeks and I wouldn't manage it. Sitting on the flight would be uncomfortable enough but then standing/hanging around no thanks. You should be starting to take it easy by that stage

fibrecruncher · 19/04/2013 00:11

We have a holiday booked for 2 weeks starting when I'm 30 wks. I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be ok. We seriously need a holiday but it was the soonest we could both make it. I think the trip sounds ok for you, but the event - outside, with crowds... ick. As long as it comes with pampering and treats after maybe it would be ok. Do you need to stay for the whole time? Perhaps you could just do a bit of it.

ilovevenice · 19/04/2013 00:30

It would probably be fine, but do be careful about insurance. I travelled at 34 weeks to Italy for a family wedding, and got special insurance to travel after 28 weeks. I actually got back to the UK, but then spontaneously went into labour 4 days later and had DS1, so it was quite close! From memory the insurance covered things like the delivery with more options on anaesthetics etc than always offered under a EHIC card, paying for emergency accommodation for my DH (and me if baby had to go into special care), flying us both back as jkklpu said etc. Relatively few standard travel insurance policies cover this after 28 weeks, so do check!

ButteryJam · 19/04/2013 00:46

I would go. I'm 34 weeks and would be more than happy to have a holiday. The only thing is standing up for too long - can you sit somewhere or rest in the hotel?

PotteringAlong · 19/04/2013 00:49

I would go but I agree about insurance - get proper cover in case you go into labour. Remember your health insurance won't cover the baby so get some got them just incase!

Simian0 · 19/04/2013 07:26

You should be fine. I've flown to both US and Italy during this pregnancy (Italy at about 33 weeks). Just remember to take your notes with you and a letter from your GP to say you're fit to fly. Most airlines are fine with preggo women up to 36 weeks.

May even be able to blag an upgrade if you look suitably pregnant. Unfortunately I've carried quite small during mine so didn't get upgraded.

I'd take comfortable shoes too by the sounds of it and don't feel obliged to stand for too long. You're pregnant, everyone will anticipate you needing to sit down. Don't refuse if you want/need to. Enjoy!

EuroShaggleton · 19/04/2013 07:46

Can you go by Eurostar? It's less cramped and there's more scope to move around if you want to.

Original poster

whiterose2011 · 19/04/2013 07:57

Gosh, so much to think about!! We can't really go by Eurostar as we live up north and would need to take a train to London first. Seems easier to get a 90 minute flight I think.

I never even thought about travel insurance and whether it covers a baby! A big part of me thinks that standing up, outside for a few hours is going to be rubbish! Will keep pondering my options but thanks for all your thoughts. V helpful! Xx

OP posts:

featherbag · 19/04/2013 08:04

I wouldn't, but then I went into labour at 32 weeks with no warning and gave birth after a stupidly fast labour. If we hadn't been next to the neonatal unit DS wouldn't have made it as he was born so quickly there was no time to give steroids and he had to be ventilated for a while. I remember saying to DH a few days later how grateful I was that the hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of care DS received wouldn't be billed to us on discharge!

ng1412 · 19/04/2013 08:49

I went on a break for a few days when I was 34 weeks pregnant with DD. It was no problem, I got a letter from my midwife at no cost and they didnt even ask for it!

I did get to board first which was useful.

You will be fine! I say go for it and enjoy the break before the chaos starts!

googietheegg · 19/04/2013 08:51

I wouldn't do this, especially as the event doesn't really sound worth it. Can you and Dh have a spa weekend together somewhere closer another time?

Weegiemum · 19/04/2013 08:54

I went to Barcelona at 33 weeks with ds (left dd1 with grandparents).

The travelling was fine. But the walking .......! I know the location of every public toilet in the city and I think we only went 200yds from the hotel all weekend! And I couldn't drink either!!!

It's doable and I really appreciated the good weather (we had lunch outside twice in November!) but liked it better when we went back when I wasn't pregnant and could actually do stuff!

fibrecruncher · 20/04/2013 17:55

Oooh weegiemum, I'll have to exchange notes with you. We're going to Barcelona too when I'll be 30 wks. Any places you'd recommend with nearby loos? :)

RugBugs · 20/04/2013 22:46

I'm just back from Brussels and goodness me it's no fun when pg.
So many lovely beers and cheeses that I just couldn't eat!
We flew from Manchester and the flight is only 70mins, so really not bad.

Sunflower1985 · 20/04/2013 22:53

Happy this thread came up as i've just today booked flights to see a friend in germany for when i'll be 31 weeks. my gp said it would be no problem to get a letter, but it's good advice about the extra insurance - thank you.

badguider · 20/04/2013 22:54

There was a situation in the news recently with a premature baby born in Spain who needed lots of healthcare and the mothers insurance only covered her and not the baby once it was born. Baby was too ill to travel so it was very expensive.
Check your insurance covers the baby too if it was born abroad!

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