Travelling whilst pregnant.

[iamgroucho]

Hi all,

I haven't been on here for a while since my partner miscarried a while ago, but pleased to say she is pregnant again now. Its early days but we are v happy.

Anyway, typically (because we didn't think it was happening) the due date falls 4 weeks after a friends wedding in Europe. So we were wondering if it is advisable to be travelling across Europe in any capacity so heavily pregnant?

We desperately want to attend the wedding but realize it could be tricky. We were thinking of driving down and then getting the train back and avoiding flying and the ferry altogether.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Dan

I think it would be fine so long as you check your carrier's policy. Airlines are the obvious one with most requiring a fit to fly note signed by a doctor after 28 weeks, but I also know someone who was asked for a fit to travel note while boarding a ferry when heavily pregnant.

And obviously get decent insurance.

At 36 weeks I personally would have been fine to travel but many others would find it too uncomfortable so could you leave the booking until further along in the pregnancy so you can assess how your OH would manage?

It may be hard or even impossible to get travel insurance, and if she did fall ill or have any complications at that point she may be required to stay in the foreign country for delivery and weeks afterwards.

I travelled a lot throughout pregnancy until about 32 weeks and generally found it very manageable (people are so helpful when you're really showing!), but would be very reluctant to travel this late. That said, plenty of people do - if you do go ahead, just be sure to check on policies and carry health details etc with you just in case.

My doctor also suggested high-end compression stockings for long drives and for flights after 20 weeks, they are stronger than the ones you can buy in usual pharmacies - your GP should be able to write a prescription.

It would be 100% feasible as long as you have good insurance, her medical notes, hospital bag and baby things eg. car seat (probably wouldn't be able to get the train back with baby!). It would also depend on how your OH is feeling at the time. I'm 34 weeks now and can't be in the car longer than 30 mins at a time due to how uncomfortable I am!

I'd plan to wait and see how she's feeling nearer the time - if asked in early pregnancy I'd have said yes but by that stage with DS I was struggling with sitting down for long periods because of my back, frequent Braxton Hicks convincing me labour was imminent, I know I wouldn't have enjoyed myself. Also agree re travel insurance, you need a policy that will cover both your wife and the baby.

If the couple getting married can be told "we will have to let you know nearer the time" then I'd do that. If they have to know soon, I'd have to decline. Bear in mind that if you agree to go, then you may end up cancelling anyway.

For me it would depend where in Europe. Are there good hospitals there in case she does go into labour? Any near the wedding venue? Does she speak the local language or do the locals tend to speak English? E.g. I'd happily give birth in Switzerland, Germany, Benelux, France, Scandinavia but not so much in e.g. Spain (after living there and experiencing the health system).

I agree with others - make sure you get very good travel insurance (don't go near anything underwritten by UK Insurance). Also be prepared to cancel the whole thing if your partner is not up for it at the time -and don't put her under any pressure to go.

Thanks for all the opinions and tips, they are hugely appreciated.

We are going to Italy, within an hours drive of a city (Pisa). My partner will be 35 weeks pregnant when we go and the idea was to go for a week, so obviously she would be 36 weeks when we are due to leave.

I'm 26 weeks, and do a lot of train travel for work. I have to say I find it quite challenging sitting still for so long. I get back and rib pains. I'm planning my last work trip abroad (by train) at 30 weeks and have no intention of travelling long journeys after that.

Having said that, your partner may feel fine! and having a week's break might do her good.

I wouldn't have enjoyed that. Got uncomfortable (back and rib pains like eeyore above) on journeys ie one-two hours. You are prob talking a full day plus of sitting in train or car? also, baby could arrive while you are there! Can you wait and see how your partner feels nearer time before booking anything? maybe the bride and groom will be understanding, find out from them when the latest time you can confirm is.

mine you, I travelled to and back from the south of France by train at 15 weeks. Long train journey + morning sickness = misery. I think is take the pain and lack of comfort in hindsight!