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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

How far would you travel from home in week 38?

27 replies

Spaghettinetti · 16/04/2014 15:45

I'm 37 weeks and know I've got to have an C-section at week 39. I've been having lots of BHs and other pains and am a bit worried about going too far from home, but we have a family event at the weekend and I don't know whether to go or try and back out...I know what is rather do, but feel is be letting others down...

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goodbyeyellowbrickroad · 16/04/2014 15:54

I travelled 100 miles for a wedding when I was 38 weeks. Was first baby and no Braxton Hicks. Took notes and hospital bag with me just in case. I'd say if you're not comfortable being far away from home then don't go.

TeenageMutantNinjaTurtle · 16/04/2014 15:57

How far away is it and is this your first baby? First baby, I'd probably be happy to go several hours from home, subsequent babies, I'd probably want to be within an hour or so of home/hospital.

peeapod · 16/04/2014 15:59

I have been told to slow down and im at 36 weeks and booked in at 39 weeks for an elective C section. Personally I would be more concerned about your physical ability to attend and participate (as in youl be plonked in the corner and be throughly bored) more than going into labour early..

ToriaPumpkin · 16/04/2014 16:30

I'm going away this weekend for a friend's 40th 120 miles away. I'll be 38 weeks on Sunday and I'm going in for a sweep on Monday then an induction if that doesn't work. My consultant said to take my notes and bag but has no problems with me going and I know the local maternity hospital as my best friend had a baby there in December.

ToriaPumpkin · 16/04/2014 16:31

This is my second fwiw, DS is spending the weekend with his grandparents.

Original poster

Spaghettinetti · 16/04/2014 18:20

Thanks for your advice ladies. This is my first, it's just the fact that I know I need to have a Caesarian... I think I'm scared that baby will try to make an appearance and that we'll get 'stuck' on the motorway or something. I think the bottom line is that I'd rather stay at home, but feel I'd be letting DH down... And I don't want him to leave me here and go on his own either! At the end of the day, I'm just being selfish, I guess...

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GingerRodgers · 16/04/2014 20:33

We did a round trip of about 150 miles when I went into labour.
It was first baby and I was in denial that it was happening even with regular contractions the whole journey but dd wasn't born for ages after. It was a looooong labour!
It depends, If you don't feel comfortable with it don't do it.
I didn't take a thing with me on that trip, no notes, no bag, no car seat... Looking back I can't believe I did it but nothing bad happened thank god!

alita7 · 16/04/2014 20:40

How important is the event?

Could you go and show your face for a few hours and then leave so that your in the car and home asap?

I'm sure people will understand if you're too worried to go, I probably would be- especially as if you have to have a caesarean and you really can not risk a vaginal birth you really don't want to risk being in a traffic jam after all there's nothing to say you won't go into labour on the way there and end up in an 8 hour tail back...
If they're really not understanding people then call on the day and say you think you might be in labour.

Mintyy · 16/04/2014 20:44

Why are you having a sweep at 38 weeks Toria?

I was 38 weeks at a Christmas and travelled 1 hour from home for Christmas day and Boxing day (only 15 miles but London miles iykwim). I didn't really fancy being further away than that.

PenguinsLoveFishFingers · 16/04/2014 21:14

How far away is it? You've not answered that bit have you?

Bit different if we are talking 20 minutes down the road to if we are talking a five hour drive!

AmandinePoulain · 16/04/2014 21:17

I was booked for a cs at 39 weeks.

Went into labour at 37+3

I wouldn't risk it! (Although if you do the same as me you'll have a good excuse )

Universal · 16/04/2014 21:21

Put your pjs on. Feet up. Make a cup of tea. Watch terrible programmes.
Unles this event is unmissable just snuggle up and wait for your baby. Congratulations.

rubyflipper · 16/04/2014 21:21

I had to go to a funeral 200 miles away from home when I was 38 weeks pregnant. I took my notes and hospital bag with me

madwomanbackintheattic · 16/04/2014 21:22

About a four/ five hour drive from home for a two week holiday (it was Christmas/ new year). I took all the baby stuff in case, and knew where the hospital was. I even called them once, as I had a show and had been breathing through contractions for a week. They were quite happy and just told me to come in if I needed to.

It was vbac1 after elcs, and I knew there was likely to be a high level of intervention. I got back about noon, and my waters broke at 6am the following morning. All good.

rallytog1 · 17/04/2014 12:43

To be honest, I would go. It could be the last party you can easily go to for a while! Just take your notes, hospital bag, and details of the hospital local to where you will be.

BlanketSky · 17/04/2014 17:01

I'm in a similar situation but have decided we are not going (~2hrs away, I will be 38w, amd 37w now). This is my 2nd, and my elcs is for medical reasons after my first birth so I do not want to risk having to go to a different hospital where they don't know my history, have my full notes etc. I also had ptsd and want to be at the same hospital as last time as I need to be in control of whatever happens.

What's the reason for your elcs? If this were my first I probably would go with notes/bag etc. Also many first timers go overdue, and/or have long labours so you'd probably be ok :)

Original poster

Spaghettinetti · 17/04/2014 17:22

Thanks Blanket, my ELCS is mainly because my baby is breech. There are other factors too, such as high BP. As I've been having pains, I'm just worried I'll be caught out. The destination is an hour and a half away, so not too far...but I'd still rather not go, especially as some walking will be involved and every time I step out the door I start getting Braxton hicks...Certain family members aren't very sympathetic anyway and won't make concessions for me...seeing me as a Prima Donna if I ask for a taxi, or decline a salad or ask to know whether something contains raw egg...

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rallytog1 · 17/04/2014 18:50

At 37 weeks there is very little damage that can be done by a salad or egg! But I guess when you've got this far it can feel better to stay on that track :)

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Original poster

Spaghettinetti · 17/04/2014 19:12

I know rally, I'm just making the point that some of them aren't very understanding about how I might think or feel... So It doesn't really inspire me to want to go...They've been like it throughout my pregnancy. I'm made to feel like a spoilt brat no matter what I do and I could do without going... I guess I wanted people to tell me it was a bad idea so that I had some 'proof' to give to DH and could persuade him that it was 'best' to stay at home. I'm being a cow, but some of these people make me feel like utter crap and I could just do without it now. All of your advice is much appreciated though...I anticipate I'll be going...I will take my bag and notes and I will smile as sweetly as I can...

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Original poster

Spaghettinetti · 17/04/2014 19:15

Don't get me wrong... My original post is true. I am having BHs and I am worried about going into labour on the motorway...

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MrsWombat · 17/04/2014 20:24

Tell them the midwife said it was a bad idea as you are at risk of going in to labour early.

Can DH go by himself just for a couple of hours? No drinking obviously, in case he gets "the call".

MoominAndMiniMoom · 20/04/2014 00:50

was supposed to be going two hours away this weekend (38 weeks)... glad we cancelled in hindsight as I quickly developed early symptoms of pre eclampsia and had my baby last week. don't be afraid to say no, and if you do travel, take notes and hospital bag!!

Original poster

Spaghettinetti · 30/04/2014 14:23

Well, I didn't end up going in the end. I went into early labour the day before and gave birth (via emergency c section) in the early hours if the morning! I guess the baby decided in the end! :-) xxx

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Trooperslane · 30/04/2014 14:27

Congrats OP. Hope you're enjoying the new born snuggles

Original poster

Spaghettinetti · 30/04/2014 14:28

I am indeed and consider myself so lucky to have such a beautiful little girl! Xx :-)

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