6hr drive & week long Yorkshire break @ 36 weeks?

[jemimastar]

hi ladies
We've booked to stay at a lovely cottage we've stayed at before in the dales next Easter. Originally I booked 5 weeks before due date, but I want to push it back 1 week so I can go a week longer at work before mat leave.
So I'd be exactly 4 weeks before due date on way there, and 3 weeks by time we get back.
It's London-Yorkshire so 5/6 hours drive...but DH would drive and we have a comfy car/heated seats etc and I love a long drive! I've - touch wood- had a relatively easy pregnancy this time, and also last time with DS 2 years ago. He was born bang on my due date. I've checked and nearest hospital there would be 13 miles away.

Im chilled with going at that stage and looking forwards to it (my DM is also coming so her and DH will do a lot of looking after DS so I can relax) its so relaxing there surrounded by stunning countryside so I know it would be so good for me, but am I mad/silly to consider this? Thoughts welcome, thanks!

Sounds fine to me but maybe plan for decent amount of stops on journey as you may get uncomfy sat in the car for thst length of time.

May also be worth taking carseat and hospital bag just incase.

All is not totally idyllic in many parts of Yorkshire at the moment.

Worst case scenario is you go into labour early and at that gestation baby might need to stay in hospital a few days. If that happened at the end of your week your Dh might have to find a hotel to stay in. Plus you'd have a six hour journey back home with a newborn and potentially sore bits.

Some people would feel ok taking that chance, others would be freaked out. It's how ok you feel with it.

Remember baby can only be on car seat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours so it could be a long journey home if baby came early.

There is a great deal of serious flooding in various parts of Yorkshire right now. Do you know if where you're going is accessible ?

I'm kind of thinking it will have dried out by easter.

Oops sorry, I hope so too, thought OP was about to leap into the car.

I'd go and enjoy your holiday, we're not going as far as that but travelling 2hrs with our 3yo DS on holiday when I'll be 36 weeks (currently 29 and all fine so far) and I know from last time by that time I'll want a distraction and it's easier to entertain DS where we're going so I personally wouldn't worry at all.

Going that distance I would take my notes and possibly a car seat if there was space but I'm quite laid back about the whole thing. Friends of ours gave birth at 38 weeks whilst away on hols up north, got everything they needed from the local boots/mothercare and they said the biggest pain was having to register him in the local registry office up there before they could come back!

They didn't have any other children with them though! I'd also have a quick google on local childcare near where you're going incase you need an emergency minder for your DC.

Sorry just seen your Mum is going too, I'd definitely go in that case!

No that sounds fine, you have childcare for your DS and a hospital a manageable distance. I'd check out the nearest hospital just to be safe, ie if its Harrogate they have a high c-section rate vs some of the others in the area.

Have a lovely time

Thanks all for great advice & thoughts... stupidly hadn't even thought about taking car seat which we'll definitely do! I think I'll go for it then

As everyone else has covered the practicalities of if baby comes early, I will give you a bit of advice that my midwife gave me for long journeys so late in pregnancy. First of all, obvious take lots of rest stops. Keep bottles of water and snacks in the car, obviously. It isn't actually advised to wear a seatbelt over a pregnant bump for too long, so try and get in at least 2 or 3 stops for that reason at least. Also it is advised to wear supportive socks on long drives if you can get hold of some.

Otherwise, have an absolutely lovely time and fingers crossed baby won't make an early appearance!

Thanks Bexus! Very grateful x

Sounds fine in your situation and sounds like you are being sensible about it all and looking into the what ifs.
I wouldn't in my situation (we must have similar due dates)!because DS turned up early at 36wks and I'm expecting this one to do something similar.