Travel at 35 weeks?

[Lenny1987]

This is my first baby so really have no idea what to expect so looking for some advice. I know each pregnancy is different, but I'm just wondering what your thoughts would be on travelling - by boat and car to Ireland at 35 weeks pregnant? We are midlands based so would drive to holyhead, then boat to Ireland and drive to South West Ireland?

Well it's difficult to say because every pregnancy is different. I'm 35 weeks atm and I would struggle making such a long journey now, mainly cause it would take ages cause I'd have to stop to pee all the time. I would also worry cause it's quite close to your due date and I am definitely feeling the need to stay close to home atm. But it really does depend on you and your pregnancy.

I stopped driving at 34 weeks! (Variety of reasons - winter so couldn’t reach to de-ice, massive bump and lost confidence). So I wouldn’t go on a long distance at 35, even if I wasn’t driving. I was very uncomfortable with baby dancing on bladder, very tired (not sleeping well) and just a lot of planning to take everything with you (notes, car seat, baby bag, hospital bag etc). If you don’t have to go I wouldn’t - nobody will hold it against you at that stage!

My baby arrived at 34 weeks so it'd be a no from me!

Does the ferry company allow travel then? Do you have insurance that covers you at 35 weeks and however far gone you are on the way back?

I don’t think the ferry will let you. I can’t remember the cut off for some airlines but I think it’s 36 weeks. Ferry is earlier.

I flew home for Christmas one year and had to fly back immediately after as I was going to be 36 weeks.

@Hideandgo Irish Ferries have a blanket no sailing policy if you are 32+ weeks, while Stena Line leave it up to the captain on the same route. If the seas are rough the captain won't let pregnant passengers travel.

I wouldn't and I went to London for the weekend at 38 weeks to go to a concert at Wembley so by no means precious

I’m flying at 33 weeks to Spain it will be fine!

If you go you need to ensure you declare your pregnancy clearly to your travel insurance provider and also get clear confirmation that baby would be covered if it arrived early (not all policies do cover)

I flew back from Spain at 36 weeks with absolutely no issues (flew out at 34 weeks) but it entirely depends on you and your pregnancy.

Flying is a much better plan if you really have to go. It's because you are on the ferry for a much longer time that the cut offs for most routes are much earlier. You could end up needing a helicopter if something went wrong.

If it was me and I really had to go (I'm thinking siblings wedding or something that important) I would fly but for a holiday or anything less it's really not the best idea.

And like others have said check out your insurance in fine detail. Will it cover costs for baby (medical/accommodation/emergency passport etc) if they are born there?

So the general consensus seems to be to avoid! It's not a necessary trip so we will defer. I had only picked ferry as I thought it might be easier, p and o allow travel at this stage but not many others. Maybe I'll look at a flight instead. Thanks all.