Do I stop going out near to due date?

[Anonymouslyconercned]

bit unsure … due soon and making plans with friends to do things like meet for coffee, or go their house for dinner etc. also doing things on my own like shopping for last minute baby bits, Xmas presents etc.
not sure though whether it’s ok to be doing it all on my own, or better yet, whether I should I actually be doing any of it at all, so close to due date? In my head I just keep thinking baby could be 2 weeks late so why stop making plans now …. But also getting worried about being in the shopping centre, waters go, and can’t get home! No idea what people do at this stage whether they just stay home but I go crazy sitting in all day… partner is really busy as well so often out and about so I do end up doing a lot on my own! …. Would like to know other people’s experiences if possible….. might then need to cancel some plans if the census is that I should be at home! 🤣 x

With my first, my waters broke at work 10 days before my due date! I honestly thought I had wee'd myself until contractions kicked in a few minutes later! It was a very fast labour (3 hours)but I still had time to drive myself home from work before going to the hospital.

My waters had broken and I went out shopping, then for a 3 mile walk. Contractions were 7 minutes apart, so I was in no rush to get to the hospital. I didn't want to stay in the house all day waiting for labour to ramp up, so got out of the house for a wander to see if that would help.

As long as you're feeling good, go out and enjoy your last few days of freedom

Lol no. I took a trip to Marks and Spencer's the morning before my contractions started that evening.

Make the most of being able to go out while you can

First poster nailed it!

For DS I was still commuting to the office every day until 4 days before my due date. You'll be fine.

DM’s waters broke in London and she caught the 75 minute train home then she and DDad walked to hospital, and were sent out for a small drink. Maybe that’s too much but yes, go out!

I went to a colleagues leaving do on DS1’s due date (about a 30 minute drive). DH could have come to get me if I’d gone into labour but DS1 was two (very long) weeks late.

I went to a concert at 11 days over. The concert venue was way closer to the hospital than my house! (5 mins versus 35!)

Baby came 4 days later.

Definitely go out!

DC1 I was in the cinema when I went into Labour - just started with mild contractions. Still watched the rest of the film!

And DC2 I was still doing everything with dc1 who was a toddler right up to 2 weeks overdue - swimming, toddler groups etc.

I was at a wedding three days before my c-section date, vaguely thinking I could go into labour but probably wouldn’t. My waters broke about 26 hours after the wedding, contractions starting an hour or two later. Luckily I was at home when they broke, but ultimately it’s rarely like the movies. It’s usually a lot of short “gushes” rather than the waterfall they portray in the movies. If it happens when you’re out and about it’d be rotten luck, but unless you have a precipitous labour you’ll have time to get to the hospital, just keep your hospital bag and notes with you at all times (and lots of maternity pads). As for the social embarrassment, trust me- that won’t even cross your mind in the moment. And as others have said, make the most of going where you want, when you want. That’s all going to be a distant memory soon.

I was at the cinema the day before dd was born. No I didn't take a bag or notes!

That's because you've seen a load of TV dramas where this happens all the time. But they're wrong.

In fact, the waters usually break at the end of labour.

If they do break before contractions start, you've generally got at least 48 hours before the baby appears.

No! Do not stay home! Unless you are mud wrestling, then maybe cut back! LOL Carry on as normal. Best of luck.

Honestly just keep doing everything as normal or you'll drive yourself mad. Just know where your bag is packed and maybe leave a spare key in case someone needs to pick it up for you. Good luck!

My waters broke on my due date. I went to a yoga class, had a few minor contractions, went home. Baby didn't arrive until 40+2. First babies take their sweet time!

If you feel fit and able then carry on

It's not like the movies where your waters break and you are rushed to hospital. You will know baby is coming for many hours.

I worked until my due date in a physically active job (sport-related) so you're definitely fine mooching around shops and seeing friends - sounds delightful and enjoy the time you have before baby comes as it's a real luxury.

DC1 I swam a mile at the gym the day I went into labour. The day before I got the tube into the city to meet a friend for lunch. Labour started with a pop at home when my waters went.

DC2 I was booked in for a c section at 39+4 and cracked on as usual. This included attending my work Christmas party in central London at 39+0 and going to the gym the day before my section.

Never crossed my mind to stop going out but I did google what to do if your waters break in the swimming pool.

I went out for dinner in early labour: figured I might not get another chance for a while !

Just go about your life. Plenty of time between first twinge and regular full contractions of later established labour.

First babies usually take hours. And often waters don't go until you're well into labour.

Tv dramas are nothing like real life.

My friend was a Maid of Honour for one of her best friends, the wedding date had to be moved a couple of times for Covid so she ended up at 39 weeks pregnant when eventually the big day came. She had her first minor twinges of contractions while getting ready in the morning, and managed the ceremony, photos, meal, speeches, first dance and cake cutting before whispering to her husband they might need to go!
Baby was born in the wee small hours that night.