Would you go on holiday a fortnight before you are due?

[bamboo]

I'm expecting for the second time at end of August. We've already got a weeks holiday booked starting two weeks before. It's only to Norfolk and is in a large house with parents, and various brothers, sisters and kids. I'd be gutted to miss it and my instinct is to definitely plan to go - just take my bag, notes and find out where the nearest maternity unit. Am I naive in thinking like this? - DD1 was emergency C-section but I'm hoping I'll get support for a VBAC this time. I guess there must be lots of other mumsnetters given birth away from where they planned so any advice welcome.

I thought it was the standard advice not to travel any significant distance after 36 weeks?

Errr..probably not, but it's not abroad is it, and at least you've got the family around you?Actually, having a rethink I probably would, but then again, was so bloody miserable when pg, that I didn't want to go ANYWHERE!!

Personally - no! I've got 4 and a bit weeks to go with no2 (no1 was emergency section like you and now hoping for VBAC). DS1 was 3 weeks early though, so I just feel more comfortable in my home surroundings, knowing the hospital etc. and their views on VBAC.

How far is Norfolk from whre you live? I probably would, as long as I was happy with the possibility of giving birth in a strange place. If you're planning a hospital birth anyway it's not really going to make much difference. And with all your family there you'd have childcare on tap for your first and lots of people to celebrate the birth! Just remember to take your car seat with you (or be prepared to write off £70-odd for a new one) or you may end up spending longer in Norfolk than planned!

No, I wouldn't

Agree that you may be disappointed with holiday hospital's policy on VBAC and as you may know from threads on here, that can have a lot of repurcussions afterwards.

Why not contact the hopsital and find out what their policy is and get some names of ob/gyns

No I wouldn't. Both births with dds were a bit traumatic with cords around their necks. I would want to be as near to home as possible.

No, especially if we have another summer like '03. My ds was born 14 August that year & the only place I felt remotely comfortable was in a cold shower in my own home.

Hatsoff - not far, maybe 70, 80 miles. It will be a hospital birth and I don't feel any particular attachment to own hospital. But as suzywong says I guess VBAC policies will vary. Perhaps it's too early to decide ... I had hoped for more positive feedback . But thanks anyway. Good point about the carseat - hadn't given that much thought

Bamboo - These are just our personal preferences. If you feel happy to go away then that's what you should do. Have a lovely time - unless baby makes an early arrival!! xx

Sorry-complete aide but what IS VBAC???

vaginal birth after caesarian.

Ahhhh.... (Did look at acronym list but not there.) Thanks

If it weren't a VBAC attempt, yes I'd go.

Yes as it is in the UK I would go without a moment's hesitation - as long as I would be within 30 minutes drive of a DGH (District General Hospital)

It would be sad for you to cancel what sounds to be a wonderful holiday and it's not like you're going to Ibiza, right?

I'd go.

I don't think I'd go, but if you are well organised and happy to go, then you are in England with everyone around you. Will the local hospital mind if you turn up there? Or is it one of those things like any emergency visit? Just remember to take your bags and list of things to take into hospital and be well organised.

I don't think I would just because I felt so uncomfortable in those last few weeks, so tired. Don;t think I'd be able to enjoy many day trips etc

i went away 3 weeks before i was due and gave birth out there!

I had my DS @ 35weeks, so no.

Yes, def go. I went to Ibiza in the September before DD was born in November. It was lovely, just sat and relaxed and got waited on. Norfolk has hospitals, enjoy yourself.

I went away with friends and kids for a few days at 36/37 weeks and it was fine - approx 3 hours away from home. However I think I might have been more cautious in your circumstances with precious C section and wanting a vbac. Can you talk it over with your midwife/consultant - perhaps they coudl point you in the direction of a suitable hospital. If there is a high risk of you needing a 2nd c section then perhaps forgo it - you don't want to be that away from home in hospital with a newborn and perhaps not have dh, dd1 and family to hand if you have to stay in past the end of the holiday. Do you have to decide now or could you see how things go ? Could it be rescheduled or is that too complicated ?

No
i had dd at 37 weeks and would have ahted to be away from home to have her.
But depends on how far away it is from your home?

I'd go as long as it is not too far from either Norwich or kings lynn. maybe check out the route to the nearest hospital on the way though!