Travelling at 34 weeks +

[Chrysanthamum]

We're trying to organise our holidays to France this summer and I suspect Im in the early stages of pregnancy. This would make me 34 weeks pregnant mid july. Would it be unwise to go to France for 2 weeks then? When do airlines or ferries or even Euro star start to refuse pregnant people?

Is this your first?

I'd worry less about whether you'll be refused, and more about whether it's the kind of thing you'll feel like doing at 7 and a half months pregnant. Certainly travelling to another country in the boiling hot would not have been on my top list of things I felt like doing. You're much more likely to feel like going away in the second trimester, no?

I think my travel insurance covered me up to 8 weeks before EDD. IIRC the ferries were much more lenient, up to something like 38 weeks

I went to France at c.30 weeks (end May/June) and it was lovely. Not too big so the drive was fine

Also, if you have and health issues during pg, such as a low lying placenta, i would certainly revise my travel plans

Don't do it, what if you have the baby there?? It is not that uncommon at 36 weeks and would be a total nightmare with insurance, delivering in a foreign hospital, registering the birth and bringing the baby back, not to mention it possibly being in special care for a while. I personally would not leave the country after 24 weeks, might sound like I'm a paranoid worrier, but I'm not. I have come accross a lady who had a 26 weeker whilst on holiday in the states and was put up in the Ronald Macdonald hotel for several months, not fun

I was 31 weeks when i flew back from family wedding in australia. Wasn't as bad as i was expecting, although not the most comfortable i'd ever been. France is obviously much closer, so i would say if you really want to then go for it!

You will need to check with different airlines as they all have different policies, but some will take you up to 36 weeks (although you'll need a letter from doctor or midwife to confirm you're having a low risk pregnancy). I would imagine ferries might be more lenient but i don't know for sure.

Also, you would need to make sure you have adequate insurance to cover medical costs for both you and the baby should he/she arrive early. I found Ravenhall very helpful, and they have excellent travel insurance policies for pregnant women.

Thanks for all the tips. This is no 3. With no 1 I went for a trip to Brussels at 33 weeks and was fine. No 2 I stayed put, winter baby anyway. I have been fairly energetic until the end of pregnancies so far but I suppose I shouldn't risk it. Its just cos we're in the middle of organising a house swap in Normandy France and I need to confirm it with the family soon. I suppose I should do a test but I keep putting it off as I'd be gutted now if it was negative!

Insurance is tricky post 32 weeks. I'm currently trying to sort insurance for an overnight trip to Brussels when I'll be 33 + 3 and the company I was planning on using - PHA - which has been recommended by lots of MNers has ceased trading due to the sudden death of the sole Director. I have put a couple of calls in to other possible brokers so if I get anywhere I'll come back and post what I have found. I don't think it would be possible to get insurance from anywhere from when you're post 36 weeks though so going away for 2 weeks at 34 weeks plus might be a bit risky (unless of course you're willing to take the risk and pay to be repatriated if it has to come to that).

Yes that sounds v complicated. I'll probably try and get a UK house swap now and stay here for the summer.

I've just arranged my travel insurance through Ravenhall, who were very helpful. But they did point out that my husband might not be covered by our existing policy for any expenses that would be incurred owing to my pregnancy so I may have to get additional cover for him too. It's turning into quite an expensive exercise! But I guess it's better to safe than sorry.

Check the average temps for the region of France you're planning for July, as it can be scorchio there in July and August (remember that awful heatwave from a couple of years ago?) - you might find yourself wilting!

(On the contrary, a bit of sunny relief from the typical grey, rainy British summer might be just what you need).