I know my ILs are going to want us to come in for Thanksgiving this year. This was supposed to be their year for Christmas but being due on Dec. 26 that obviously isn't going to happen. They live about 4.5 hours away by car and I will be 35 1/2 weeks pregnant.
I know if I ask my MWs they will tell me to go if I feel comfortable with it, so they aren't going to give me much of an opinion either way. I went into labor with DD at 40w3d, so I don't have a history of pre-term labor or anything. I LOVE, LOVE LOVE my MWs and my hospital. They are known for being very low-intervention when it comes to labor and delivery, which is important to me and I had a fantastic experience last time. So I know that if I went into labor while at my ILs I would do everything I could to make it home (my labor with DD was 17.5 hours so not quick). I guess my point is, yes there would be hospitals close to my husband's parents' house, but I wouldn't want any part of them.
Thoughts?
Re: Travel in the Third Tri XP from 2nd Tri
I'd probably go as long as you could make stops to get out and stretch...that's be my biggest concern (long drive).
With you not having a history though, I personally see no problem...but just realize that many second time moms have much shorter labors (I know someone who didn't even make it to the hospital with her second and she had over 24 hours of labor the first time around). Sooo I would only go if you felt comfortable with the hospitals there if there would happen to be an emergency. I doubt you will need to worry about this though!
With my 1st I traveled 4 hours in the car at 36 weeks (in the summer heat) and it wasn't very confortable, so we took a few breaks along the way and i kept my feet up as much as I could.
I'm flying to NYC for work next week (2 hour flight) and my OB told me it's fine (i don't have any risk factors)...but to take it easy, drink a lot of water and have others lift my luggage.
if you feel up to it, go for it!
Last Saturday we drove (OK DH drove and I was passenger) 4 hours to visit a friend who just had a baby, did a ton of shopping both Saturday and Sunday then drove the 4 hours back Sunday evening.
I'm 36 weeks, I was not once uncomfortable. We stopped once each way to pee.
This weekend I'll be 37 weeks and we're driving about 2 hours per way to a family reunion. I'm more concerned about this trip since I have no idea if the camp we're staying in has a/c and that terrifies me!
EDIT: FYI - I also have been having really bad RLP the entire pregnancy and still was fine.