Traveling while PG/summer travel plans!

PizzaMonster3

I know we chatted about this back in March, but I just wanted to revisit the topic and hear some updates!! 

Any new plans?

Already traveled? How did it go?

Did anyone who planned to (or not to) travel end up changing their plans based on how pregnancy is progressing?

Tips?

How late in the pregnancy are you comfortable traveling and why?

sjohns908

I've been thinking about this so much lately, so you're timing is perfect

We were talking about a mini vaca this summer, but 6 hour drive is too much for me right now, both mentally and physically. So we are planning a 2.5 hour trip instead to Chicago for work/leisure (hello tax write-off, lol). Who knows if we'll actually do it though haha

I'm usually pretty uncomfortable doing anything whatsoever past 27 weeks, since that's when I went into PTL with my first. But after two other pregnancies with no real issues, I'm slightly more relaxed about it this time. I still don't want to go very far from home though 

aprilsarahjune

DH and I (along with kiddos) are headed to our college town which is only a few hours away.  I think that will be the limit on our travel this year.  Even with that, I have mapped out a plan of what to do if my water broke while we were there.  I will be about 26 weeks when we make that trip.

bluejeanbabi05

We're going to this super swanky resort in the Keys in mid August, I'll be 32 weeks. I would prefer a bit earlier, but the only affordable rate was in August, so I grabbed it.

I'm really excited about it! This resort is normally $400-500 a night, has everything you can think of, pools, golf course, awesome restaurants. I got it for $150 a night!! And only a 2.5 hour drive, so not terrible.

Hopefully I'll be feeling ok then. 

PizzaMonster3

DH and I had always talked about going to Spain this year, before BFP. Well being the tightwad that I am, I vetoed the trip once we found out and DH moped for weeks. But I have had major regret about not doing an overseas trip before having kids since I've never left the states/Mexico border. 

So I did the most reckless thing I've ever done in my life. I booked a 4th of July trip to Paris and Barcelona this weekend. And. I. Am. Freaking. Out. I'll be 27/28 weeks. i wouldn't have been worried if it had not been for a brief episode where I nearly fainted at a BBQ cook off after only walking around for 2 hours last week. I recovered and felt fine an hour later but it was a first for me. My old OB said flying up to 32 weeks was fine since I was a low risk pg. but I've yet to take my GD test or meet with my new OB. And I don't think I mentioned an overseas long haul flight when we first talked about travel being okay...

I plan on upping my water and starting to take longer walks every night to prepare myself, but I'm mostly worried about how much money we're spending and the days off I'm taking not medically related. 

Basically - I'm in between wanting y'all to tell me everything will be okay, and wanting my OB to write me a do not travel note so I can get my money back from the trip insurance I bought. 

Can an yall tell I'm freaking out?

purplestarz

We had our family trip to Disneyland last month. It was great, though not much of a "vacation." I'm glad we went when we did because I'm already starting to feel like walking around in the heat for miles and miles would be a terrible idea.

No other plans here. Trying to save some money and DH is trying to save up his vacation pay for time off after baby.

We have briefly talked about going camping this summer...and by camping I mean getting a cabin somewhere because I am not sleeping in a tent right now. But for now, I'll live vicariously through all of you!

spark88

@PizzaMonster3 I fainted at 12 weeks and the doctor said it was cause of water intake. So I think you are on the right track with your prepping. Make sure to get up and walk a lot on the flight over. It sounds like a blast!

@bluejeanbabi05 that sounds like an awesome trip. 


This Thursday we leave for MN. We go every year for a week of fishing and eating. I am not too worried. I just need to remember to drink water. I did have a concern of peeing while on the boat though. 

soprano19

Next week we're going on a week-long houseboat trip with the youth group kids from our church. We go on this trip every year, so I know exactly what to expect and what my limitations will be this time. Luckily it's a fairly relaxing time, so the only things I won't be able to do are go in the ski boat (bummer) and sleep on the roof.

We're going camping with H's family over July 4th weekend, but his parents have a massive trailer and I can sleep in there. Again, I won't be able to go in the ski boat if they decide to rent one, but that's about it, since we'll mostly be hanging out on the beach.

At the end of July we're going to San Diego for a long weekend. Based on how I've been feeling, I don't think it should be an issue. And that's the last time we can travel anyway, since band camp starts right away after we get back, and the following week I have to go back to work officially for the school year.

ForwardnBackward

Any new plans?
We're talking about heading back to Seattle (where we got married) for our 5 year anniversary and our first trip back since moving away a year ago.  But haven't finalized it yet.  I'll be 32 weeks I think.

Already traveled? How did it go?
We went to D.C. for our first trip about away from DS at 15-16 weeks.  It was great, that's when I really felt like I started bumping.

Did anyone who planned to (or not to) travel end up changing their plans based on how pregnancy is progressing?

Tips?

How late in the pregnancy are you comfortable traveling and why?
Both my prior OB and this OB said so long as no complication arise I'm clear to travel up until 36 weeks, but I'm not comfortable with that.  I put my limit at 32-34 weeks (if requiring a plane ride).

ksf13

Any new plans? We may take a nearby weekend trip somewhere, but no set plans as of now! 

Already traveled? How did it go? We just got back from our two week trip to Alabama. We flew down, then DH ended up buying my sister's car (we really needed a second before baby arrives at it was a great deal on a great car), so we drove back about 1400 miles. We stretched it our over a 3 day drive. As soon as we left the airport when we landed my ankles and feet decided to swell, because of all the heat. They stayed swollen until we got back (the car ride didn't help, even though we stopped a lot for me to walk). They are finally back to normal since it isn't as hot and humid here. Hopefully I can avoid them swelling for at least a few more weeks! Other than the swollen feet/ankles it was a great trip! 

Did anyone who planned to (or not to) travel end up changing their plans based on how pregnancy is progressing? So far, nope! 

Tips? I was just sure to stop every couple of hours to walk around. I was glad I took some flip flops, because my feet were too swollen to fit in my other shoes. We lived in GA when I was pregnant with DD, so my feet stayed swollen with her. 

How late in the pregnancy are you comfortable traveling and why? My doctor said after 36 weeks, so I definitely won't travel after that. We plan to stay fairly close to home for the remainder of the pregnancy anyway though. Even if we do a weekend trip it will probably be no more than a couple of hours away. 

PizzaMonster3

@spark88 thanks I do think it'll all work out as long as we take it a little easier than we had originally planned. Lots and lots of water too. 

@ksf13 it's pretty hot and humid here in TX but I'v not had too many problems with swelling besides the one time I drove 3hrs straight at about 16wks. Weird how so many of us can have the same symptoms at once, and at the same time be so different!

natleilynn

Everyone keeps asking about a babymoon but I think we (I) have decided to wait until I can kick back with a bottle of wine or something. So I started a savings fund for a trip next fall. By then we'll have all 4 grandparents close by so we can always split the kiddos up. My goal for breastfeeding with DD was 6  months and it's the same this time. That'll give me almost a year with that. 

As far as traveling for us, we're sticking close to home. We've talked about a day trip to the beach but I'm kind of thinking I'd like to wait until after the baby comes and take a mini family vacation. By that point in the season there won't be crowds and we can bring the dogs out on the beach with us...and if we hit up a beach in SC there's a chance the weather will still be good even in November. 

ksf13

@PizzaMonster3 Mine stayed swollen at this point with DD1, since we got back to Connecticut they haven't been very swollen at all. I guess it's just my body's reaction to it lol. Thankfully it's always just been my feet/ankles and not my hands though. I was able to wear my rings the entire time with DD, hoping to do the same this time! 

migdala

When we found out we were PG I was planning on going to 2 weddings in New Jersey at 36 and 37 weeks.  Now I'm like HAHA no.  DH will be going alone to the first one (he's a groomsman) and skipping the second one.  We're going to San Diego and Santa Monica for the 4th of July weekend, I'll be 25 weeks.  I'm not worried about the California trip but I am worried about going into labor while DH is in NJ in September.  I'll prob take off work and just lay around with my feet up until he gets back.

jasmuin

We went to Vegas for a week at the end of March. It was so much fun. It was really hot so I had to make sure to stay hydrated and know where the bathrooms were because my bladder has a mind of its own now. 
We are going to Canada in August. I'll be 32-33 weeks when we go. My ob says he is fine with it as long as I'm not dialating. It will be about a 10 hour drive... I'll probably be miserable but we are going to visit some of hubbys family and this trip has been planned for over a year. 

spark88

@jasmuin you should try being here in vegas this week. It has been so hot. I am living in the pool this summer. Canada should be really nice in August. 

roo_baby

We're doing a weekend in Vancouver at the end of the month, but we haven't done any planning other than buying airline tickets yet. Not even sure if we have a place to stay. DH is supposed to be in charge of making arrangements but he's been super busy lately.

jasmuin

@spark88 I wish I was there haha. Its been really rainy this week and in the 40s-50s the last couple days. 

melarowan

No solid plans yet, but we've talked about camping some this summer.  For just us, we'll be tent camping with an air bed.  He knows that he'll basically have to do all carrying of stuff, but that I'll do more cooking.  I want to find somewhere that is pretty at the campsite and fairly close to a bathroom since I'm not walking around a bunch.

My sister wants to take us trailer camping with her and I'm all about that.  I have called dibs on a very comfy bed in her RV and the potty is clean.

I was supposed to go to a wedding last weekend, but changed my mind at the last minute.  It's 3.5 hours each way and I just didn't feel like being in the car that long. Kinda crappy, but I am not super close with the bride and groom anyway.  Didn't feel like they'd really miss my presence.

riverrainez

We're going to the east coast to visit DH's family the first week of July. I'll be 24 weeks, so no worries there. I have a work conference on my calendar for mid-September but I'll probably end up not going.

No other major trips planned, but we are doing our big annual friends camping trip in August when I'll be 30 weeks. Last year one of my friends was 37 weeks pregnant on that trip. And another friend will be about 30 weeks this year too.

Last time I flew up until 32 weeks.

ezavasky

Hubs and I went to Florida for a week when I was 14/15 wks for a wedding/babymoon. That was our big trip for the year. We were originally gonna drive down to Miami and the Keys but my OB did not want me going there b/c of the Zika risk. So after the wedding (near Tampa), we went to Clearwater for a couple days and then Disney. It was a lot of fun and I am glad I went then b/c I had a lot more energy!

We want to do a little weekend excursion close to our home (no more than 4 hr drive), possibly sometime in July. That will be the last time we travel before baby comes. I don't think I would want to travel past 32 weeks.

dogperson11

I did a girls weekend in San Francisco when I was 18 weeks. Unfortunately I was still nauseous at that point.

I'm flying to CA for my best friend's wedding at the end of August. I'll be 34/35 weeks. It's only a 2 hour flight. Unfortunately I'll be flying alone with my toddler. She'll turn 3 on the trip. I've flown with her by myself 9 times, but I usually wear her through the airport which I won't be doing this time. I'm nervous about lugging her around plus her car seat through the airport while I'm huge, but I'll manage.

buttercream_frosting

I go here! I'm traveling 6 months pregnant for 5 weeks from Australia to the USA! I'm coming to see you guys! Hahahaha! It was already booked so we stuck with it and found travel insurance that covers a singleton pregnancy up to 32weeks. I'm a bit of nervous because there is a bit of traveling involved plus a 2yo. However, we get some "breaks" because we will stay with family for 2 weeks of the 5 weeks which means less thinking when they drive us around and host us. Also whilst we've traveled plenty with DS it was all before he started walking so this 10hr flight to Hawaii will be interesting. This is my first time traveling pregnant so I dont really have any tips.

PizzaMonster3

@buttercream_frosting how exciting! Are you staying in Hawaii the whole 5 weeks? 

buttercream_frosting

@PizzaMonster3 No just 3+6 days so we start and finish in Hawaii. Our itinerary goes something like: Waikiki, Seattle, San Fran (family), Yosemite (hopefully I dont get eaten by a bear), LA (Family), San Diego, Maui.

bluejeanbabi05

@buttercream_frosting oh wow. Fun, but that's 4 extremely long flights you have on one trip. Hopefully you are able to get some sleep in!

buttercream_frosting

@bluejeanbabi05 What I consider long is probably different being in Australia. Long is europe which is 24 hours LOL. 10hours is long but do-able. All the others are 5 hours and less. Very doable. I think.... too late now.

bluejeanbabi05

You're going to fun places so it'll be fine I'm envious! Never been to Hawaii!

monstera13

Wow @buttercream_frosting that vacation sounds amazing!! 

No big summer trips planned for us. DH just started a new business and I'm in school/working, so we don't have time to get away this summer. But we did just get back from a trip to Northern Texas, about 5 hours away. Does that count? lol 

purplestarz

@buttercream_frosting that is an amazing trip you have planned!

ETA I live a couple hours from Yosemite and haven't been yet so kudos to you getting there from Australia before me! Ha!

PizzaMonster3

@buttercream_frosting that trip sounds so awesome. We did San Fran, Yosemite, LA and Vegas for our honeymoon and it was an awesome mix of everything. Looking forward to your updates!

OliveOyl2014

DH and I talked about getting away for a weekend. We have never left our kids overnight and that makes me nervous, but we could really use sometime to ourselves. We have gone on 2 dates since our daughter was born in 2014. I told him I would be ok with just booking a hotel close by that had a pool. There is a place nearby that gives you your own private pool as part of your room, but it costs a little over $300 for one night! I feel silly for wanting to spend that but the place looks awesome! Even if we dont do that, I would just want to go anywhere with a pool. 

With DD, we were in the Dominican when I was 27 weeks, and while it was fun, I was miserable. I swelled up like a balloon as soon as we got there. And it sucked that I couldn't drink. But i did enjoy lounging on the beach all day!

buttercream_frosting

@purplestarz that is so slack! I heard Yosemite was one of the most beautiful parks to visit. Come meet me there hehe!

roo_baby

@jessirh that totally counts!
@OliveOyl2014 My friends and I used to put on our bikinis, cover ups and flip flops and just walk into a nice hotel like we owned the place and used the pool. It has to be a hotel large enough that the staff won't know if you are staying there, where you don't need a key card to access the pool and the towels are just available. Even if you can't get out of town, you could do that for a few hours and feel like you are on vacation. 

purplestarz

@buttercream_frosting I knoooooow. Granted I've only lived in California for a year but still. I have a friend hopefully visiting this summer who wants to go there so maybe we will make a trip

ForwardnBackward

I have some tips!
1) if you're traveling after 30-32 weeks, ask your OB for paperwork re: your pregnancy  (especially if you aren't medical savvy in case you need to be medically evaluated - NOT just in case you go in to labor)

2) research local places you could go in case you go into labor. I had a plan for my sister when she traveled to my wedding at 34 weeks pregnant

3) keep hydrated, especially in long car rides and flights to prevent blood clots 

4) get uo and stretch your legs every 2 hours in car rides and flights to prevent blood clots

5) check with airlines if you need any special note to travel if youre close to term (or looking close to term)

emwj10187

we're traveling to southern California at the end of this month. I'll be 26/27 weeks. The only thing I'm worried about is the long flight & my hips. They've been killing me. Sitting is not helpful. So i'll be pretending to go to the bathroom often! 
We're also flying united....   I'm sure it will be no big deal...but still. 

So far baby and myself are healthier than ever, and assuming nothing changes from now until the 30th I'm clear to fly. 

I was frantic about booking this trip before i hit the 3rd trimester. So i guess i wouldn't be comfortable flying or traveling long distance passed 28 weeks. Short local trips (about 2-3 hours away from the hospital) probably around 35 weeks. But who knows. Im a FTM and have no idea what im talking about.

WRWrunnergirl

Any new plans?

Already traveled? How did it go?  I just did a 12+ hour car ride (well, my sister drove and I sat in the passenger seat) to Buffalo last week and am flying back home on Sunday.  I think I'm more nervous about the flight than the car ride.  

Did anyone who planned to (or not to) travel end up changing their plans based on how pregnancy is progressing?

Tips?  We stopped every couple hours for a bathroom break or to walk around.  It helped that my nephews were with us and they need to stop often.  

How late in the pregnancy are you comfortable traveling and why?  I have another trip to Buffalo planned in early August, about 2 months before due date.  I'm thinking that after that the most I'd be travelling is an hour or two away.  

tsa208

Traveling to Paris and Barcelona in 3 weeks (I'm currently 20 weeks pregnant). We will be there for 2 total weeks. I have an ultrasound scheduled the week before I leave, so I'm hoping we get the okay to go on our trip!

tsa208

PizzaMonster3 said:

DH and I had always talked about going to Spain this year, before BFP. Well being the tightwad that I am, I vetoed the trip once we found out and DH moped for weeks. But I have had major regret about not doing an overseas trip before having kids since I've never left the states/Mexico border. 

So I did the most reckless thing I've ever done in my life. I booked a 4th of July trip to Paris and Barcelona this weekend. And. I. Am. Freaking. Out. I'll be 27/28 weeks. i wouldn't have been worried if it had not been for a brief episode where I nearly fainted at a BBQ cook off after only walking around for 2 hours last week. I recovered and felt fine an hour later but it was a first for me. My old OB said flying up to 32 weeks was fine since I was a low risk pg. but I've yet to take my GD test or meet with my new OB. And I don't think I mentioned an overseas long haul flight when we first talked about travel being okay...

I plan on upping my water and starting to take longer walks every night to prepare myself, but I'm mostly worried about how much money we're spending and the days off I'm taking not medically related. 

Basically - I'm in between wanting y'all to tell me everything will be okay, and wanting my OB to write me a do not travel note so I can get my money back from the trip insurance I bought. 

Can an yall tell I'm freaking out?

oh wow, we'll be in the same cities the same time! I'm flying out July 3rd, doing Barcelona first then Paris. Don't worry, mama, it'll be okay!

sdarling2010

ForwardnBackward said:

I have some tips!
1) if you're traveling after 30-32 weeks, ask your OB for paperwork re: your pregnancy  (especially if you aren't medical savvy in case you need to be medically evaluated - NOT just in case you go in to labor)

2) research local places you could go in case you go into labor. I had a plan for my sister when she traveled to my wedding at 34 weeks pregnant

3) keep hydrated, especially in long car rides and flights to prevent blood clots 

4) get uo and stretch your legs every 2 hours in car rides and flights to prevent blood clots

5) check with airlines if you need any special note to travel if youre close to term (or looking close to term)

I completely agree with all of this! I also highly recommend compression socks for those on flights longer than 5 hours. I flew a lot on business during my last pregnancy and these saved me from swelling like a balloon, along with staying hydrated and walking every 30-40 minutes. I learned about these magical socks the hard way - after a 16 hour nonstop flight to Shanghai at 16 weeks pregnant left my lower legs looking like giant tree trunks. A colleague I was traveling with suggested them. They're not the most attractive socks in the world but they work! 

We went to San Diego for a wedding in April, without DD so we're counting that as our last kid-free getaway before baby. We went to Boise over Memorial Day weekend and the 10 hour drive left me swollen (I should've worn my compression socks!). We plan on smaller road trips this summer for camping (if I'm up for sleeping on an air mattress) at least once. The last thing we have planned is our annual family trip to Lake Coeur d'Alene the weekend before Labor Day. It's a 5 hour drive but totally worth it!! Cabin on the lake for 5 days and plenty of people willing to entertain DD while I relax. What could be better ... besides a cocktail on the dock?