Traveling 4 hours away

NicciH · March 2011

At what point would you not travel 4 hours (in a car) away? I have a call out to my OB to see how he feels about it- but while waiting on the call back I thought I would ask everyone. I traveled 2 hours at 38 weeks in my last pregnancy... but I'm thinking that 4 hours at 36 weeks might be pushing it. Opinions?

OhHappyFeat · March 2011

I'm in a similar boat -- I will be traveling 3.5 hours to my parents' at 36 weeks. I would approve it with your doctor and get a copy of your medical files just in case you end up delivering elsewhere!

The thing I have learned with travel is to take it slow -- make a few stops along the way and really get out and walk around a bit, drink lots of water, bring some good snacks, and such.

muddin_lil_sis · March 2011

All my family is 4 hrs away and I'm really wanting to go for Easter/family reunion, but I'll be 36 weeks that weekend. My doc told me NOT to travel after 36 weeks.

Even at 31 weeks, I was very uncomfy last weekend when we made the 4 hr trip. My feet swole to double in size from sitting so long.

fragglefan · March 2011

I just traveled 37 hours over the weekend in the car at 30 weeks. I wasn't even uncomfortable and did half of the driving! I was told as long as I had my medical info with me and kept track of where the nearest hospitals were that I would be fine. We traveled by car but I don't believe they will let you travel by airplane after 36 weeks due to liability issues.

Carebear517 · March 2011

I traveled 4 hours to my baby shower when I was 30 weeks and I swear it wiped me out for the last 2 weeks. I was feeling great up until that point and I just haven't been the same since. Ditto what PP said about the feet swelling. We traveled by car and by the time we were halfway there my feet were so swollen they felt like they would explode.

So while it may be OK from a medical standpoint I think it will be extremely uncomfortable for you.

Lisa Frank · March 2011

I traveled 3 hours by car at 35ish weeks during my last pregnancy. It wasn't necessary either. It was a vacation for DH and I for our anniversary.

00tedsgirl · March 2011

I'm traveling 7 hours at 34+ weeks with no worries and with my doctor's blessing. It'll probably take much longer with extra breaks for walking, peeing, and stretching.

alyson686 · March 2011

If everything is going well, I don't think it's a problem. I normally travel A LOT, so I'm used to it, and I'm not uncomfortable with the idea late in pregnancy. However, I just had my 32 week appt, and I found out that while my cervix is still closed, it's really thinned out and I have to have weekly appts from now on, so now I'm having second thoughts about my trips that I have planned over the next few weeks.

kammmmay · March 2011

I think a lot of it has to do with where you are going, how long you will be staying, and how you are feeling. Keep in mind you will probably have to make at least one rest stop, which could add up to a half hour to your traveling time.

I decided to cancel the reunion trip I had been planning to attend. Its about 5 hours from my house with one stop, though I would have been traveling with a few people, so it could easily turn into all day event. The destination would have also been to our college town which is at least 2 hours from a "city", 4 hours from a real city, and the in town hospital is a joke. I just didn't want to be that far from civilization at 32 weeks or spend 2 days in the car and a day and a half at our destination.

If there is actual cities between you and your destination, you are staying for a few days, and are feeling good, I don't see why you shouldn't plan to go.

Want a personalized experience?

Traveling 4 hours away

Re: Traveling 4 hours away

Choose Another Board

Search Boards