Traveling during early pregnancy

erinpamd · July 2011

Hi everyone!

So we've had our annual trip to the beach planned for about 9 months now, and are supposed to leave next week...its about a 12 hour car ride. But I am concerned because I just found out I'm pregnant (yay!) and my RE told me they have to tell their pregnant patients that they prefer we not travel. She said that it wasn't because traveling itself was dangerous, but that she likes her patients to be close by in case anything happened. She then went on to say that if I did start to lose the pregnancy (gee, thanks for making me worry about that more than I already was!), there was really nothing they could do for me anyway so it wouldnt really matter if I was here or halfway across the country.

So, I kind of feel conflicted. Part of me thinks its fine, since she doesnt think the actual act of traveling would be dangerous. But the other part thinks I am a fool to not follow every piece of advice that she gives me to a T, considering all we've had to go through to get pregnant. And of course the fact that my second beta was still not that high makes me like I should be even more cautious.

Sorry for the long email, but I'd love to hear any words of wisdom you ladies would be willing to share. Thanks!

Prayer10 · July 2011

Congrats! I just found out I was pregnant on Monday. So of course I got my first beta and everything first but then I asked my RE if I could fly around 9-10 weeks to go see my inlaws. She said it would be fine and didn't express any concern. I totally know where you are coming from though b/c I am scared to do anything...I just wish i could fast forward a few months! GL!

erinpamd · July 2011

Prayer- congrats to you too!! I know what you mean about wanting to fast forward a few months. Its like I feel like I have to scrutinize everything I eat, drink, or do so that I don't screw up this pregnancy!!

ladychicago · July 2011

First of all, congrats! Secondly, I would still go. Your doctor is right... they like you close just so they can keep an eye on you. If you start spotting (which can be totally normal and no sign of complication) they can get you in right away for an ultrasound to reassure you or figure out what is going on. That said, she's also right in that if something goes wrong, there is absolutely nothing they can do. So knowing that traveling itself isn't dangerous and knowing that nothing could be done if the unthinkable happens, I would go. I would probably look up the closest hospital/ER just in case, but only for if you needed reassurance if something happens (which it won't!). Nothing about going on this trip will cause harm or threaten your pregnancy... I promise!

matt'sbride · July 2011

The week after I found out that I was pregnant, we headed down to our beach house. It's about a 5hr drive and we were there for a long weekend. Everything went smoothly, but I was definitley worried... a lot... that something was going to go wrong while we were there. Sure, they have hospitals, but it's not MY dr.

If you can deal with how much you'll probably worry while you're out of town, I say go for it (assuming your betas rise properly and everything else looks good). If you think the worry will consume your vacation, see if you can get a refund or rain check on your accomodations.

GL!

lamnt83 · July 2011

first off, congrats!!!! 12 hours is far, but how long (how many days) will you be away from home? That would be a bigger factor for me. I just flew to Florida for a week at the beach and it was so... relaxing. Just think, this may be the only babymoon you get to take!

Temp616379875002458 · July 2011

I was asked not to travel until my first u/s to confirm that teh pregnancy was not ectopic.

Also, I see that you're going to the beach and I wasn't permitted to get in the water (besides a shower) until I was 12 weeks.....

erinpamd · July 2011

Thanks everyone!

I'm still waiting for my husband to get home so we can discuss it, but I will probably end up going (and I will definitely have the closest ER on speed dial!) but just stay out of the sun and ocean as much as possible. Its funny, my RE didn't say I couldn't swim in the ocean, but just to make sure my core temperature didn't get "too hot".

Now the other dilemma is the fact that my entire immediate family will be on the trip and I can't decide whether to tell them we're pregnant or not....but that's a story for another day!!

adaisybug · July 2011

Congrats! We just went on a trip and it was about a 9 hour car ride. The only thing I would suggest it prepare for lots of stops! I tried so hard to not have to pee so often, but ended up having to stop about every hour!

I would go and enjoy yourselves!

CluckyEV · July 2011

Congrats on your BFP!

I would not worry too much about your trip. I travel just about every week for work (both flying and driving for hours). My RE never thought it was an issue. My 2nd beta was actually done while I was out of town. The one thing I would suggest (more to calm your nerves) is to check out where you are going to see where you could go IF there was an issue. Your insurance company should be able to help you with this. T&P that you don't need to worry about that. Also, if you have not had m/s yet, maybe get a rx of Zofran just in case you start to get motion sick from that long in the car Wink .

ENJOY your trip!

erinpamd · July 2011

Oh boy...I didn't even think of the fact that I could get motion sickness! Thanks ladies for all your insight and advice!

MSaksa · July 2011

congrats on your BFP!

I flew 2 days after my BFP (about a 2 1/2 flight) then flew to Hawaii (12+ hours) at about 16 weeks and have since taken a 6 hour and 10 hour car trip around 20 and 21 weeks PG. I was never told not to travel just to make sure I hydrate and stop for breaks/stretching.

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