2 hour car ride, dangerous?

kinseymason · June 2015

I'm taking a short family vacation on Monday, it's only 2 hours away but when I mentioned this to my doctor she recommended I stop at least once to walk around to avoid blood clotting. I feel like I've driven for longer times just on a busy day. Is this something I should be worried about?
I'll be 33 weeks pregnant and no health issues thus far.

Emeraldeyed315 · June 2015

Yikes, that is interesting. I'm going 4 hours tomorrow...8 total. I didn't think to ask.

gotdiesel2007 · June 2015

If it's dangerous I live on the wild side every time I leave my house near rush hour aka all day here in Hawaii

CANTW82BMOM · June 2015

I commute into NYC 2 - 3 times a week for work and that can easily be 2 hours one way. I've never even thought to mention it to my dr.

SewSewBlessed · June 2015

2 hours is nothing! You'll be fine! I'm going on a 6hr trip next Wednesday and coming back the following week. I'll be almost 35 weeks. I wouldn't worry.

hilarym7 · June 2015

I'll be taking an 8 hour car trip next week at 37 weeks and another 8 hours at 37 1/2 weeks.

If your doctor approved it I wouldn't be worried

jacmariec · June 2015

It's nothing to be overly worried about. Like a PP I do 2 hours for work and it's nothing. What your OB is probably focusing on is the limited blood flow action you get while seated.

It won't hurt to take an extra pee break and stretch the legs. Make sure you're not getting too swollen.

Anyone traveling far away, my OB suggested having my prenatal records on hand JUST in case....not bad advice.

balisticbritt · June 2015

Even though your OB said to maybe stop and walk Id say two hours isn't that bad and you should be fine.

but if you feel you should stop than by all means do it

lindsaypkelly · June 2015

I've been in the car for 2 hours or more lately and had no issues other than a sore butt haha. But I also made a lot of stops to pee.

hilarym7 · June 2015

@lindsaypkelly hahha I was going to say this too!! The only problem I had with traveling a long distance in the car was my gooooodness my butt ached so much!

zmombie · June 2015

Wow... Never heard this before. My last pregnancy I drove from Florida to Maine.. With many complications with the car (kid you not.. Worse trip ever. Had to be there by the time my grandfather went in for brain surgery.. And we had 3 flat tires, transmission problem, and radiator problems) so it took 40 hours to get there.. We didn't stop to sleep, and barely stopped to get out. (I was only 20 weeks tho so that may have had something to do with it) and this one I drive a little over an hour to get to my doctor and then another hour plus to get back. I do def suggest you get out and walk a little cause of swelling and pain in hips. (And obviously listen to your doctor) just weird she would worry about that.. Maybe your blood is thicker?

shay092185 · June 2015

Two hours is nothing...sit n the back and put ur feet up and bring pillows

mfitch9191 · June 2015

I went on an 8 hour trip last week at 33 weeks and only stopped once to pee. I was completely fine!

MEXARAB · June 2015

What do people do when they are on bed rest?

AziaNick · June 2015

MEXARAB said:
What do people do when they are on bed rest?

I'm on bed rest and i am only in a car if I am going to go to the doctors. I pretty much just bring a lot of pillows and blankets to stay comfortable

MEXARAB · June 2015

Is your dr worried you will get blood clots? I never heard of getting them because you sit in a car for two hours.

JHaworth84 · June 2015

If your doctor is concerned about risk of DVT (blood clots in leg) then you should probably take that into consideration- he/she has your medical history and knows your individual risk factors whilst we (and all the PPs trying to be helpfully reassuring) do not. 2 hours is plenty of time to develop a small clot if you are high risk. There are lots of things you can do to help minimise the risk and encourage blood flow such as keeping well hydrated, calf exercises and compression stockings. If you're still confused surely your doctor would be the best person to ask for clarification x

kristyn831 · June 2015

Commuting one way can sometimes take me 2 hours.

kinseymason · June 2015

Oh you know what, I forgot with my last pregnancy I was diagnosed with a blood coagulation disorder but was told it was nothing to worry about. It hasn't been mentioned since, not even during this pregnancy... So must not be a big deal. I will make a pit stop during the drive just in case. ;;)

jendiff · June 2015

I traveled every weekend in May. Last week was a 3 hr trip one way for a wedding in the next state. I never mentioned any of those trips to my OB. It was uncomfortable sitting for so long especially last weekend (i was 34 weeks then). I stopped as needed for bathroom or to walk around. I am very happy not to have to travel far until LO comes anymore! This weekend my DH made the hour track to Ikea without me bc I wasn't sure if I could do it. Do what is best for you!

dnjmommy · June 2015

I just did a ten hour trip. No problem. You will have to stop often to pee anyway.

JaybuenaD · June 2015

I had just taken a 12 hr trip down to southern Cali to visit family. I don't have any health issues. My doctor told me that I should make as many stops as possible to take bathroom breaks and to stretch my legs. Overall she advised me to stay close to home once I'm a month away! Safe travels! And make sure you drink lots of water!!

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