Traveling at 37 weeks...

[generous]

Okay so my sister in law is having a birthday party that we are planning on going to, its a weekend event and it is a 6 hour drive from our house. The issue is that I am going to be 37 weeks (to my DD and 36 to my OBs DD); am I crazy? I doubt I will go early but I know if I tell my OB, she will tell me NO WAY. But we would really hate to miss it, there is an indoor water park that I know DD and DS would just love and its on Mackinaw Island where they can ride horses etc....

Any advice? I have never gone into labor on my own (DD was induced @39 for low fluids and DS was induced @ 39 weeks because of no family in town and it was right before Christmas) and this time I am planning on waiting as long as it takes for baby to come on her/his own.

I know its still a ways a way but I would rather let them know now than cancel last minute....

Thanks mommas!

[connorsmama]

I would double check with your ob and see her concerns. If it were me, I would go.. but thats just because its a car ride and its only 6 hrs, where you can make multiple stops and relax and stretch.. but its up to you and your ob to decide.
Im having the same dilemma with my brothers wedding in october.. he lives in california. I havent seen him in 7 years and he is getting married, and I will be around 35 weeks, i know i cant fly past 36 weeks, so its cutting it super close.. but i really want to go and see a bunch of family i havent seen in years, and my grandma who i havent seen in years and miss a ton.. i dont know if i will be able to, i will talk to my ob about it.. but i really really really want to go.

[serendipity10410]

I would not go, but that's just my . I have many reasons, including the fact that I actually took a long time choosing my OB and worked to get in with him because of his reputation working with my pre-existing condition and I would NOT want to deliver in a strange place without his care.

On the other hand, if you are not particularly attached to your OB or delivery team, and are not considered high-risk, technically you have no reason not to go. Women can deliver their babies anywhere, there is no rule that you HAVE to deliver where you received your prenatal care, kwim? Good luck!

[CokeLover]

I would go!! I traveled 8 hours away to my sisters 39 weeks pregnant! My DH's boss said I had better come back still pregnant or he was fired LOL I have had to be induced with every one of mine. They were all born at 41 weeks but number 4 at 36 weeks due to kidney failure. I say make sure you some and get out every 2-3 hours and just stretch and move but Yes i would go!

[tygr2410]

ddc crashing...i say..check with your insurance..some will not cover if you go in to labor and deliver at a hospital that is not the planned hospital in their network, only for emergencies will they cover a closer hospital and they will not see why you were 6 hours away after 36 weeks.

..and i read it's Mackinaw Island..do they have a hospital there with l&d? (or is this an amusement park or something? lol! I have no idea!)

[Circe]

With my oldest, I went to band camp and was DH's girl chaperone when I was 36-37wks. It wasn't pleasant, but I was fine. I did have to go to the ER in an ambulance, but not for me. One of the kids got hurt, and I had to ride with her to the ER. The looks on the drs' faces was priceless.

[AshleyLD]

Personally.. I wouldnt go. I think thats too far to be away from your DR just in case.

I would check with your DR and see what they think.

[Willows]

If you don't have any specific medical issues I would go if you feel up to it at the time. You may change your mind about being in the car that long depending on how you feel.

[howmanykids]

since i had both my boys at 38 weeks, and am already having contractions, i personally would not go, although i would be SUPER bummed, and would probably send dh and kids. your case may be very diff. though! Like PP said, if you aren't too attached to your healthcare provider, and have a place for dh and kids to stay in case you go into labor, og for it.....but make sure to have insurance checked out, and have cash on hand for what-ifs...hotels would be awful pricey for you fam to stay at while you're in the hossy!

[generous]

Thanks ladies! I think I will brave asking my OB what her thoughts are and check with my Insurance. I personally do not really care if my OB is there or not, I like her but she only comes at the end anyways! I doubt I will go that early and if I do, at least there will be family to take care of the LOs!