Long car trip at 34 weeks

[AliB]

Hi there

I thought I'd post this to the third trimester forum although I still have a while to go yet...!

I'm due Feb 15th with #1 and am wondering what the chances are that DP and I can make our usual trip to Vic see my family this Christmas. The drive is about 10-11 hours each way, we could break the trip over a couple of days, but I'd be travelling at 33-34 weeks so it is a bit daunting.

I know that everyone's experience is different... but in other's experience/opinion, is it more likely that I will NOT feel like the drive by that stage, and so should I just plan NOT to go? It may seem that I'm worrying about it rather early but if I decide not to go, we'll have a trip down there soon to visit before I get too big.

TIA

[murraysmum]

ive done a trip like that at 35 weeks i made sure we had lots of stops lots of food and drinks i was comfy had a pillow blanket ect music to listen too portable dvd player ect

as long as u stop often u should be ok

[AliBaby]

I drove Qld to Sydney 10.5hrs in one day by myself when I was 34wks pregnant. Just had to take more toilet breaks! Its up to you whether or not you feel comfortable going. I wouldnt miss seeing my famil at Christmas though.

[Oscar&Grouch]

i agree with murraysmum. as long as your frequently stopping and its not to hot in the car i think you should be fine.
prob not the best idea for you to drive though so get whoever you are going with to be prepared to drive the whole time!
i find that as uncomfortable it is being so big, being on the move in the car is weirdly very relaxing haha for me anyway.
goood luck xo

[AliB]

Thank you all for your replies, great food for thought.

[~Raven~]

We did a big trip at 32 weeks. Pakenham - Pambula - Albury - Pakenham round trip. It was uncomfortable at times but we had lots of breaks for the loo and to get the old joints moving.

[GoingtobebiginAsia]

Just thought I'd report that at nearly 30 weeks I don't feel so bad at all.
Right now I feel like I'll be ok in four or five weeks - but who knows. I'm taking a long flight in four weeks and I'm not really expecting any problems. I just had a weekend away and the traveling didn't bother me, although I had to go to bed early the night we got back.

[~Kaz~]

It's really hard to say because you can't predict the kind of symptoms you'll have by that stage of your pg. I went on a long, overnight drive interstate when I was about 28 weeks along. I found the ability to stop regularly for the toilet as well as to walk around for 5-10 mins really helped. I got very uncomfortable sitting in the same position for too long but a pillow helped me shift position in the seat if that makes sense.

I reckon you'll know as you get to the end of your 2nd tri if you can do it or not and whether you need to bring your trip forward.

HTH.

[sas85]

I went on a 6 hour car trip when I was 7 1/2 months for a one week holiday and it was fine - I hate travelling so I didn't enjoy it ever but it was no wrose than when I wasn't pregnant (Just had to stop to pee more). It's just sitting - hell, I sat in an office until I was over 8 months all day on a much more uncomfy chair than a car seat Unless there's something wrong that makes sitting unbearable or you are high risk there's no reason you can't go. Have fun, enjoy travelling without a baby while you can!

[AliB]

I thought I'd post a follow up to my question because I always find it interesting to know what people decide to do when they ask for advice!!

We didn't do the 10 hour drive x 2. We decided to go to Victoria to visit earlier (at 22 weeks) and my sister also visited us before Christmas. We then spent Christmas with DP's family in Sydney instead even though it wasn't 'their turn'. My family were happy when they realised that meant they will get us in 2010 for Baby's First Christmas!

As it was, I was very happy to not have to do the drive. Bub was fully engaged, which meant that I CONSTANTLY needed to wee, especially when I was seated! Then after Christmas, he flipped to breach, and it hurt so much to sit down as his head was jammed into my ribs.

So all in all a happy ending