So I have two trips planned in May: one weekend trip to SF to see good friends, another (with Brian) at the end of the month to visit brother in South Carolina, which we planned back in September. Those trips are about ten days apart.
Then we are planning yet another trip two weeks later to Michigan to visit Brian’s family — his sister is about to have a baby.
I can’t help but think that if I weren’t pregnant, all of this would be a million times easier. The money thing wouldn’t be as bad because we wouldn’t be trying extra hard to save for my pending lack of income in the fall. I wouldn’t be physically taxed by taking three round trip flights in the space of thirty days. Is that okay for someone who is six months pregnant?
It’s probably going to be hell for me (the traveling part), not just because it’s yet more money we can’t put aside, but just all the flying and airports and driving for hours etc. I know it’s safe… I just can’t help but worry about the baby anyway. Is that crazy?
I can’t do it at any other time though. I refuse to fly past June. Then the baby will come and we won’t be taking any trips with a newborn in the wintertime. Who knows when we’ll next travel again. And we won’t have the extra money to do it anyway. So this is our only window of opportunity. Should I do it?
The tickets for the first two trips are already purchased. We are fucking broke right now — the tax bill was extremely brutal and wiped out our savings. I am completely torn. I want to see Brian’s family of course. But it’s going to take a serious toll on me, physically and mentally, when I am at my most vulnerable. I am worried I will just be a miserable wreck for the entire trip, exhausted and uncomfortable, etc etc, at a time when I should be taking it easy and taking care of myself. I don’t know what to do.
Edit: the other scary thing is that I have no idea how the stress of all this traveling could affect my baby. I would never forgive myself if it caused any complications at all.
Play it safe – dont go. Youre already worried about it and you havent even gone yet. A friend of mine developed complications late and had to be rushed into the hospital for an emergency C-section. The baby was born pre-mature (they are both fine now). You can see your family anytime, I really dont think its worth the added stress or complications to travel when you are pregnant. (I also had another friend who travelled in her first trimester and ended up with a miscarraige – she is also ok now, and just gave birth!). I know all this sounds alarming, but what harm is it in staying home? Its not worth the risks, IMO.
ALSO… you will be able to travel with the baby after its born. Probably easier than when they get old enough to walk…
This is a good point, I forgot about traveling with infants being less complicated than toddlers.
If you haven’t purchased tickets for the Michigan trip I might wait. I agree that if you are already stressing out it isn’t a good idea to go.
Dude, pregnancy is the ultimate trump card (and if it isn’t, it SHOULD be).
do what you need to do, even if that means staying hoome.
p.s. erin and i will be in Seattle on memorial day weekend. perhaps we will finally meet IRL OMG?
p.p.s. note that i use the abbreviations for funny’s sake.
I’m laying low that weekend, and we leave for SC on memorial day… I do have one thing planned for all day sunday, other than that I think I’m going to have to stay close to home and get ready for our trip! (Since we live in Kitsap County, going over to Seattle and getting around is a bit of a production.) Sorry!
If you have already purchased tickets, changing them now will be potentially expense. Check with your ob, if there is a medical reason not to go you can get a refund more easily (dr. excuse) if there is not a reason and you can be reassured so you don’t stress about it, going should be fine. (I traveled with You at 7 months, and you turned out OK ;-)).
Also traveling with infants, especially breastfeeding is a cinch! Love, MOm
I’m not considering canceling either of my pre-booked trips. It’s the third one on top of it that would be the straw that broke the camel’s back, as it were.
considering how thrilled you are with flying anyway, I’d agree. Save it for after the birth when the weather is better. Love,
Situational stress is a very real thing that can have consequences during pregnancy, I had this with Gaebriel… Not going to go on and on here, but I think you should go with your gut and the stress is a good indicator you’re not comfy with going to Michigan in conjunction with the other two trips.