Let me learn from your experience....pregnant and visiting WDW

[MyLittlePiglet]

For any of you moms who have traveled the world pregnant can you give me any advice for my November trip? What helped, didn't? What did you learn in hindersight etc. Will be traveling DH, me (5 1/2 months pregnant then), DstepD 11, DD 2.

TIA

 

[pigget74]

Take comfy shoes, drink lots of water, eat often (snacks), rest when needed. Don't try to do everything. Have fun and take lots of pictures.

 

[AlohaLilo]

We went in May 2004 - I was 28 weeks pregnant with dd, and ds was 2 1/2. We planned our day with nap-time in the mid-afternoon. Ds was way too excited to nap, so dh took him swimming or to the playground while *I* napped.

I made sure that I always had a water bottle handy. I also took snacks - aiming for nutritious. Raw almonds, cheese sticks, fruit, protein shakes. . .

Every morning, I bought an extra milk to take with me. I was usually ready for a banana and milk snack by mid-morning.

And make sure your two year old doesn't get lost in the MGM Honey, I Shrunk the Kids playground! Climbing through the ant tunnels in 90 degree heat in my third trimester was not my idea of fun. (We found him crying at the top of The Web)

 

[Nee Nee and Biddy]

I went while 30 weeks pregnant and I packed my body pillows from home in one suitcase. It was a lifesaver! It hard to get comfortable pregnant anyway but in an unfamiliar bed...forget it. Just take it slow and relax. You will have a great time!

 

[pixiewytch]

I went to MK for the day last week and I am about as far along as you are. I tried not to rush, that's for sure. The others I was with were sometimes a bit faster at walking than I was but I didn't try to keep up with them. Eventually they would notice me and slow down a bit. I did make sure to keep my water bottle filled at all times. We also tried to get fastpass for a lot of the attractions to avoid long waits in line. At the end of the day we waited in Peter Pan for about an hour and at that point I was feeling pretty exhausted and crampy. We stopped to take a short sitting break after that before heading over to watch the spectromagic show. At that point I felt like I had overdone it a bit. I was having some cramping and back pain when I walked. The next day of course I was fine after a night of rest.

In hindsight I don't know if I would have done anything differently. I probably should have left earlier instead of staying until 10p.m but then I would have missed a lot of things too. Just be prepared for your body to start telling you to slow down close to the end of the day.

 

[puffkin]

- Sit any chance you get.
- Make a mental note where the bathrooms are.
- Always think, "Do I need to go to the bathroom" before entering the line for an attraction.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Have some kind of small snack in your bag in case you can't get to food right away.
- Have a budget for baby items, it can add up quick
- Don't know if you are flying, but my back hurt when I sat for long periods of time (like on the plane) but the Thermacare heat wraps worked great.

I went 25 weeks pregnant and had a great time. It wasn't bad at all and DH and I were able to do a lot of things that we don't normally make time for. It was one of our best trips yet.

 

[disney09]

I was on your exact situation, 5 1/2 months but without the older kids. In my Lamaze class, they told me to get a wheelchair so I could rest. I laughed at the idea, and DH took no notice. I mean, I did exercise and like to walk. Ok, so I had a little condition that made me be in some pain if I didn't take enough rest, but I thought it wouldn't be a problem. Big mistake. After standing one and a half hour to rent a car in the first day (a hot, hot, May day), things went downhill after that, and on day 3 I had to be in bedrest for a hole day. I was miserable that day, but it worked, and the remaining of the vacations we rented the wheelchair, and it was heaven for me! It worked great.
So, my advice for you: if you are in excellent shape and used to exercise, do as the other post tell you: take it easy and rest as much as you need to.
If not, rent a wheelchair! Your DD2 can even go with you, and you will not have to push it to a extreme like I did.
Enjoy your vacation, and take ALL the precautions that you need to.

 

[Stephres]

I have been twice while pregnant and didn't have any major problems either time. Do take lots of breaks in the air conditioning and if your two year old still naps, nap with her. The food did start to upset my stomach after a few days, so bringing your own (healthy) snacks is a terrific idea.

 

[SaraMc]

I went when I was about 12 weeks pregnant. Take breaks, drink lots and lots of fluid. Be prepared to visit every single bathroom on property. Comfy shoes was a must for me. We also did go into more stores and more buildings that we normally would do and just looked at all the neat stuff. We kept finding little corners just to relax but everyday around 2-3 DH would start me back to the hotel so I could nap for a while.

 

[gbrogers]

My wife was just over 3 months along with #3 when we went. We were staying on-site so we were able to take a break each afternoon.

The only thing I will add to this thread is that I would consult your doctor considering ride recommendations. Her doctor just told to avoid the coasters and TOT. My wife really only regretted riding the Astro Orbiter. It circles a lot faster than Dumbo and the Magic Carpets.

 

[KateJulian]

I went when I was 7 1/2 months pregnant. I couldn't keep up with my DH and DS (6 1/2 yo) We rented a manual wheelchair for me and it was very hard to navigate. We bit the bullet and rented a motorzied wheelchair. I felt very self-conscious riding in it but it was worth it. There is NO way I could have walked the park as many times as they did no matter how much water I drank or how many breaks I took.

 

[nicolemomof4cuties]

My Dh and I took our 3 younger children to WDW when I was 5 months pregnant in JULY. That was the mistake - the JULY part. Holy crap it was HOT!!! My children were 1.5, 2.5 and 4 at the time. They were great! We only had one incident when my daughter was having an asthma attack at AK. Otherwise, I felt pretty good. I am a very active person, though. (You know, one of those crazy women who have a baby than go shopping at Wal-mart or spring-clean the house 2 days later, etc....) I actually had MORE energy when I was pregnant. Go figure. My advice would be to drink tons of water. I was parched the whole trip. My other advice is fly- don't drive. We drove from Indiana to Orlando and my rearend was numb for the whole next day LOL!

 

[bride03]

For anyone looking at this thread from searching for answers...I would have to say that I don't recommend Disney for the pregnant visitor that was an avid and lively "do everything" kind of park visitor. My feet hurt badly (heels) and my belly felt like a bowling ball. I will not do Disney pregnant again because it is so frustrating. I did go during a peak time though, week between Christmas and New Years. Oh, and lots of potty breaks and standing up to go since the toilets were dirty. I was just spent after our trip!

 

[mericletwins]

For any of you moms who have traveled the world pregnant can you give me any advice for my November trip? What helped, didn't? What did you learn in hindersight etc. Will be traveling DH, me (5 1/2 months pregnant then), DstepD 11, DD 2.

TIA

I went in March one year when I was about 5 months pregnant. We had our 9 mo. old twins with us, so we were forced to go fairly slowly. We did go back to the room every day for the babies to nap or swim if theyhad already napped in the stroller. I would either swim or read a book. (I was never a napper). The only thing different between that trip, being pregnant, and the others since having kids, is I couldn't go on some of the rides. Drink lots of water, sit in the shade when the others go on rides you can't and when you get tired, go back to your room.

 

[kmk160]

Did WDW twice while pregnant. Once in November and was 5 mos along and the other about 2 mos along.
Would just echo the other posts...drink your water and take breaks.
We'd go back to the room and either nap or just relax in the shade by the pool.
While it doesnt seem like a big deal, those little breaks help alot!!!
Have a safe and wonderful trip!!!

 

[poetmom]

I went to Disney while 5 months pregnant, several years ago, in the month of October. I don't think the weather will be too different for you in November. Avoiding the heat will be a big help! Yes, take it easy. That was a big thing. We always stayed at Ft. Wilderness and took a midday break anyhow, but I really took a break and napped, put my feet up and so on. Besides wearing comfy shoes, I took two pairs and switched them after the midday break. It helped so much! Drinking lots of water is imperative! Pregnant women get dehydrated so easily anyhow. You'll have a great time! Just listen to your body and obey it!

 

[scjo68]

The OP has apparently already been, but since it has been bumped up, and expectant moms always can use more tips, I will just add the following.

If you are driving, stop and walk at least a little bit every two hours. To prevent blood clots, my DR told me.

Since I coudn't go on several of the rides with DH and DD, my job was often to sit and hold parade/firework seats. So I found myself sitting on concrete for long stretches. I was so glad to have my stadium-style seat pad with me, bought at sporting goods store. So much more comfy!

 

[mericletwins]

For anyone looking at this thread from searching for answers...I would have to say that I don't recommend Disney for the pregnant visitor that was an avid and lively "do everything" kind of park visitor. My feet hurt badly (heels) and my belly felt like a bowling ball. I will not do Disney pregnant again because it is so frustrating. I did go during a peak time though, week between Christmas and New Years. Oh, and lots of potty breaks and standing up to go since the toilets were dirty. I was just spent after our trip!

I just looked at your baby countdown. 33 weeks and 4 days. That countdown is really neat. It says the baby is about 4.75 lbs. I had my twins at 33 weeks and 1 day and they were 3.11 lbs and 4.5 lbs. Congratulations on your impending arrival!

 

[hmmerr02]

Last year we went to WDW twice while I was pregnant. Once 4 months and once 6 1/2 months along. Everybody has great suggestions, but I would add two...spoil yourself with a massage one afternoon. Wait a couple of days into your trip and let them rub awa all the swelling and soreness! Also, I took sneakers for the AM and then switched into crocs for the PM. The change in shoes seemed to re-energize my feet a little. One more....enjoy the EPCOT countries. We are usually so excited for the rides, but pregnancy definately makes you stop and smell the roses!

 

[Disney Ron]

I went last June while 5 1/2 months pregnant. It was a great last kidless trip to me and my DH. Plan accordingly on the plane to use the restroom. Never wait till last minute to get up to go, and don't be afraid to tell the flight attend you are pregnant. I was told to get up to go when ever I had to.

Once we got there we just took it at a slower more relaxed pace than normal.
I wore my Crocs!!! I highly recommend these when pregnant. I think I wore them everyday for the last couple of months of my pregnancy.

Afternoon naps were a blessing. DH and I would curl up and he would give me my daily back rub. After napping I was ready to go.

Drink lots of water and have comfy cool shirts.

Good Luck with your pregnancy!

Mrs. Disney Ron