Pregnancy

[diz4me]

Hi! Not pregnant, but wondering for the future...

I know the policy reads that you must not be more than 24 weeks pregnant in order to sail. How do they know how far along you are? If you just showed up, they noticed your pregnancy and you told them you were less than 24, would it be a problem? Some people are even't showing significantly at that point.

I agree with the policy and wouldn't disobey it, but just wonder for those who planned a cruise and became pregnant unexpectedly. If the conflict is only over a couple of weeks, would Disney force the issue?
Request a DR note? Anyone had an experience like this?

Peg

 

[jel0511]

DCL is VERY strict about the pregnancy rule. If you look pregnant, they will ask for documentation from your Dr indicating that you are less than 24 weeks. If you do not have it, they can deny you boarding. There have been some posts here on the DIS of people having to cancel their cruises due to pregnancies. So, if you are trying to become pregnant and do, and plan on cruising before your 24th week, plan on bringing documentation how far you are in your pregnancy, it will save a lot of headaches.

 

[Michelle]

They require a medical clearance form signed by your doctor in advance if you are pregnant and sailing.

You would absolutely be denied boarding if you were past your 24th week of pregnancy.

It's a safety concern as babies are theoretically viable at 24 weeks, and it would be a tragedy for a mother to go into premature labor while sailing and not have the proper medical facilities onboard to support a severely premature birth.

 

[flexsmom]

I certainly don't intend to contradict, but last October I simply annotated on the boarding docs that I was pregnant and filled in how far along I was, which was specifically requested. I was not required to have anything signed by my doctor. The CM did notice and asked about it just to confirm upon check-in. As with some of their other policies, perhaps DCL is still deciding what the best procedure is for this to minimize liability (not to mention having an unexpected stowaway born on the ship without paying a fare!)

 

[Michelle]

Flexsmom, you're correct that is a question on the documents and that you may not be questioned, but I would go the extra step of getting the form and the doctor's information regarding the stage of pregnancy if you are anywhere near the 24th week of pregnancy. Without that DCL COULD deny you boarding. If you are in earlier stages of pregnancy then it would be okay just to note it on the boarding documents, unless you have medical complications that would require the form.

 

[diz4me]

I agree that it is a dangerous thing to break the 24 week rule, and never would. I was just curious how DCL would handle someone who didn't notify them of a pregnancy before boarding. Would they ever ask someone if they were pregnant (GASP)?What if they weren't...how embarrasing for everyone involved.

I did get a chuckle about the new stowaway and how DCL would formulate their fare. I am sure they would find a way!

Thanks for sharing your experiences. We are looking forward to our first DC with our DDs 3 and 17 mos. Hopefully, I won't be in the family way come this November, but who knows, maybe I'll return with a special souvenier!

Thanks again!
Peg

 

[I Luv Disney Cruise]

When I asked the CM what the limit was on the pregnancy she asked me if I was and I am and she sent me a medical clearance form and told me that my doctor had to fill it out. I personally think it is a smart thing to do for DCL and for the mother and child.

 

[diz4me]

I couldn't agree more...

 

[disneydeb]

we just changed our cruise from oct to june,due to pregnancy, ta had called and said dcl faxed her medical clearance that we had md fill out and fax back to dcl,

 

[Michigan RN]

I think anytime between the 24-32 week mark it critical on a cruise. I'm a labor & delivery nurse, have been for 9 years, and would never consider risking it during that time and I know how to resuscitate a premature baby! My husband and I were on a 7 day in Janurary and I had a miscarriage at 7 weeks. It MOST DEFINETLY was not the place to be. It was a good thing that I knew what to do to stop the bleeding - others may not be so lucky - even I was scared. Hope this helps any pregnancy travel concerns.

 

[mrsltg]

I'm so glad that everyone seems to agree with and follow this rule! While my pregnancy was more or less smoothe sailing, my girlfriend had a stroke at 24 weeks. She was perfectly healthy and had no warning signs or reason to suspect the danger she was in. Thank God she was at home and not on vacation, especially somewhere that didn't have the right medical care accessible. The 24 week rule is great one for a cruise, and definitely something that people should follow.

Erin

 

[disneydeb]

michaginRN: did you use the medical services on board did they fly you to a hospital?? what is their policy when a tragedy like that happens?

 

[Michigan RN]

DIsney Deb-

No I did not use the facilities at all. I did purchase a pregnancy test from them but never used it. I told myself that I would go down the next morning if the bleeding didn't stop. They may have medication to help the uterus contract, but if you need a D & C you would have to go to the nearest hospital - I wanted to try and avoid that!