Pregnant trip advice and packing list

[baldy6060]

My wife will be 7.5 months pregnant when we go to WDW in June for at least 6 nights. We know she needs comfy walking shoes and she needs to rest often and stay cool. What else? What might she need to pack that we haven't thought about? Any other trip advice or tips? Also, we will be driving 17 hours down and back. Any thoughts for comfort there? Anything you all can add will be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[jlsmith376]

I went when I was 5 months pregnant and swelling was my problem especially in the Florida heat. I would say if she is swelling too to make sure she has shoes to accommodate swelling and to put her feet up as much as she can. I also needed to drink water constantly. We had a refrigerator/freezer in our room so we froze water bottles and took them with us. A few hours into touring the parks they were perfect to drink. Finally, those cool mist fans by O2Cool are really nice. You can get them in Wal Mart or Target for $5 but they run about $15 in the park.

My other suggestion is to make sure you know where the nearest hospital is

 

[angelmom27]

I went when I was 5 months pregnant and swelling was my problem especially in the Florida heat. I would say if she is swelling too to make sure she has shoes to accommodate swelling and to put her feet up as much as she can. I also needed to drink water constantly. We had a refrigerator/freezer in our room so we froze water bottles and took them with us. A few hours into touring the parks they were perfect to drink. Finally, those cool mist fans by O2Cool are really nice. You can get them in Wal Mart or Target for $5 but they run about $15 in the park.

My other suggestion is to make sure you know where the nearest hospital is

All of this also a nice wash rag that you can put cold water on and place on the back of your neck or face helps too.

 

[esjalr5]

I went while pregnant in 2011 and I would say make sure she stays WELL hydrated, eats a good breakfast, and frequent snacks. I drank lots of water and still had trouble with dizziness related to dehydration. A small spray bottle filled with water is wonderful for cooling off in the parks. We started off trying to follow a set schedule in the park and ended up having to ditch it and go at a much more relaxed pace before we got through the first ride. (I got sick from not having eaten enough breakfast). Once we got rid of the pressure to follow the schedule, things went MUCH smoother. As far as in the car and sleeping, a small squishy pillow that she can use to support her belly or back or place between her knees may help her get more comfortable. There are airconditioned baby care centers in each park that may provide a less crowded, cool place for her to sit and rest if she needs to. (I never did use that option, though). Hope thats helpful! Have a great trip!

 

[esjalr5]

Oh, and make sure to stop every few hours on the car trips so she can walk around and get bloodflow moving in her legs. That's VERY important during pregnancy.

 

[Mrs Green]

Being 8 1/2 months pregnant now, I would offer that you plan on taking a midday break during the hottest part of the day. Also, pool time may be nice, relaxing. I know that I am easily tired, so a slow walking pace and frequent stops; a good mix of sitting and standing. Have ADRs in place so you reduce waiting/standing and to ensure some healthier choices of food then you may get at counter service. Good luck with your trip and your impending bundle of joy!

 

[2009CAN]

I would HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this belly support. I won't be seen under clothes and she can also put a light weight cami under it if she doesn't want it directly on her skin. I've worn this w/a twin PG and a singleton and it takes so much pressure off your hips and back. There are other brands, but this one specifically works well.
http://www.amazon.com/Therapy-Best-Buys-Mother-to-be-Maternity/dp/B00063IQ48

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I agree with the spray fan idea. If you put I've cubes in the water reservoir it is even more refreshing!

And a belly support band will help too, but it might get hot.

Also try a Frogg Togg towel that she can get wet and put on the back of her neck to help keep her cool.

 

[baldy6060]

All very helpful so far. Thank you! Keep 'em coming. Any park strategies you can think of that might come in handy will be helpful too. Btw, the days in Epcot we have Via Napoli and Biergarten lunch reservations. In MK we are hoping for an early BOG lunch. So we have some midday break time and we are hoping for maybe 7 days in the parks instead of 6 so we can go at a more leisurely pace and go back to the resort for a break if need be. I'm not going commando this time!

 

[PWammy]

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but have you considered postponing? I'm sure she feels great now, but there is a huge difference between 5 months and almost 8 months.

 

[rjb123]

I went when I was 8 months pregnant with my second. I had a BALL! I felt free to eat all the snacks I wanted (and gained NO weight thanks to the walking!!) and people were so kind and considerate to me! I always got a seat on the busses etc (love the magic!). I would make sure she brings at least two good pairs of walking shoes, a bathing suit (even if she swears she doesn't want to swim, do it! it was heaven after a hot day!) hats (I was so sun sensitive while preggers) and a good knowledge of where the bathrooms are! Also, the baby care areas are a nice place to sit down and cool off for a few minutes so keep that in mind! Have a wonderful trip!

 

[FreeThinker]

Any way you could postpone or go a month or two earlier? She's going to have a lot of lower pressure after walking all day unless you take sitting breaks often. Infact I would probably have to lay down once a day if I were on my feet so much walking around. If you do go, I would take it very easy, drink constantly (and remember she will have to pee every little bit, t00 b/c there will be 5lbs of baby sitting on her bladder )

Has she talked to her Dr. about driving 17 hours? This isn't usually recommended for pregnant women in the last trimester b/c of chance of bloodclots. You should plan to stop every 3 hours or so and take a 20 minute or so walk.

 

[PocahontasLookALike]

I just came back from DL being 29 weeks pregnant. I had a great time and really enjoyed it all. We drove the six hours to get there and here's my recommendations

-def plan to stop very often. So she can get out and walk and stretch during the drive. we had our 16 month old so this was helpful for her too.

-bring something that she can prop her feet up on on the car. You want to have your knees above your hip bones because it relieves the pressure off your back.

-be sure she drinks lots and lots of water.

-def plan to go back to the hotel mid day. I've never been a mid day rest park go-er but it helped so much. I would switch my shoes then too. If she has four pairs of comfy shoes, bring them all so that she can rotate mid day and every other day.

-allow her to sit and rest lots during the day

-Walk slowly through the parks. I'm normally a fast walker and pretty athletic non-pregnant (I'm a long distance runner when not pregnant lol) but I had to tell my group several times that I simply couldn't keep up. it was kind of annoying that they would keep rushing off. I'm just at the stage on my pregnancy where I'm starting to waddle.

-don't have her carry the bag/backpack. She's already carrying enough extra pounds.

-offer to sit some rides out and just enjoy the environment with her. My husband did this lots and I appreciated it.

-understand that she prob get grouchy and cranky. It's the beauty of pregnancy.

-Foot rubs at night will go a long way

I hope it doesn't sound like I'm a whiny pregnant because I think I'm kind of a trooper, but touring the parks is just a little different when toting around a baby inside your belly

 

[Dax]

I just did a day trip to Epcot 2 weeks ago, and I am 5mo pregnant. I am not going to lie....I was miserable. Between the heat, the sweating, the bathroom breaks, the backaches and the crowds, I honestly did not have a good of a time ad I should have. We took it slow, but I still needed to sit often. It was a super long day and it took me a few days to feel better

 

[jenn3456]

As a labor and delivery RN, I will say double check with her dr before you go and make sure she has a copy of all her prenatal records including lab work and ultrasounds!!! If something does happen, it will making getting treatment at the nearest hospital much easier and safer for her and the baby!!! Also make sure every two hours, she is out of the car walking for a few minutes to keep good blood flow and prevent blood clots during the drive. She can also wear compression stockings during the drive as well!
Have her stay well hydrated! Sorry to be gross but if she is drinking water, the color of her pee should be close to the color of the wAter. If its not, she isn't drinking enough and in the FL heat that will really be important!!
Good luck and enjoy your trip!

 

[baldy6060]

I appreciate all those comments in support of the trip as well as the concerns of others. I assure you all we will be having 2 doctor visits before the trip and we will be discussing it with him. If he says we shouldn't go, we won't. We will probably split the drive down and back in half. We will stay at a hotel overnight. Aside from one day in AK and one day at MK, the days in the parks will be half days. And she is welcome to go back to the resort for a rest or sit some out entirely. I will have my 2 kids with me. My wife is the one who is most insistent on going. I have expressed my concerns. She understands and has assured me she won't push herself and will take any and all necessary precautions. I offered a nice "babymoon" elsewhere but this is what she wants. I will be sitting out some rides with her and I will definitely spoil her as best I can. We are asking you all so we know what to expect and how to prepare. Thank you all. You have been quite helpful. If you think of anything else feel free to post it.

 

[Freesia123]

I think the drive will be the worst. I must admit that when I flew cross country at 7 months pregnant I wore a poise pad. Those bumps and wiggles can really do a number on a pregnant bladder. As for WDW itself, she needs to stay hydrated, have good medical insurance and go at her own pace. I had no problem doing five days straight at Disney at eight months. Enjoy!

 

[nhmommy]

I went when I was 8 months pregnant with my second. I had a BALL! I felt free to eat all the snacks I wanted (and gained NO weight thanks to the walking!!) and people were so kind and considerate to me! I always got a seat on the busses etc (love the magic!). I would make sure she brings at least two good pairs of walking shoes, a bathing suit (even if she swears she doesn't want to swim, do it! it was heaven after a hot day!) hats (I was so sun sensitive while preggers) and a good knowledge of where the bathrooms are! Also, the baby care areas are a nice place to sit down and cool off for a few minutes so keep that in mind! Have a wonderful trip!

All of this

As a labor and delivery RN, I will say double check with her dr before you go and make sure she has a copy of all her prenatal records including lab work and ultrasounds!!! If something does happen, it will making getting treatment at the nearest hospital much easier and safer for her and the baby!!! Also make sure every two hours, she is out of the car walking for a few minutes to keep good blood flow and prevent blood clots during the drive. She can also wear compression stockings during the drive as well!
Have her stay well hydrated! Sorry to be gross but if she is drinking water, the color of her pee should be close to the color of the wAter. If its not, she isn't drinking enough and in the FL heat that will really be important!!
Good luck and enjoy your trip!

this too

I just wanted to add I have been twice while pregnant first time 6 months 2nd time 8 months and I had a blast both times I never got extra tired or anything. I did do the meal plan both times sense I tend to be cheap and I was afraid I would see the price for lunch and decide I wasn't hungry and could wait and just have dinner or that I would skip snacks. If this isn't a problem for your family I would skip the plan because you can save money but if you think she will skip because the cost it's worth the upfront cost.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

When I did WDW while pregnant my OB suggested that I wear compression stockings, at least for traveling since there is so much sitting involved. And make sure she drinks a lot of water, a lot! Have a great time!