Will I need an EVC or wheelchair at 7 months pregnant?

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Hi everyone! I'll be be 7 months pregnant when I go to Disney this December during the holidays. This is my first pregnancy and first trip that won't be fast paced, ride all the time, type trip. I guess my question is, do you think it will be necessary to rent an EVC or wheelchair? I'm completely clueless. The only reason I would lean towards an EVC is so my mother or sister won't have to push me around. I'm just wondering if there are any other pregnant DISers that could tell me if I will need and EVC/wheelchair or not. I plan on going and having a relaxing trip but I don't want to hold anyone up either by a lot of breaks. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[hildarumpole]

Barring any complications, you shouldn't need a wheelchair or ECV. As a matter of fact, wheels might actually slow you down even more than breaks during the very busy holiday season. It can be tricky maneuvering an ECV through crowds, especially if you don't have prior experience with one. Start a walking program, if you haven't done so already, get some comfortable shoes, and you should do well at Disney. I walked several miles a day up until the day before I delivered without any problems. It made the delivery and recovery go a lot better, because I was in shape. Talk to your doctor about your trip and ask if he/she has any tips on making it easier for you.

 

[SueM in MN]

Barring any complications, you shouldn't need a wheelchair or ECV. As a matter of fact, wheels might actually slow you down even more than breaks during the very busy holiday season. It can be tricky maneuvering an ECV through crowds, especially if you don't have prior experience with one. Start a walking program, if you haven't done so already, get some comfortable shoes, and you should do well at Disney. I walked several miles a day up until the day before I delivered without any problems. It made the delivery and recovery go a lot better, because I was in shape. Talk to your doctor about your trip and ask if he/she has any tips on making it easier for you.

I agree with everything hildarumpole wrote.

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Great! Thanks for the responses. My main concern was swelling. I've read that excessive walking during your third trimester will cause your legs and feet to swell which can be very painful. Like I said, I'm new to this so any help and suggestions are appreciates. We walk now so I guess we'll just try to increase the distance as time goes. Hopefully, there won't be any complications and all will be good. Thanks for your responses!

 

[loriandmatt]

i visited WDW when i was pregnant with DS (now 13) when i was in my 7th month and with DD (now 4) when i was in my 6th month. didn't need any assistance for either trip but i certainly did more "strolling" and less power walking from ride to ride. really enjoyed those trips, they were more laid back than most we take.

i have to say though, if you are going in extreme heat, you might want to consider taking mid day breaks and putting your feet up. i went in Oct one time and Feb the next and both were not too hot, very pleasant. i wouldn't want to do WDW at 7 months preganant in August unless i was avoiding mid day and seeing lots of shows with my feet up.

 

[mechurchlady]

MangoManiaca was the nickname for my neighbor who was from Mexico. She would eat 3 to 5 mangos at least per day while pregnant. During the last 2 days her mother had her walking around the neighborhood to help with labour. Not sure if it worked but Eva thought it did. She had a c-section with the second one.

In some parts of the world it is not uncommon for women to work and do chores until the end of pregnancy. If you are otherwise healthy it would be a lot faster to walk. Make sure you have someone in front of you if you are in any lines. I have been poke from both ends in lines many times. I even had a guy push me from behind so that I was squished between the man who had a baby in a carrier no his chest and a couple who had a toddler in a stroller. The couple were inches from being shoved into the tramway. Thus I would advise pregnant women to be in the middle of their party just in case someone pokes or pushes.

Rent a park chair if mom to be gets tired.

 

[KPeveler]

My mother worked right up to two weeks before I was born, and she was in the Navy and it was a high-risk pregnancy. Barring complications, you should be fine.

I would suggest bringing the numbers of several off-site equipment rental companies. During the holidays you may not be able to get a wheelchair or scooter on-site, or even from some off-site companies, although i have never heard of a problem as long as people reserve ahead of time.

I would think you would be able to get a wheelchair from an off-site company even if you called once you were down there. if you have the numbers and you discover that you need a wheelchair, you will be able to call without a problem... hopefully you wont need it, but just in case, its good to have

 

[SueM in MN]

Another thing you might want to do that would be slower paced and help you to miss the crowds would be to spend some time traveling to some of the resorts to see their Christmas decorations. From MK, you can take a monorail to any of the resorts that are on the monorail, look at the decorations at that resort, relax a little in the lobby (all have nice comfy chairs) and then head on the monorail to the next resort.
From Epcot, you can get a boat to Boardwalk Inn or Yacht or Beach Club.
Seeing the decorations is something you can only do during the holiday season and would be a really nice thing to do.

 

[leanan]

December is a great time to go when pregnant because of the cooler weather. I did use an ECV some at the parks when pregnant with my son because I overheat too easily. Next week I am going to stay at the AKL but may or may not rent an ECV I am currently 12 weeks pregnant with twins which is really taking a toll on my body. Of course I will do mornings and evenings only in the parks. I suspect I will end up using an ECV some just because I am having a hard time with this pregnancy. Yes my Dr says it is ok to go but I also know my own limitations.

 

[dclfun]

I agree with all that's been said- many of us, myself included, have gone to WDW when 7 months or + pregnant and did just fine without a w/c or ECV. You know your body- if you tire or feel the need, renting a w/c while there shouldn't be a problem. I mostly wanted to say "congratulations" to the Moms and welcome to the new little Mouseketeers on the way!---Kathy

 

[FranP]

DD went last November at around 32 weeks. Her OB felt that she would be OK as long as she drank enough water and that walking would actually be better than riding because while riding her knees would be bent and that she might swell more that way. Walking was also better to avoid deep vein thrombosis which can happen if you don't move around enough.

We got her a wheelchair just in case she got really tired or didn't feel right - I don't think she ever actually rode in it - my 82 year old mother spent most of the day in it which was better for her.

 

[rach2674]

It depends how you feel. I've gone in the past pregnant and was OK. But I'm 7 months right now and am going this weekend. I hadn't planned on getting an ECV based on my previous pregnancies, but I'm going to have to now. The last month I've been very short of breath even getting up and going to the bathroom, so I know I'll never make it walking...even taking it very slow. I really feel bad having to do this, but it's that or cancel our trip. I'm hoping I'll be ok once we get to the lines and I can stand around, but not sure how that will work. I don't know if I'll be able to stand for a 90 minute wait if there is one.

I may get completely blasted for this, but it's what I have to do. I am worried about it being crowded and I'll just have to put the ECV on a low speed so I don't run anyone over and my husband and dd6 can keep up walking.

How do the ECV's work when you get to a ride? Do they have a place to park them? I'm going to look up the faq's and see if there's anything in there about that.

I do agree with drinking lots of water and sitting a lot. I know the one year I went in the middle of the summer and I was pregnant I almost passed out because of the heat and dehydration. So do take your time, and like they said, you're lucky it'll be cooler in December.

Rachel

 

[Selket]

I gotta say - YPMV - Your Pregnancy May Vary.

The key is this if your first pregnancy so you don't know how you'll feel at 7 months or what to expect (even with the 2nd one you never know, but at least you have had the experience).

I think it depends on how active you are now and how easily it is for you to walk long distances, etc. If you are physically fit and active you will likely be able to handle the walking. Perhaps more chance of getting more tired the less active you were before the pregnancy.

Of course even the best fit person could have issues. I think what I would do is try to walk some every day and get used to being out and about (if you aren't already). I would, however, make myself familiar with the wheelchair/ecv providers and the FAQ here on touring WDW with an EVC, etc. You might find when the time comes you need it and then you are prepared. Or perhaps you'll get down there and want to rent one for some of the days. Hopefully you will feel great however!

I think it is good to cover all you bases - plan to walk and do a more leisurely WDW experience but know how to tour if you need the ecv/wc....just in case.

I probably could have done WDW no problem at 7 months with #1 but with #2 I was much more tired and also did not feel right by the 3rd trimester and ended up on bedrest those last 2 months!

 

[SueM in MN]

I may get completely blasted for this, but it's what I have to do. I am worried about it being crowded and I'll just have to put the ECV on a low speed so I don't run anyone over and my husband and dd6 can keep up walking.

You need to do what you need to do for your own condition and comfort level

How do the ECV's work when you get to a ride? Do they have a place to park them? I'm going to look up the faq's and see if there's anything in there about that.

You can park ECVs with the strollers and walk in line. It's important to be aware though, that some of the attractions have a long way to walk in line, even if the wait is short.
For most attractions, you will be able to just stay on the ECV in the line until boarding. At that point, you will leave the ECV and board the ride car. The ECV will be waiting for you when you get off.
AK and the Studio were built with Mainstream Lines, which means that the lines are almost entirely wheelchair/ECV accessible and you can take either into the lines with you.
MK and Epcot are older parks and sometimes didn't have room to make the attraction line totally accessible.

If you check out post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there are links to the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities for each park. They are not very detailed, but do indicated how to enter the attraction and whether or not you can stay in the ECV. The Epcot disABILITIES thread (near the top of this board) also has information.

I do agree with drinking lots of water and sitting a lot. I know the one year I went in the middle of the summer and I was pregnant I almost passed out because of the heat and dehydration. So do take your time, and like they said, you're lucky it'll be cooler in December.

Rachel

avoiding dehydration is an important point. Becoming dehydrated can lead to an 'irritable uterus' and contractions.

 

[CGC33A]

I agree with most all that has been said: likely not to need a WC etc unless you are having real pregnancy related problems and if that is the case, you should rethink the trip. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Try support hose (knee highs) to help prevent swelling and bring shoes that can accommodate swelling (tie shoes/athletic shoes). rest frequently and put your feet up. In each park there is a baby care station with rocking charis and a quiet environment to rest if you can't find any other good spots.
My last suggestion is to bring a copy of your medical records. If you have them with you, you won't need them but if you don't, you might. If nothing else, bring your provider's business card so you have contact info. I speak form experience-an OB nurse in the Orlando area. We get lots of tourists and some don't know how to contact their provider, or even know the name (this is the extreme but it happens more often than you think).
Oh, and if you are flying, if your trip is more than an hour or so, make sure you get up and walk around on the plane. Don't sit too still for any length of time

 

[SueM in MN]

Try support hose (knee highs) to help prevent swelling and bring shoes that can accommodate swelling (tie shoes/athletic shoes). rest frequently and put your feet up.

Because of the swelling, don't take your shoes off when you put your feet up - you might not be able to get the shoes back on. (written from experience)