Would you go to Disneyworld 7 months (31 weeks) pregnant?

[princesslover]

Okay, we have been planning a trip for early December for a while. We have booked the WL over my 2nd DD's birthday.

I just got the shock of my life when I found out yesterday I am pregnant with #3.

A little background:

We have never been to DW before.

I am an "older" Mom (I'm 42!!!!!!!)

I have two other kids

I have typically had very easy pregnancies

With the addtion of this third child, finances will be very tight, and we may not get another opportunity to go.

What would you do?

 

[Aliceacc]

Congratulations on your wonderful news!!!!

OK, the first person you need to ask, obviously, is your OB-GYN.

But since you chose to ask me until his office opens, here's my response:

Go.

If you can swing it financially, go. You've been pregnant before, you know the drill. You know there are some rides you won't be able to do, and others that simply won't appeal.

But at 7 months, morning sickness should be a distant memory. You already have 2 kids, so you're on your feet a lot anyway, though of course you can expect to do a whole lot of walking (and might want to start building up your endurance with a daily walk.) For me, the second trimester (and early 3rd) were a breeze each time.

But as long as there are no financial or health issues keeping you home, I say go and have a wonderful time!!

 

[ancestry]

I went when I was 6 months pregnant with my twins. I would never do it again. I was miserable and my family was miserable. Our trip was in mid-June and it was hot and humid. I swelled up like a balloon from being on my legs so much and ended up with a ton of spider veins in my legs after that trip. I actually ended up on bed rest for the rest of the pregnancy after we returned despite having a clean bill of health before we went.

I know many women have gone far into their pregnancy but I still feel it was a huge mistake for me to have done so.

 

[BigEeyore]

Congrats!!! In both of my pregnancies, I personally could not have handled a WDW trip in my 3rd trimester - just too tiring! It is tiring enough without being pregnant LOL. I know this is a personal thing - some women don't miss a beat when PG, and for some women it's tougher. Also you know that things can come up as pregnancy goes along...potential bed rest, etc.
If I were you - I would try to move the trip up to Sept or Oct if you can. Best of luck to you!

 

[princesslover]

Thank you both for your responses! It's such a hard decision. I have no idea what to do. I'm so afraid that if we don't go now, we won't go because I know money is going to be really tight for us when #3 arrives.

Ancestry - our trip is early December, where it won't be as hot. I know that doesn't help with the walking though.

Alliceacc - I go to the gym 3X a week now, and I hope to keep that up as long as possible. I think I'm in pretty good shape for walking, if I keep it up.

I am anxious to hear others' experiences.

 

[princesslover]

Congrats!!! In both of my pregnancies, I personally could not have handled a WDW trip in my 3rd trimester - just too tiring! It is tiring enough without being pregnant LOL. I know this is a personal thing - some women don't miss a beat when PG, and for some women it's tougher. Also you know that things can come up as pregnancy goes along...potential bed rest, etc.
If I were you - I would try to move the trip up to Sept or Oct if you can. Best of luck to you!

Thanks for your input. DH previously said he didn't want to go in Sept/Oct because of hurricane season, but maybe with this news he would reconsider. However, I worry about the heat in Sept/Oct. At least in December, even though I'll be further along, I wouldn't have the heat to deal with.

 

[Avonlady1001]

I've been to Disney both at 5mths & 6mths prego. Both were WONDERFUL trips. Yes, it was hot (the 1st time I was preg w/ DD we went in Sept). The 2nd time, w/ DS we had the trip scheduled for the last week in September for FD...found out I was pregnant & due mid-Oct. LOL We went a little earlier cause I still wanted to go.

The only thing is the rides you won't be able to go on. I'd been before & knew I'd be going again someday, so it didn't bother me not to be able to do the big rides. Will that be an issue for you?

Can you save the money you were spending & go when baby is born? My sister took Dniece at 4mths & said it was wonderful. I'd take a baby that small in a heartbeat. We took DD at 1, and going this Sept/Oct just before DS turns 1. Or think about moving the trip up when you won't be as pregnant...remember how uncomfortable the 3rd trimester CAN be?

If you feel good & the doc ok's it, I say GO! I rested more, drank more water than I normally would have. Chances are you'll be resting more w/ kids anyway.

And CONGRATS on your pregnancy. I'm JEALOUS!! Not that I want to be prego now (DS is only 8mths LOL DD is 4yrs. But for some reason, I'm still jealous of all pregnant women. )

Have a happy, healthy pregnancy!

 

[2002Disneybride]

Okay, we have been planning a trip for early December for a while. We have booked the WL over my 2nd DD's birthday.

I just got the shock of my life when I found out yesterday I am pregnant with #3.

A little background:

We have never been to DW before.

I am an "older" Mom (I'm 42!!!!!!!)

I have two other kids

I have typically had very easy pregnancies

With the addtion of this third child, finances will be very tight, and we may not get another opportunity to go.

What would you do?

I decided to brave the world 7 months pregnant with my first son...Checked with my OBGYN was cleared and everything...For me, never again. I had to give in and be pushed around in a wheelchair. ((Which my Brother and Husband thought was hysterical and would drive it so crazy))

Then when I was pregnant with DS2 and I had the chance to go to WDW again for my anniversary around 6 months, I had to cancel because there was no way I could do that again...plus, I was in a lot of pain because ((without being too "TMI")) my pelvic bones had begun separating which was very painful!!!!!
But everyone is different...you have to know yourself and discuss with your doctor but be smart...keep hydrated and take lots and lots of breaks! People watch...
Good luck with your decision and best wishes on your third pregnancy.

 

[ellenm]

Personally, I would wait until the baby is born and go when he/she is a few months old, like a pp said. The baby is free, so the price is the same as when you're pregnant. Travelling in the 3rd tri is iffy. Talk to your Dr.

I went when DS#3 was 7 months old and it was WONDERFUL!!

 

[MoniqueU]

Personally no I wouln't I ha preterm labor I think due to going to europe and they flight and alll the walking I had to do when I was 6 months pregnant. I personally think walking can bring on labor. I could be wrong but I wouldn't do it no matter what shape and age I was.

 

[disneygirlsanddrew]

I actually went when I was a little further along than that. I must admit it was a hard trip and my husband said there is no way we will go when I am pregnant again. I should tell you though that I have very rough pregnancies - migraines and morning sickness for over 7 months. Anyway, my OBGYN said to drink lots of water and be prepared to get a wheel chair if needed. I said there was no way that I was going to get a wheel chair to my husband. Well, we went in late September and it was very hot and humid and by the second day, my legs looked like tree trunks since I was retaining so much water and I was having contractions so my family made me get a wheel chair and even though I didn't want to, it helped a lot and kept my baby safe. So, take it slow and get something to ride on/in if need be. You just never know how your body will react to going all day like that. Hopefully in December it will be a lot less hot. I see pregnant mothers there all the time, so it is definitely a possibility. I say, if this is your only chance to go for awhile, GO!!! just be smart and careful! Congratulations!

 

[DisneyWorldbuff]

I went when I was 7 Mo. pregnant. It was great! It was September and I didn't have any issues. I had to take a few more rests throughout the day and obviously avoid some rides, but I felt fine throughout the trip. You know your body and how you handle pregnancy, so go if you're feeling up to it and get your doc's ok! Good luck and have fun

 

[maurene]

Well, we're going next week and I'll be 30 weeks pregnant. I don't think this is ideal but I think I'll be OK. I'm 36 and this is my second child.

Unfortunately, in this past week my aches, pains and swelling have increased and I've been more fatigued. It doesn't seem too uncommon that right around 30 weeks, some women start feeling worse. But for us, it was either go now or not at all. So, I wanted to give it a shot.

I'm prepared not to ride many rides. We're planning naps back at the hotel. We're keeping our schedule pretty open an flexible (not over planning). We've planned one day were probably just going to hang out at the hotel pool (no parks). I think we'll still have a good time. I've never been to DW - and perhaps that is good thing.

My OB is having me come in for a "cervix check" before we leave. I just hope we don't have to cancel our trip. Oh, I did warn DH as soon as we booked the trip that we might have to cancel if there were complications with my pregnancy. So that has always been in the back of my mind as a possibility. And, we've tried not to prepay for much - just in case.

I can report back to you we return, if you like.

 

[MickeyMouse'sBFF]

There is a reson that doctors wont let you travel a certain distance from the hospital in the last trimester.
You can postpone the vacation for a little while. Stress like that while prego = NOT GOOD. Now go put your crocks back in the shoe closet and get your feet propped up, your busy making people here!

 

[princesslover]

Well, we're going next week and I'll be 30 weeks pregnant. I don't think this is ideal but I think I'll be OK. I'm 36 and this is my second child.

Unfortunately, in this past week my aches, pains and swelling have increased and I've been more fatigued. It doesn't seem too uncommon that right around 30 weeks, some women start feeling worse. But for us, it was either go now or not at all. So, I wanted to give it a shot.

I'm prepared not to ride many rides. We're planning naps back at the hotel. We're keeping our schedule pretty open an flexible (not over planning). We've planned one day were probably just going to hang out at the hotel pool (no parks). I think we'll still have a good time. I've never been to DW - and perhaps that is good thing.

My OB is having me come in for a "cervix check" before we leave. I just hope we don't have to cancel our trip. Oh, I did warn DH as soon as we booked the trip that we might have to cancel if there were complications with my pregnancy. So that has always been in the back of my mind as a possibility. And, we've tried not to prepay for much - just in case.

I can report back to you we return, if you like.

Yes, please do! I'll be anxious to hear how it goes. Have a great time!!

Thanks to everyone else who is responding. I appreciate everyone's input.

As a side question, when is the LATEST in the pregnancy you would travel? What if we moved it to the beginning of November? I'd be 27-28 or so weeks then. Is that much better?

 

[suziemva]

I think first off you need to check with your OB/GYN. Most don't want you to travel too far from home when you're past 28 weeks. I did a trip at 32 weeks less than 500 miles from home, had to go check in with my OB and then find an OB in the area I was going and let them "talk" in case. That said, I had Toxemia with both my girls and was a high risk because of this and my age.

Second, sit down and talk with your husband. If you decide not to go, take the money and put it into a savings account for a trip after the baby is born. WDW has WONDERFUL baby stations in each park! My girls first trips were at 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 months. It was wonderful because WDW is soooo accomodating about babies! I've even had the resort staff at WL fight over who got to hold baby while I ate!! LOL!

If you do decide to go, a few pointers since I'd gone 1 time pg in June. I was 6 months pg....We had a fridge in our room. DH would take two washcloths, wet them and put them in the fridge. When we got back to the room he would put them over my feet and ankles (or Freddy Flintstones as we called them!). Ahhhhh! I still like to have this done - it was so refreshing!
Don't forget the pools! They are so great - even the baby pools - when you're pg! Helps with the swelling and your heat along with making the belly feel weightless in the water!

Just be sure to carry your OB's info, etc. on you if you do go. That way if there is an emergency situation, the hospital can call and confer.

Remember, it can be done. It will be a VERY different trip than any other one but it's such a joy to see your kiddos enjoying the parks, etc.

Oh, and traveling by plane - check with their rules/guidelines about traveling while pg. Some don't let you travel after a certain time.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[javamoma]

First of all congrats! I posted almost this same question a few weeks ago. I too will be 31 weeks in December and we are considering a trip. I have an appointment with my OBGYN next week to ask him about the trip.
I think floating in a resort pool at 31 weeks sounds awesome! We will see what my doc says.
After reading the replies to my post and yours it seems that everyone is different and you and your doc know your body the best. I traveled a lot while pregnant last time (sea kyaking, hiking in CO, etc.) and I felt good till I got past my due date and was still pregnant.
I know every pregnancy is different but last time I had an easy pregnancy with no complications. And like you, I stayed in great shape. I'm sure the doc will make his decision on that same medical history.
All that to say, we are going (again, as long as the MD says it's ok)! Eveyone in the group knows that we will be moving slower. And since we will have my 4 year old with us, I'll get to go back to the resort and nap. And let's face it, at home when she naps I clean house!
One tip someone gave on my thread was to check insurance coverage for out of area hospitals just in case. I thought that was a good idea.
So, maybe I'll see you there and we can share a bench and eat dole whips while our familes ride Space Mountain!

 

[AmyBWV99]

Talk to your Dr and find your comfort zone. I went to DL in Novemeber 22 weeks and it was great he was my 11lb baby. I ran up to 8 miles a run up thru 8 months preggo with #2 during the heat of summer. My babies and I lived to tell about it. I htink the airlines will let you go as late as 36 weeks but my Dr said no after 34 I think it varies by pracitce and I'd figure out a way to do your trip based on your Dr appt.

We took babies at 2 weeks and 9 weeks and those were awesome trips.

 

[javamoma]

Talk to your Dr and find your comfort zone. I went to DL in Novemeber 22 weeks and it was great he was my 11lb baby. I ran up to 8 miles a run up thru 8 months preggo with #2 during the heat of summer. My babies and I lived to tell about it. I htink the airlines will let you go as late as 36 weeks but my Dr said no after 34 I think it varies by pracitce and I'd figure out a way to do your trip based on your Dr appt.

We took babies at 2 weeks and 9 weeks and those were awesome trips.

Whoa! 2 weeks and 9 weeks! We already have a DL trip planned for the spring for DD's 5th birthday. New baby will be 2 1/2 months by then. And my friends thought that was young! Glad to hear the trips went well.

 

[natnelliesmom]

Okay, I can tell you what to expect at that point in your pregnancy!

I am 31 weeks pregnant right now. I am 32 years old, but not particularly athletic. I feel pretty good right now. My energy level is great, I can keep up with my older children. I do get some swelling in the ankles and feet by evening, and I need to take more bathroom breaks. I have to eat small amounts at one sitting, big meals are too much for me. I am beginning to feel some heartburn when I eat acidic foods. I am still sleeping pretty well, but definitely need that maternity pillow to get comfortable.
There is no way I'd be carrying a backpack now... nor can I carry a child or heavy load. I get crampy when I push the stroller.

Would I go to Disney World now??? You bet! I can be packed in 20 minutes!!!

I would say be prepared to take mid-day breaks. Put your feet up whenever you can. Drink a whole lot of water to avoid feeling lightheaded or dehydrated. Make sure your husband knows that he'll be doing all the carrying and lifting, and that you'll be needing more breaks in the shade throughout the day.

Other than that, go and have fun!
-Sarah