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

[AmyBWV99]

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.

They were very easy all they want to do is sleep or be worn and eat. We've been taking them 2-4 times a year and the older the harder they want to run now!

 

[stitchgal]

I went last August when I was 30 weeks pregnant. Yes, August! We had gone in August the past two years and wanted to do it again. I've always had easy pregnancies so it wasn't really a big deal for me although I did think about it a while if I wanted to go that late in pregnancy or not. I just took more breaks and such. I did end up getting sick from the heat once but I think I wasn't drinking enough that day. December should be much better weather, though. And I have 2 other kids too and it wasn't a problem for me.

 

[sk!mom]

Could you move the trip back to October, maybe? Seven months would worry me. I would not have felt like WDW, at that point. What worries me for you is that you haven't been before and don't think you'll return any time soon. I'd hate for you to go ahead and then find out too late that it wasn't a good idea. My pregnancies were very different, with one I felt good until maybe the last 5 or 6 weeks. With the other, I felt bad all 9 months. If it wasn't one thing it was another but I barely had the energy for the grocery store let alone Disney.

Even better, how about cancelling and rebooking for April. Set the money aside that you are using now and go with a small baby or I'd leave the baby with Grandma and take the older two once you've recovered from the birth.

 

[justhat]

I just found out I am pregnant with #3 as well and we're going to WDW 11/6-11/13. I think I'll be something like 26 weeks? Anyway, I went while pregnant with kids 1 and 2 and I was about 17 weeks both times and it was fine. We also did DL when I was about 24 weeks with #2 and that was great too. Better than 17 weeks actually because I was no longer sick everyday.

We've gone in early November before and the crowds aren't bad at all and the weather is pretty good.

Oh, and my kids tend to come a bit early (#1 was just under 38 weeks and #2 was 36 weeks) but I would still go at 31 weeks if that's when my trip was planned and I couldn't/didn't want to move it.

 

[justhat]

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.

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I had to seize the opportunity!

I have a question for you about taking the 2 week old. We took both of our kids to WDW just before they turned 3 months old so I know what that is like. I have no problem travelling with an infant at all. But I am now pregnant with #3 and realized that I am due just before my husband's already scheduled vacation week. Now, my 1st 2 kids were born 2 and 4 weeks early and my OB doesn't think I will ever carry a child past 38 weeks. Both kids were 8 lbs. 4 oz and 21 inches, even at 36 weeks!

But anyway, my thinking is that based on my other 2 kids, this baby should be about 3 weeks old during our vacation week. We're not planning on going to WDW, but would like to go somewhere and no way can we move our week. Did you make your plans before you had the baby, or did you wait till after the birth? How far did you have to travel and how did you travel with the 2 week old (meaning by plane, car, or whatever)? My husband is just afraid that if we book flights before the baby is born that we'll have to cancel if he/she happens to come later than we think (or God forbid, earlier than we think and it's sickly, luckily my preterm baby was healthy). I said I think it's okay to book a room somewhere, then wait on the flights till the baby is born to be sure we can go. The room would be refundable so I'm okay with booking that.

Just wondering what you did since you were brave (or crazy as my husband thinks!) enough to take on a vacation with a 2 week old.

Oh, and fwiw, I had 2 very different babies. My daughter was very 'high-need' and my son was the opposite, loved to sleep. So I am okay with either personality, the lack of sleep, etc.

 

[here757]

no.. LOL

 

[AmyBWV99]

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I had to seize the opportunity!

I have a question for you about taking the 2 week old. We took both of our kids to WDW just before they turned 3 months old so I know what that is like. I have no problem travelling with an infant at all. But I am now pregnant with #3 and realized that I am due just before my husband's already scheduled vacation week. Now, my 1st 2 kids were born 2 and 4 weeks early and my OB doesn't think I will ever carry a child past 38 weeks. Both kids were 8 lbs. 4 oz and 21 inches, even at 36 weeks!

But anyway, my thinking is that based on my other 2 kids, this baby should be about 3 weeks old during our vacation week. We're not planning on going to WDW, but would like to go somewhere and no way can we move our week. Did you make your plans before you had the baby, or did you wait till after the birth? How far did you have to travel and how did you travel with the 2 week old (meaning by plane, car, or whatever)? My husband is just afraid that if we book flights before the baby is born that we'll have to cancel if he/she happens to come later than we think (or God forbid, earlier than we think and it's sickly, luckily my preterm baby was healthy). I said I think it's okay to book a room somewhere, then wait on the flights till the baby is born to be sure we can go. The room would be refundable so I'm okay with booking that.

Just wondering what you did since you were brave (or crazy as my husband thinks!) enough to take on a vacation with a 2 week old.

Oh, and fwiw, I had 2 very different babies. My daughter was very 'high-need' and my son was the opposite, loved to sleep. So I am okay with either personality, the lack of sleep, etc.

When we took DS#1 at 9 weeks we flew had the vacation planned before we even knew we were expecting. He ended up in the NICU for 2.5 weeks, had surgery at 2 weeks and with all his physican's blessings they said go, go, go. So we went it was awesome. He was our only at the time and is mellow as can be so he just hung out in his stroller while we took the time to eat and hang out together.

When we took #2 at just over 2 weeks we also had his 2.5 year old brother in tow we stayed 2 weeks and it was THE BEST. He is/was less than a mellow baby we've had both ends of the spectrum. It didn't hinder the trip but we're roll with the punches kind of people.

We drove 1100 miles just in the off hand chance something completely unexpected did happen as with DS#1 we wouldn't have to cancel airfare. I had an emergency C-section with #1 and was given the choice with #2. I won't go into all the details but given what the perinatolgist was seeing he suggested repeating the C-section. My OB asked me what day I'd like to have him right around the 39 week mark, he wouldn't allow me to go longer than that. We talked figured out our vacation dates and picked a Monday 9 days before his due date. Now DS#1 was 2 weeks late and was induced so imagine the shock of going into labor on my own w/DS#2 at 38 weeks to the day. So he was born the Wednesday before he was even scheduled which ended up making almost 3 weeks before we left.

It was so nice to have that time as a family we didn't commando. The drive may have taken a little bit longer. I pumped in the car while we drove, and stopped a couple extra times to BF him but I figured if I'm going to up all hours of the night anway why not at WDW? I used the baby care centers or his stroller for his diaper changes vs the steel tables in the bathrooms but I wasn't worried about germs when you have a prechooler there's nothing WDW will introduce to him that his brother's slobby baby brother kisses won't. DH would take DS#1 to get ice cream, or for walks while I fed the baby so he was getting alot of extra one on one attention the entire trip that probably would have been less frequent at home with the interruptions of regular life. It was a great trip and I'd totally repeat with #3. He pretty much just chilled as long as he was being held, ate and slept. I had nursing covers and fed him everywhere.

 

[RMulieri]

Congrats..You really need to run this by your DOC. I know at 31 weeks I was in no shape to go to WDW, but I was on bedrest. Even if I hadn't been, my Doc would never have ok'd it past 30 weeks. Also check with your health insurance carrier. Some will not cover you if you travel outside its recomended guidelines for pregnancy and that would be costly if you needed medical treatment or delivered early in Florida.

 

[thompsons4disney]

I went to DW at 30 weeks a few years ago during July 4th week. At that time my DD was 3 and still needed naps so we would go back to the room and rest together! Our family still had a wonderful time but we just took it slow and I drank a lot of water! I, of course, checked with my doctor before going and was given the thumbs up. I have very east pregnancies so this helped our discission.

We went as a babymoon since we knew that we were not going to be able to go on big vacation for a while.

Consult your doctor and your spouse and I'm sure the right answer will be there for you. Either way congrats on the next member of your family!

 

[luckyfin]

More power to you if you decided to go. I could not do it. My whole body would be swollen. As much as I love my WDW, I would have regretted that decision if I were to go.

 

[princesslover]

Hi everyone -

Sorry I haven't been back to this thread in a couple of days. As you can imagine, my head is swirling right now. This is definitely a surprise for us.

I normally like to reply individually to everyone, but since that is not possible, I want to just give a blanket "thank you" to everyone for your thoughts, and I'll share a few of mine.

1. I will definitely be discussing this with my OB, if she is hesitant, I won't go. No questions asked. I trust that they know best.

2. I have never had swelling of any kind - none. My first DD was born in the middle of July (2003) and it was one of the hottest summers on record. I don't know why, but I am just not prone to swelling. I'm not complaining!! I know that can change, because each pregnancy is different and I am older now. But I am not anticipating that being an issue...maybe I shouldn't say that out loud???

3. The consensus seems to be that the heat is the biggest factor - since we are going in December, I don't think that will be an issue.

4. I am in better shape now than I was when I had my first daughter. I do work out regularly, and plan to continue to do so right up until my due date, within reason.

5. I honestly think (correct me if I am wrong here) that going to Disney witha baby in tow is more challenging than going at 31 weeks pregnant. I am a breastfeeding Mom who LOATHES, LOATHES, LOATHES bf'ing in public. Did I say LOATHES?? I can't see myself doing that at Disney. It's just not going to happen.

6. I really like the idea of this being a last hurrah for the girls before their whole life turns upside down.

So, all in all, I am leaning toward going. I may regret it, I know and some of you are thinking I am nuts. I probably am! I guess there is always the hotel for frequent rests. We are staying at the WL, so that's not actually torture to spend a day or more just hanging out by the pool.

Thanks again everyone, and I do still welcome other points of view -- even if you feel I'm nuts!!!

 

[JaimeK]

I say go! You have an idea of what to expect since you've been through it twice. I personally find the first trimester to be the hardest and breezed through the ends of both of mine. I've done trips around 30 weeks pregnant both times (not to WDW) but both were long flights. No concerns from my OBs with a regular low-risk pregnancy.

To the poster making plans for a 2-week old baby - NO WAY. What if the baby comes early? What if the baby comes late? What is the baby has any kind of complication? What if you do? What if you have a c-section? Too many unknowns.

 

[princesslover]

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!

I just wanted to add, congrats to you on your pregnancy as well! Glad to see I am not the only person doing this! I wish for a worry-free, risk-free, and fun vacation for both of us!!

 

[princesslover]

I say go! You have an idea of what to expect since you've been through it twice. I personally find the first trimester to be the hardest and breezed through the ends of both of mine. I've done trips around 30 weeks pregnant both times (not to WDW) but both were long flights. No concerns from my OBs with a regular low-risk pregnancy.

To the poster making plans for a 2-week old baby - NO WAY. What if the baby comes early? What if the baby comes late? What is the baby has any kind of complication? What if you do? What if you have a c-section? Too many unknowns.

Thanks! Yeah, I agree. First trimester for me = miserable. Last trimester = feeling great. We'll see if history repeats itself.

 

[javamoma]

This is a little OT but since the OP mentioned this, here is a tip. If you do feel uncomfortable nursing in public, try to do it in long dark rides (HM, Hall of Presidents, Carosal of Progress, Ellen's Energy, Ariel's show in DHS, Pirates, and Dinosaur. LOL, jk on the last one. But, you get the idea.) Although I'll nurse anywhere anytime, I found my baby was less distracted in the dark rides vs on a bench in the park.

 

[Juliet25]

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!!!

ITA. I went at 30 weeks in Dec. 2007 and felt great. I would go again in a heartbeat.

 

[golf]

I will be 30 weeks pregnant when I go in September with my 4 year old. I have gone pregnant before.... We took our then 1 year old daughter when I was 8 weeks and 26 weeks pregnant with her brother and had a wonderful time. I usually get pretty swollen and tired by the end of the day, but I really wanted to take my 4 year old for a special birthday trip since I knew it would be quite a few years before I would have the chance to do a mother-daughter trip again.
I decided to do the Deluxe Dining Package so we could enjoy some sit down time a few times a day in air conditioned restaurants. I also booked our ADR's for early lunches and later dinners to allow for time to relax or nap in the afternoon as needed.
I did decide not to tell my daughter about this trip until the week we are going so that if my doctor decides for some reason that it is not a good idea for us to go, I won't be disappointing her. I'm hoping that there is no reason to cancel (I've had pretty uneventful third trimester pregnancies to date), but I did do Disney's travel insurance just in case.
We've also taken little babies to Disney... My daughter was almost 2 months old and my son was 3 months old for their first trips. We will be taking the new baby when he/she is about 6 weeks-- I think it is easier at that age than taking an older baby!
Good luck!

 

[hsmamato2]

GO!!!!!!! I've been there 6 months preg.- I was fine,had a ball,went in winter so it wasn't hot- just didn't ride the coasters,etc. But I hate them anyway!
Think of it this way,a super vacation with your current family,before #3 comes along,it'll be so nice.....If it were me,I'd do it.

 

[kpadalik]

I went to Disney for 4 days when I was 34 weeks in AUGUST! It was very hot and I was very swollen by the end of the day, but we really enjoyed it! Now, I only live 2 hrs from Disney, so I wasn't too far from my OB/GYN, if needed. We really wanted to make a special trip w/ my DD (who was 4 at the time) - just a "before baby" trip and gave DD lots of attention and let her make decisions about which park to go to, where to eat, etc. We are AP holders and visit the parks often, so we didn't do the parks all day, mostly in the late afternoon until a little before closing. We hung out by the pool and relaxed quite a bit. When we were in the parks and my DH and DD were on rides I couldn't go on, I made sure to sit w/ my feet up, in the shade, w/ a big cup of ice water. It was a good way to give myself a break.

I say go, as long as your doc says it's okay.

 

[mantysk8coach]

I went at 31 weeks in December 2007. I did fine, except for some AWFUL ankle/lower leg swelling. I am prone to swelling anyway, and the humidity just made it worse. I thought the skin on my leg was going to burst open.

But aside from that (and I know you said you generally aren't prone to swelling), I had a great time. Didn't get tired really, and just took breaks as needed. I'd get a snack and take a break when the others in my group wanted to go on thrill-type rides that I wouldn't have been allowed on anyway.

Have a great time!