[ShannonMVT]

How late into your pregnancy would you travel about 4 hours by car? I've got a friend who wants to throw a baby shower (woohoo!) and it would likely be in my hometown. Which has a hospital but I would NOT want to deliver there, ack! I need to tell my friend when would be okay, timewise. I was thinking that I shouldn't travel probably the last month. WDYT? What parameters should I give?

I'm also debating whether to go visit my parents this weekend. My dad had a couple good days but now is bad again. Tonight I couldn't even talk to my mom for a couple minutes because Dad was convinced that some people were coming to kill them tonight. I'm torn because I'd love to go there and give my mom a little break and plus it does help a little for my dad to have company (keeps his mind busier) but at the same time this whole thing is so upsetting. I don't know how stressful it will be, which means stress for the baby too.

[soImarriedAnerd]

First question----my m/w doesn't want me more than 2 hrs away once I hit 37 weeks. I would plan it for about 26-30 weeks--your still showing lots but not so close to the end that your miserable either (this way you can sit there and not pee every 40 min LOL).

Second one----I have to say with your father being like he is right now (not stable) I would be nervous about being pregnant around him for your safety. (not saying HE would hurt you but mental issues don't make sense they don't follow a pattern and can't be predicted-and they can change FAST from non-violent to violent-especially if he things your in danger-being pregnant and him thinking people are trying to hurt you may make things worse on the other hand it could be calming for him--thats the problem you can't tell in advance!). IF you do go to visit him--PLEASE make sure your husband is with you in the room near you at all times your dad is just in case. That would be my only hesitation on that trip, otherwise if your physically comfortable go for it.

[ShannonMVT]

Thanks Angela! I am already going to be 27 weeks this weekend. I guess I will tell my friend, the sooner the better but for sure NOT the last month. I may call my OB as well just to see what she says.

I do wonder about safety as well. It kind of bothers me that it's just my mom and grandma with him. SO FAR, it has all just been him worrying because he thinks someone has told him they are going to hurt him. He has not done anything other than try to call 911. I don't think anything bad would happen, but you never know. I would have Dh with me for sure if we go. I'm going to talk to my mom tomorrow morning. We may just wait another week and maybe go next weekend and see if he's more settled.

[soImarriedAnerd]

Thanks Angela! I am already going to be 27 weeks this weekend. I guess I will tell my friend, the sooner the better but for sure NOT the last month. I may call my OB as well just to see what she says.[/b]

Holy crap when did I miss that! WOW your just booking along!!!!! I would have it ASAP! (that and we haven't had a ton of baby shower photos lately--so we need more!)

I agree with Angela, purley on the comfort factor. I travelled 3 hours by car to my parents on the weekend between Xmas & New Year, I was 35 weeks, and it wasn't pleasant. But my baby has it's butt under my ribs which causes a lot of pain as soon as I get in the car. I wouldn't go much later than 34 weeks.

As for your dad (((((((((((((huggles)))))))))))))))) I didn't respond in your other thread as I had no idea what to say, I apologise for that. My mum is disabled and altho much different illness, I can understand how difficult visiting is. As much as you long to go see them, it's so emotionally draining to see them poorly. As soon as I get there, I long to get home.... it's kinda like "out of sight, out of mind", i.e. if you don't see what the illness is doing, it's a bit easier to cope? Make sense?

I'm so sorry he is poorly I too say, if you feel up for it, then go. Explain to DH you will need him for emotional support as it will be upsetting for you to see him like this.

[ANGWife]

Well I'll be traveling 14 hrs by car to Chicago 28-29 weeks. The doctor told me lots of pit stops and it see her before I leave to make sure baby and me are still okay.

[~* Helen *~]

I have a christening to go to, i'll be 36/37 weeks, luckily its only a 10/15 minute drive.

As long as u are comfy then I would go for it !!

[BambolinaItaliana]

with Sophie I took a 14 hr flight at 30 weeks, and a 3.5 hr car ride two days before my due date!!! I figured it would be a couple of hours before anything happened anyway, so there was enough time to get home!!!

[IamMom]

I agree with the other gals. If your having a relatively uncomplicated pregnancy and you feel good you should be able to travel 4 hours by car all the way up to the last few weeks. About seeing your Dad, only you know how much stress it will put on you. I'm sorry to hear that he isn't doing as well as he seemed to be.....some people are comforted by seeing their family even in distress and some are uneasy...I'm personallly an uneasy person and I would probably have trouble going to see anybody who was sick or having troubles. But its really all up to how you feel. If you get there and its too stressful you can always leave and get to a place where you feel comfortable.

Good luck Shannon with your decisions!

[**Jenn**]

I think the baby shower should be done sooner rather than later. Just because you never know how you'll feel towards the end of your pregnancy and you never know if you'll go early or not.

I'm so sorry about your Dad. I really don't know what you should do in that situation. He really may be comforted by you being there but it could also make things harder as well. Maybe go visit and if it looks to be too much for either of you then you can always leave.

[.Brandi.]

I agree with Angela!!!! I don't have anything to add except, have fun at your baby shower!!!! Take lots of pics. And if you decide to go to your parents, good luck and try to enjoy your time with them too! In no time, you're gonna have your little boy!!! Can't wait to see pics of him!

[Mars]

Ditto to what was said by the other ladies!