***** Taking a 13+ hr road trip in a week... need survivial suggestion!!!! ********

Bunny_424

My husband and I are from Michigan but we are stationed in NC, im pregnant with my 2nd child and for the summer my daughter wanted to spend her last yr as the only child with my mother, so we will be traveling (by car) back home to drop her off and visit family for a couple days. We've taken this Michigan bound trip 3 previous times before, but NEVER pregnant! I'm a little worried about being in the car that long because i already get body aches and pain just from sitting at home so i can just imagine how it will be traveling for 13+ hrs (maybe more since i have to pee all the time) ! I've been hearing different horror stories of swelling of the legs, feet, etc and horrible body pains from prego's that have travel during pregnancy and i'm a little worried. We are having a baby shower there once we get there as well and the last thing i want to look like is a swollen whale when everyone see's me... especially since most of our family havent seen us in over a yr! . ANy suggestions on how to make it through this trip????????????? THANKS

momma_tiffay

@Bunny_424, where are you in NC? My husband was stationed in NC as well so the kids & I moved here in September from NY. I will soon be making a 13hr+ road trip at the end of May, so I would like to see what people have to say as well.

When I was 5m pregnant my previous pregnancy, I took a road trip from NY to SC to see my husband graduate from bootcamp. I made sure I bought plenty of things to snack on, made sure I had a blanket to snuggle & a few pillows to keep positioning myself comfortably with. Also, you will obviously need fluids. I didn't pack any tylenol, but I wish I had afterwards & my body was aching towards the end. I know you won't want to stop very often, but you'll have to relieve your bladder because holding it will make you so much more uncomfortable, & when you make those potty stops just take about 5minutes to stretch. Good luck with your traveling!

1_mama_squared

Just make a lot of stops so you can stretch your legs. Bring snacks. We made the drive from SC to OH, a 17 hour drive, at Christmas and we survived!!! That was me being pregnant, our 2 year old, 2 cats and my hubby!

Bunny_424

@momma_tiffany ... were at seymour johnson afb. Since ur trip is after i come back to NC i will make sure to let u know how all the driving went

@1_mama_squared , if u can have that type of resume while traveling i feel like i can get through this one lol. so thanks!!

rachdb

I did an 18 hr ride from ny to fl in dec with my 7 year old and bf. Just make sure u leave enough time for bathroom breaks and food stops for u and ur daughter. I'm sure tylenol pm is good if ur not doing the driving lol I didn't know I could take it at the time bc I would have

blissmarie23

Whenever we travel long distances I prop my feet up on the dash (classy huh) and generally try to change positions in the car when I get uncomfortable. We also try to stop get out and walk for a few minutes every two hours or so. So far I've only swollen up (a little in my ankles) once. I was about 30 weeks along and had been diagnosed with varicose veins the week before. You should check with your OB if your past 36 weeks to see if your cleared to travel.

blissmarie23

Oh yeah, I wouldn't travel without a pillow either

Bunny_424

@rachdb .... my ob told me to start taking Tylenol pm cause i am going thru insomnia ... its a hit and miss sometimes. i will be sure to bring it though cause usually i help with the driving but my husband said he's not lettin me touch the driver seat lol.

@blissmarie23.. the feet on the dash sound like a good idea to me.. ( i guess classy women think alike lmao) when ur ankles swelled up was when u got to your destination or was it when u got back home? and how long did it last?

blissmarie23

It was during the journey and for he first night. I recall it being gone by the time I woke up in the morning. You can try to stay away from salty food and drink water to reduce some swelling.

Bunny_424

okay great!!! thanks!

rachdb

Lol good idea on ur husbands part especially with the t pm lol I wish I would have known for my 9 hr flight in nov which I think was worse then the 18 hr drive

momma_tiffay

According to all of these comments seems like I did it right the first time, so I'll remember that at the end of May. But yes, if you figure out any tips on your travels please let me know! I didn't know it was safe to take tylenol pm diring pregnancy? Hmm.