Biz Trip at 32 Weeks

[Anonymous]

I'm sure expectant moms have traveled this late and later in the 3rd trimester, but, if you could opt out, would you? The conference is in Texas (not sure if flight is direct or not) for 4-5 nights. I have no idea how much energy I will have, and whether I'll be sleeping comfortably.

[Anonymous]

I'm in my 34th week and have had a fairly uneventful pregnancy so far. I took an overnight business trip to Boston from DC in my 31st week and found I handled it ok, although, the fatigue from it really hit me a few days later. I'm in a new job and have told my boss that I would not be traveling after week-31. Why take a chance? Especially in this weather? The other thing is, airlines apparently don't want to take you after 35 weeks anyway. My concern would be airport delays, having to schlep baggage about, backaches, that kind of stuff. If you're like me and don't really want to attract attention to your pregnancy when you're among co-workers or business associates, you'll really want to be on; and that can take a toll on the energy levels. If you can miss the conference, I would suggest bagging it. However, if it is something that you need to do for your job and would affect you adversely if you didn't, then see if you could go for a day or two instead of four or five. A direct flight would also certainly be helpful.

It's not that you can't do it, but with everything else that's going on with one's body at this time, and the fact that we have jobs and homes to manage, I just don't feel like adding another thing to my plate.

Good luck, and Happy Holidays!

[Anonymous]

There was a posting not too long ago about traveling during the third trimester. You may want to search for it.

Since I typed my advice in that thread I won't repeat myself, except to emphasize that some airlines may or may not allow you fly too late in pregnancy. You'll need to double check.

Safe travels if you do indeed decide/allow to go.

[Anonymous]

Are you presenting at the conference? If not, do you believe that the professional benefits to you will be worth the possible anxiety and discomfort of the trip? My own choice would be to give it a miss.

[Anonymous]

Apparently I will be the one coming in with a different opinion than PPs. I am in my 34th week and I can honestly say that my 32nd week was right before I felt the "switch" physically. 32 weeks is the last week I felt good and strong.... so with that said my instinct would be that if you are still feeling ok take advantage of going to the conference that week. I imagine you will come back tired, but I think it would be a way to give that last "hurrah" at work.

With regards to logistics I think everyone would understand if you were attending during the day but perhaps not up for being out at night. Also, get on the TSA website so you can see what food you can pack. I had some snacks last time I flew at 28 weeks just in case I was delayed in the airport (I was for several hours).

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm leaning towards not going. If I attend, I will have a visible role (which I would frankly find somewhat stressful even if I wasn't going to be so pregnant!) I'd rather say no now than commit and then have to back out. Not attending is not going to derail my career. Thanks again!