Travelling whilst pregnant!

[richo9923]

So middle of last year myself and a couple of friends started to plan a trip for this June,  from Melbourne up to Cameron's Corner and back through Arkaroola and the Flinders Ranges.

Anyway since then, the minister for all things fun and expensive and I have committed ourselves to being permanent carers for a little person for the next couple of decades, which means that at the time of the planned trip, my co-accused will be 6-7 months up the duff.

Now not being one to back down from a challenge we have decided that the trip is still a go, and that it will still be under the original plans of not taking a trailer, we have just purchased the OzTent 2 person stretcher tent so that we wont be sleeping on the ground, and in a trial run I must say that with the addition of a self inflating queen size mattress it was very comfortable,

So what I'm asking is from the ladies (or guys if you can ask your better half's, or remember yourselves) that may have traveled whilst pregnant or those that can think back to when they were, what sort of things are going to be issues, what were the must haves to take, what were the nice little extras?

We already have a satphone, and a porta-toilet, plus good comfortable chairs, we even have the hot shower covered, I'm really looking for the little things that might get overlooked

Thanks in advance 

Richo

[6knights]

Extra pillows could be helpful , place them under the knees or more so between the knees while sleeping   (her knees not yours lol)   , it may help relieve some of the weight and pressure on joints. Other than that a smaller cushion or rolled up towel for back support while travelling.

have an enjoyable trip and take care you have precious cargo on board

Trevor

Just  another thought,........Food,

  the mum to be can get quite hungry and eat quite a lot and could crave all sorts of odd things that you haven't thought off in the packing list.

[edz]

Take a Sat phone, Copies of any medical information to do with the pregnancy in case of Emergency, Talk to your GP or such about possible effects of  remote rough travel / heat stress / deep vein thrombosis etc, be aware you may need to make frequent toilet stops .
Are just a few that spring to mind ..
 Everything is going  to hinge on how your wife handles the pregnancy and if theres complications along the way . How does she REALY feel about still going at that later stage of it ??  [ Have to totaly honest on that one ] .

[woolgoolgaoffroad]

im glad no one said seperate cars .........

[Charlie Brown]

You’ll be good, don’t stress.  My darling was 6 months with our first when we did a long distance motorcylce trip  . And we camped in a two person tent.

Oh, and it is Cameron Corner, no “S”.

Have fun.

[Metters]

That is not an easy question to answer.  My wife was going along without a worry in the world with our second child but suddenly had to spend the last month in hospital.  Everything was fine after the birth with both bub and mum.  You never know what is going to happen with pregnancy. 

Urgent medical treatment can be fast in the Outback but that depends on where you are.  I was approaching Tibooburra a couple of years ago and was listening to a story on the radio about a young Tibooburra boy who had been bitten by a deadly snake.  From the time they rang the flying doctor in Broken Hill to the time he arrived in a hospital in Adelaide was only one and a half hours.   

I would not be concerned about taking a healthy 7 month old baby out there but I would not be all that confident with one that was still two months from birth.  All of those roads will still be there a year later.   

[nab]

Find out where all the toilet stops are on your trip, it felt like my missus went to the dunny about 50 times a day...

[Patr80l]

Around that time of the pregnancy there is a need for closer monitoring ie the check up visits are closer together.   Fortnightly from 30 weeks and then weekly for the final month.   Antenatal care is important.

Speaking as a DipRACOG.

[trinityalyce]

I'd definitely make sure some frank and honest discussions with the doctor take place before going, right up until the time you're due to set off. Be prepared to cancel plans if required. The health of your better half and baby on the way should be primary priority at that time, which I'm sure they are. As others have said, some pregnancies are all incredibly smooth sailing, others not so much and the "last month in hospital" story is one I've heard a few times before, or babies coming early at the most unexpected and inconvenient times (it doesn't help that a lot of these stories come from a family member who is a neonatal ICU nurse!).

Can only make recommendations based on what friends and family have been through, as I've never done it myself.

I really would be seriously prepared to bail on the plans if there's any hiccups with the pregnancy or your other half makes the decision she just isn't comfortable/feeling up to it at that stage. As Metters said, the roads will still be there a year after. You can always go later.

In the meantime best of luck, you wouldn't be the first couple to do something like this, and wow, what an awesome adventure if you do go ahead with it! Congrats on the baby news also.

[tryagain]

We tested out our new camper when my when my wife was 8 months pregnant, but that was only to Teewah beach for a few days. Similar to what others have said, pregnancies can vary markedly, I have known some women who have had to be on some serious anti-nausea medication to only be able to barely function and some who at that stage was barely showing, had a glow and felt amazing. How is she travelling so far with the pregnancy? and how long are you planning on being away for? I think one thing to think about would be to have a few "plan b's" in mind so if something goes wrong, whether it be a medical emergency, of her just not being able to be comfortable, you already know how you are going to deal with it.

[HKB Electronics]

As above if all goes well then you'll most likely be fine, but and its a big but if something unexpected should
happen are you going to be able to handle it? Personally I wouldn't take her to remote places at that stage
of a pregnancy as I don't have the medical training to be able to be of any use if something untoward were
to happen. Was watching a program on birthing at home and free birthing and as what was pointed out during
the show, if something should go wrong you may only have a few minutes between a life and death situation
developing.

[Fizzie]

As others have said, some pregnancies are all incredibly smooth sailing, others not so much and the "last month in hospital" story is one I've heard a few times before, or babies coming early at the most unexpected and inconvenient times

With our eldest, we knew that there was an issue, that had been revealed on scans, but everything was going OK, with quite a bit of monitoring going on.

Went to a pre-natal class, about 3 weeks before he was due. While there, Mrs said she didn't feel very well, so nurse got her up on a bed to rest, did some checking, said "Hmmm" & went to fetch a doctor. He also said "Hmmm - don't like what we're hearing here, let me call your OB", which after an hour or 2, turned into Go home, collect what you need, then come back ready to be admitted.

Within 24 hours, he'd arrived via Caesar, within 24 hours after that, had been t'ferred to Mater Hospital in Brisbane for surgery - he's now 22, with no (medical! ) problems at all so all good, but these things can happen out of nowhere

As above if all goes well then you'll most likely be fine, but and its a big but if something unexpected should
happen are you going to be able to handle it?

&, without being nasty in any way - have the greatest respect for the jobs that Doctors & Nurses do, but "out bush" you may not be able to get the medical assistance that you may need

Chatting to BiL yesterday (whose leaving this week for an ~8-month lap).

Mate of their's was at Yamba recently. Climbed up on the drawbar of the van to clean the bat poop off the roof, slipped & fell, breaking his leg badly. Was taken to Lismore Hospital, who decided that they didn't have the ability to treat it , so he was moved by ambulance to Gold Coast Hospital for surgery.

BiL himself, a few years ago, went down with Salmonella at Katherine, after a bad meal a couple of days earlier at a very well known tourist establishment Mrs asked at the C'van Park how to get to the hospital & was told, "Don't go there, for God's sake, go to the Clinic in town!"

Agreeing with everybody else here - congratulations on Bub, but I'd be planning on having another go at your trip next year

[Bird]

We were still doing motorcycle rallies when she was 8mths pregnant... we did it on air bed and a 2 man tent LOL.. any trailer and you'll be fine...

[Pottsy]

As my wife says " you'll be fine, you're not sick, you're pregnant"
Enjoy the trip. 

[Paddler Ed]

Without being nasty in any way - have the greatest respect for the jobs that Doctors & Nurses do, but "out bush" you may not be able to get the medical assistance that you may need

Chatting to BiL yesterday (whose leaving this week for an ~8-month lap).

Mate of their's was at Yamba recently. Climbed up on the drawbar of the van to clean the bat poop off the roof, slipped & fell, breaking his leg badly. Was taken to Lismore Hospital, who decided that they didn't have the ability to treat it , so he was moved by ambulance to Gold Coast Hospital for surgery.

BiL himself, a few years ago, went down with Salmonella at Katherine, after a bad meal a couple of days earlier at a very well known tourist establishment Mrs asked at the C'van Park how to get to the hospital & was told, "Don't go there, for God's sake, go to the Clinic in town!"

Agreeing with everybody else here - congratulations on Bub, but I'd be planning on having another go at your trip next year

+1

In regional NSW don't be surprised that there is likely to be an air transfer to the nearest big Hospital - I'm in Armidale and frequently we get reports of transfers from Armidale to Tamworth or Newcastle... that's at least an hour away, whilst John Hunter is nearer 4 hrs driving. Now imagine that from out west...

Also, you'll be going to A&E, not the local GP surgery for anything (although they are likely to be one and the same in some places) as the local GP is unlikely to have an appointment that day, and possibly not even the next day or 3... their staffing ratio is based on the number of permanent residents, not the number of travellers passing through.

Have a look through this list (just for VIC) and see how many places on your route have a permanent Ob/Gyn or ante-natal service... I think you'd be surprised at how few do, never mind an ER... for example, Rural Northwest do not have an ER...

[Patr80l]

As my wife says " you'll be fine, you're not sick, you're pregnant"
Enjoy the trip. 

As an obstetrician I feel that I need to comment here.   At risk of sounding like Symon on the electrical thread; that advice is arrogant bullShit.   "You'll be fine" is wishful thinking and yes, pregnancy is not an illness in itself but it's complications are.    Things go wrong, albeit rarely. But when they do it can go pear shaped very quickly. 

An analogy: Most times you ride in a car you don't have a collision, so there's no need to wear a seat belt. Or maybe you can quickly slip it on when you see another car crossing the double lines in front of you.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't travel but you should factor in check-up visits with a doctor or midwife and be aware how far you are from emergency help.   I've worked in Coober Pedy where there is one doctor (me) and no surgeons or specialists and no operating theatre.   It takes five or six hours for a retrieval team to come from Adelaide by air, collect a patient in need of "big hospital care" and return to Adelaide.   That doesn't include the time it takes for the patient to get to Coober Pedy which is the only hospital between Pt Augusta and Alice Springs.   

[Throbbinhood]

I would say to prepare for more loo breaks, and a lot more 'get out and stretch' type stuff, which will make travelling slower.

Also, soft sand can be really difficult for pregnant women, so just keep that in mind (hormonal release triggers a softening of the hips, soft sand makes it difficult to walk on and can become very painful).

[marvellous_matt]

Are you taking a fridge? I reckon special attention to some food and drink would be worth it. I’m not sure if you have had to deal with any cravings, out back of Beyond it may be difficult to find pickles and ice cream. I know having some refreshing cold drinks (not necessarily alcohol) can make the wind down more relaxing.
Have fun.

[Pottsy]

As an obstetrician I feel that I need to comment here.   At risk of sounding like Symon on the electrical thread; that advice is arrogant bullShit.   "You'll be fine" is wishful thinking and yes, pregnancy is not an illness in itself but it's complications are.    Things go wrong, albeit rarely. But when they do it can go pear shaped very quickly. 

An analogy: Most times you ride in a car you don't have a collision, so there's no need to wear a seat belt. Or maybe you can quickly slip it on when you see another car crossing the double lines in front of you.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't travel but you should factor in check-up visits with a doctor or midwife and be aware how far you are from emergency help.   I've worked in Coober Pedy where there is one doctor (me) and no surgeons or specialists and no operating theatre.   It takes five or six hours for a retrieval team to come from Adelaide by air, collect a patient in need of "big hospital care" and return to Adelaide.   That doesn't include the time it takes for the patient to get to Coober Pedy which is the only hospital between Pt Augusta and Alice Springs.

My apologies Patr8ol if you thought the comment flippant, it's something my wife says but I suppose she was fortunate and thrived through pregnancy.
My assumption ( yes I know you should never assume) is that anyone who is planning on travelling in the outback would have researched, planned and be fully prepared before embarking on their trip.
Again apologies if any offence given, it was not my intention

[MadMarv]

With your wife being that pregnant id hold off on the trip .... kids can come early .... things can also go wrong even if all docs/nurses say all is well, things can go skewiff quickly so honestly i wouldnt risk traveling at that stage .... i know my wife with Max couldnt stay comfortable for longer that an hour or so , so id put the trip on hold for a bit.

[Patr80l]

My apologies Patr8ol if you thought the comment flippant, it's something my wife says but I suppose she was fortunate and thrived through pregnancy.
My assumption ( yes I know you should never assume) is that anyone who is planning on travelling in the outback would have researched, planned and be fully prepared before embarking on their trip.
Again apologies if any offence given, it was not my intention

No offence but I'm in the business of not taking things for granted.   I know you were being reassuring and if I had to wager on the outcome my money would be on a good result.

[Alan Loy]

I remember thinking that having a baby wouldn't change things that much, a view echoed by my wife. 

We were both wrong.  You might as well get used to it. 

Mind you we went camping when very pregnant so who am I to judge?

[richo9923]

Thanks all,

My wife and I have had the conversation about postponing the trip and her reply was that she will just miss out and I'll have to go without her (I'm not stupid enough to fall for that), today we had an appointment with our doctor and discussed our plans with him, for those in the know about these things we are doing shared-care with our GP and local hospital, our doctor has been seeing my wife since she was about 5 years old and its a great relationship where he pulls no punches, his words were that at this stage and as long as things keep progressing as they should then there is no reason that we shouldn't be able to do the trip with a couple of alterations to the length of time in the car, longest day being Melbourne to Mungo which we will now split over two days, he has recommended a home Doppler machine that you can connect to your phone (ordered today) we can then send him the data daily along with things like my wife's blood pressure, he has said that if anything unusual shows up he will tell us to pull the pin straight away, we also have a friend that's a midwife who is eager to come along if she can get the time off work which could come in handy.

I have to say that so far my wife has been an absolute trooper with it all so far, this wasn't a planned pregnancy so to speak more a case of "hey, if it happens it happens!" what little morning sickness she has had has been a case of chuck up and go, the hardest thing so far for her is not being able to eat certain foods that she loves (fritz, ham, soft boiled eggs, etc.) and watching me drink beer and not being able to join me, I've tried to abstain as much as possible but when we are out for lunch/dinner, she is the first to say "make the most of this designated driver because when this is done I'm getting payback!"

As far as if an emergency arises, and it might not be pregnancy related, we have an epirb and as I said in my orig post a sat phone, but we really are strong believers in not putting life on hold and wrapping ourselves in cotton wool purely on the remote possibilities, however we also know when we are pushing things too far, 

[trinityalyce]

That sounds like you're sensibly covering all bases, and doctors like that are awesome.

Best of luck to you and your wife + #3 on the way with the trip prep and times ahead!

...I can see this being an awesome (and hopefully not too eventful!) trip report afterwards.

[D4D]

We did a couple of close trips and one remote trip in the second trimester, missus had bad morning sickness throughout, which we survived. However in the last trimester she went from all fine to in hospital for a few days, to having to stop work early and relax otherwise the Obstetrician was going to put her in hospital for the last 4 weeks. Personally I agree with Patr80l.