On a Cruise While 27Weeks Pregnant?

Updated on January 13, 2010
M.F. asks from Novato, CA
15 answers

Hi there!
Here is my dilemma: a family cruise was planned by my in-laws last year and of course I got pregnant and will be 27 weeks at that time! Now, my problem is this: the week before my due date with my first child, I got high blood pressure and had to be hospitalized. I understand that if you had the first time around, it can re-occur at any time with any following pregnancies. My worry is that I could have unforeseen complications when at sea or in a foreign country. I feel quite paranoid and neurotic, but I had a very rough first trimester with cramping/ spotting/bleeding and finally bed rest...for a moment didn't think the baby would have made it. Thankfully, I'm doing really well and besides the awful back pains/groin pains -- everything is just fine! SO, my question to all you moms out there: would you consider going? Have any of you traveled in similar circumstances?
I really appreciate and welcome your thoughts on this subject!

Kindly
M.

2 moms found this helpful

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So What Happened?

First, a heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful moms who responded to my question! After weighing all the pros and cons, I decided not to go on this cruise. Many of you “saw” right away from my question that I did/do have trepidations about going. I'm lucky that my in-laws are very, very understanding and are totally aware of my fears - they have witnessed firsthand the end of my first pregnancy and the first trimester with this baby.
After reading your comments, I finally felt comfortable making a decision - the right decision for me!
M.

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W.G.

answers from Fresno on

Don't go if you don't feel good about it. That said they have a doctor on board and you will be able to get help if needed. Good luck!

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H.F.

answers from San Francisco on

Talk to your doctor first. I am sure the cruiseline has a ship board doctor, not to mention other docotrs just along for the cruise. I had pre-eclampsia with my first born. From about 30 weeks on my blood pressure continually rose until I was very sick the week beofre he was due and I was induced. I was really worried about it happening again but I've had four more children and never had a blood pressure issue since. During each subsequent pregnancy I have eaten plenty of protien and taken a calcium supplement. Both are thought but not necessarily proven to reduce the risk of preeclampsia and in the last two at the reccomendation of my doctor I've taken a dandelion root supplement. Since your problems didn't start until the very end of your last pregnancy it is unlikely that you will develop them earlier this time around (in my well read but not a medical professional opinion). Now I do have a friend who has had three pregnancies with severe preeclampsia but hers started very early in her pregnancy.

Honestly to me a cruise in the middle of pregnancy with family sounds ideal. You don't have to go anywhere if you don't want to. There are lots of people availbale who love your daughter. Your food is prepared for you. I would take it easy on shore excursions, no horseback riding, etc.. but otherwise as long as your docotr okays it, go, relax and enjoy yourself.

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M.E.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi M.,
I would check with the cruise line, they may not let you go that far along. Personally I would not go, even if that meant losing the cost of the cruise. If your already worried about being away from home now, I can honestly say its going to get worse when you get on that boat and we all know what worry does to your blood presure. If your going to please your in-laws, your not being fair to yourself. Your health and your baby should be top priority here. Good luck on your decision.
Ps. I did go on a cruise about 22 weeks along to Mexico. Something about the salty warm air made me bloat up like a puff fish, especially my ankles. Know that, it would'nt be enough to stop me from going again, but ask your dr. for sure if there is something you can take if you start to swell.
M.

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T.V.

answers from San Francisco on

M.,

You are already anxious...Stay home and nest!

Blessings....

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S.R.

answers from San Francisco on

I would talk with your doctor, and I would think they would advise against it given your risks that you've stated. A trip is not worth that risk. A friend of mine was hi risk with twins and was advised not to travel, she flew to Italy on a trip that was planned before she got pregnant. She did fine on the trip but went into labor as they were landing and had the twins 2 months early because of it. They spent the first couple of months in the hospital but are well and happy 4 year olds now. Trust your instinct.

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K.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I agree that you should check with the cruise line. My SiL skipped a cruise because she was expecting. Not sure how many weeks she was at, but it was a high-risk pregnancy (their daughter is now 7 months old, perfectly healthy). I know the cruise line would've required a note from their doctor saying it *wasn't* high risk, and that in the case of a medical emergency they would've been required to be helicoptered out at their own expense. The clinic on board is more used to dealing with the infirmities of age than complications of pregnancy.

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A.C.

answers from Sacramento on

Have you consulted your doctor? Also, have you checked to see what the cruise lines rules are on traveling while pregnant. I know when I went on a Disney cruise with family a couple of years ago they would not allow pregnant women to travel after a certain stage (26 -28 weeks??) no exceptions. I was not pregnant at the time so there were no issues for me.

I know it's a tough decision, but you are the one who has to be completely comfortable with it no matter what you choose. One thing that I would worry about is the unconcious stress you might put on yourself and your baby if you choose to go. If you're worried about it now, how would you feel the whole time you're on the ship? Stress is not good for you or the baby, especially if blood pressure is a potential issue.

C.C.

answers from Fresno on

Given that you've had some complications, I think this is really something you need to speak with your doctor about. In general, traveling is fine up until 36 weeks (I traveled pretty extensively with both babies and everything was fine). But if you have potentially severe complications to think about, your doctor ought to have the last say on this one.

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T.P.

answers from Modesto on

Hi M.,
You may want to check with the cruise line. Most of them don't allow you to travel after your 24th week.

T.

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B.C.

answers from Modesto on

M. - Follow your inner intuition. Don't worry about pleasing others. It's your body, your baby. As women, we take care of ourselves last - this time take care of yourself first. If I were traveling with a local area - 100-200 miles, it would be no big deal. My daughter went through a very traumatic 2nd pregnancy, you never know when things are going to happen. Follow your own feelings.

Blessings with your next baby.

B.

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J.M.

answers from Fresno on

Hi,
I think you should talk to your doctor and then make the decision you and your husband feel best about. It may not be that fun for you if you are going to worry the entire time. Do what you feel is best for your baby

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Actually, even if your Dr says 'Fine', if your intuition tells you no, then don't go. How can you weigh the life of your child (and your own health) over a cruise? There will be other cruises. Right now your pregnancy takes priority. If you tell your in laws 'I'm sorry. It's not worth dieing for', don't feel guilty about it. Look forward to a healthy new baby and your happy growing family.

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D.Z.

answers from Yuba City on

I was 28 weeks when we went on a cruise, had no problems, I found out where the on board doctor was just in case, it was a great relaxing time. Take a BP cuff with you (you can get one at any drug store) so you can take it twice a day (don't get neurotic about it) and just try to relax and have a good time. This may be what you need at this time to get some relaxation. You don't HAVE to DO anything there! Laying around is encouraged, whoo hoo. I'd go.

Have a great time.
D.

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W.V.

answers from Sacramento on

Check with the cruise line. I know Disney Cruise Line will not allow women 20 weeks along or further to cruise.

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C.S.

answers from Sacramento on

I've almost lost all 3 of my kids due to different circumstances every time. One thing I learned from those experiences is that nothing is worth losing a child or having a child suffer the rest of their lives due to birth defects from premature birth, etc.
You may go and everything will be fine and you'll have a great time. But you could go and have complications that could cost an absolute fortune at best and the health of your child at worst.
We love our kids more than anything. A healthy child is worth far more than a few days that will be only a moment of time in the big picture.
Good luck with whatever you do!

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