[sparkles30]

After some perspective and advice here...

I am due to attend a residential school for a course I am doing at uni, but it is held the week before I am due. It is a five hour drive from where I live.

Non attendance means I can't do the subject (my final one) and will lose my scholarship. There is no way around this. I was really hoping to finish next year as I have recently lost my job and need to get these qualifications to find a new one.

I am having my third baby, and the first two have gone overdue by almost 2 weeks.

Would you risk it?

This post has been edited by sparkles30: 19/08/2012, 02:24 PM

[LynnyP]

I would. I went away for a weekend to another country at 37 weeks (driving) and took several up to two hour train trips in the final two weeks. Given the implications of not doing it, I would give it a go.

Having said that I am dead impressed that you are studying up to this late with two other children!

[mitty82]

id possibly do it if i felt well enough. Do you have to travel remotely?? Are you taking someone with you? Id pack hospital bag, car seat etc with you just incase lol

[johntanya]

Agree with PP. Go for it. My only suggestion, is the residential school near a hospital or birthing centre just in case?

[sparkles30]

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, there is a hospital (country one, but hopefully okay). I'd be staying for 4 days at the resi school, so the drive home would be at 39 weeks + 5 days. It's that bit I'm worried about. I'd probably have my mum (and toddler) with me. Forking out thousands for private hospital cover and ob, and then giving birth in a rural hospital would be kind of annoying, but hopefully okay.

Do third births happen really quickly?

[barrington]

What happens if you give birth before 39 weeks?

[MahnaMahna]

I would plan to do it OP. For sure.

I am in the same situation, 2 kids, 3rd on the way and doing some prac work at the end of pregnancy, I have to complete prac to pass the unit. My 2 kids were both 11 days late so I am going on the assumption this baby will at least make it to term!

[johntanya]

Third babies do not necessarily arrive quicker, but the labour can be much shorter..

[sparkles30]

Hmm, yes I did contemplate what would happen if I gave birth at 39 weeks. I could take bubs with me. there is no assessment, stress etc at the resi school, I just have to get my bottom on the seat and tick the attendance form.

Really don't like the idea of being induced at 39 weeks just to suit my own agenda, but it would maybe make things a little less stressful!

My labours have all been reasonably short - only about 2.5 hours in actual hospital, but a few hours of labouring at home before that.

[SplashingRainbow...]

In your situation, yes I would definitely do it.

Make as many plans as possible with the local hospital in case you need to front up there, and as pp said car seat etc.
I think I'd also pack supplies necessary for a roadside delivery just in case (assuming country driving with long gaps between towns here).

Make a plan for the trip home. How far between hospitals. Are there any mid way, or towns you can divert to if you go into labour?
What about telephone reception. Is there any chance you could get caught without it whilst driving. How long would that be for etc.

Good luck! Hope baby holds out for you.