So my sister (C) turned 30 in February, and I've been feeling really guilty that I didn't do more for her birthday. When our oldest sister (J) turned 30, we went on a whole girls weekend and made a big deal out of it. So J and I were talking last night, and I found a show that I think C would absolutely love to go see.
Here's my dilemma- the show is April 18th, and it's in a city that's about 3.5 hours from where I live. At that point, I'll be 37 weeks pregnant. The three of us would be driving (I know airlines definitely wouldn't let me fly at that point)- it'd just be the three of us, so I'd have plenty of room to stretch out in the car and I know my sisters would be cool about stopping on the way if I needed to get out and walk. Buuuut- my dr had told me that after 35 weeks, she didn't want me leaving the city I live in, in case I go into labor early (there have been NO signs of that, textbook perfect pregnancy so far).
DH is not super into the idea of me going- he's convinced I'm going to go into labor and have the baby without him there. I told him that I feel the chances of that happening are slim to none, as even if I do (god forbid!) go into labor, he'd only be 3.5 hours away. And I would be in a somewhat large city, so there would definitely be easy hospital access if I needed it.
To be totally honest, I don't love the idea of traveling that close to my due date. But, I really really want to do this for my sister. She's had a super rough year (she and her H have been TTC for almost three years, and she's had three m/c's in the past year). And I feel like the chances of anything happening are slim (at this point at least, and I already promised DH that if there is ANY indication that things are going to happen, of course I won't go). We'd only be out a couple hundred bucks if I end up having to cancel, and my other two sisters could still go.
I'm just over 37 weeks right now, and to be honest 3.5 hours in the car would be a big challenge for me right now. I can't even sit comfortably on the sofa for more than about 15 minutes at a time, and even car rides of 30 minutes set off really uncomfortable Braxton Hicks contractions. Then to sit through a show….I don't know. I get really tired very easily -- even a morning of light errands (30 minute ride to the grocery store, then maybe 30 minutes of shopping and a quick lunch, 30 minute ride home, put away groceries) knocks me out for the rest of the day and most of the next day.
I personally think that would make me miserable right about now. However, YMMV, and it's possible that you'll feel fine. I guess you can always plan on it, then see how you feel as you get closer and make a game-time decision. But do you think there might be too much pressure to go? Would you be devastated if you had to back out? Would your sister understand?
Also, you should seriously consider your doctor's opinion on this. If he/she says no traveling after 35 weeks, then I would definitely think very hard before going against that. I mean, I maybe would if it was something I COULD NOT miss (like a funeral), but I don't think I would PLAN on going somewhere if the doctor specifically said not to.
I'd send her tickets and a giftcard maybe so she could go with your other sister or a friend or whatever. Honestly, by 37 weeks I'd be surprised if you wanna do much of anything, and you don't wanna feel like you are slowing them down. I was in my sister's wedding at 36 weeks and it was sort of a joke. I mean, I stood the whole ceremony (30 mins) and that was my feat for the day, lol. Plus then you don't have to worry about canceling on her and she can plan a great experience ahead of time and not come up with alternate plans at the last minute if you have to bow out.