Travel to Mexico 3Rd Trimester?

Updated on March 17, 2011
L.D. asks from Fairfax, VA
22 answers

Am I crazy for going? My brother is getting married in Riviera Maya and I plan on going barring any complications. I will be 33 weeks at the time - any other mamas travel out of the country late in their pregnancy? I have talked to insurance company and they said they would cover emergencies as long as I get a pre-authorization (travel insurance usually will not cover a "pre-existing condition"). I have looked into hospitals and doctors in the area just to be safe and there are a few nurses going on the trip as well that makes me feel somewhat better. Any advice?

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M.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Nope. I wouldn't put myself or baby at risk. Maybe they can do a webcam service so you can be included in the wedding too. Ask-- its a win-win! Best wishes,

M

3 moms found this helpful
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B.

answers from Augusta on

I would definitely not go.
You are too close to due date. I would not want my child born in Mexico. I would definitely want my own Dr there if I went into preterm labor.
My mother flew when she was 3rd trimester and she was miserable.

2 moms found this helpful

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A.S.

answers from Chicago on

I don't think it's a good idea. I think my OB ok'd travel up to 36wks, but that was domestic but physically I wasn't up for travel. We went the Cancun last spring with our kids (3 and 1-1/2 at the time). I asked the pediatrician about precautions and what to do if either got sick. He said to call him if the kids got sick and do not, under any circumstances, go to the hospital. He had a patient go to the hospital for something "minor" but they started a work-up in the ER for something entirely different and serious. When he spoke with the parents, he told them to take their child and just walk out of the ER. With that in mind, I wouldn't risk the possibility of delivering there, not being able to leave and figuring out how to travel back with a newborn.

4 moms found this helpful
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K.P.

answers from New York on

Yes, you are crazy to consider this. I flew to FL at the very start of my 3rd trimester and my doctor was hesitant. The only reason he didn't say "no" was b/c I was going to FL for my shower and my sister's OBGYN was willing to be the "just in case" doctor.

This is very close to your delivery date. Not only will you be uncomfortable on a plane for that long, you will be far away should something happen. Aside from that, you will need to be extra cautious regarding what you eat, what you drink and where you go.

I know that this is a really tough decision for you. If you decide to go, make sure you are prepared. If you decide not to go, try to be okay with that decision b/c in the long-run your health and your baby's health are more important than a wedding!

4 moms found this helpful

T.N.

answers from Albany on

I'm sorry L., I'm sure you'll be fine, and, no, you're not crazy, but I would not go.

:(

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J.S.

answers from Dallas on

I'm pretty sure my dr recommend that you dont travel after 32 weeks and most airlines wont take you without a dr note after that time either.

3 moms found this helpful

C.F.

answers from Boston on

Sorry Hun, I wouldn't do it - but the choice it Yours and your Dr's to make.

3 moms found this helpful
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J.K.

answers from Gainesville on

Well I have traveled extensively in the 3rd world and I think you'll be fine. You'll be in a touristy area for a few days, so if your doctor agrees and you aren't at risk for a premature birth you should be fine. You're not trekking through Congo; you're going to the beach for a wedding. You're still 7 weeks, almost 2 months, away from your due date, so I think it should be ok. Just talk to your OB and if you have risk factors that indicate that not going is better, listen to him or her. If not, then go.

2 moms found this helpful
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T.H.

answers from Kansas City on

I would go. I don't think you're crazy, this is your brother! If you are not high risk and your doctor is fine with it, you're fine I think. Yes, it's close, anything is possible, but an airplane isn't going to send you into labor. My doctor said I could fly up until my last month, and I did. You probably will be uncomfortable on the plane and in the heat, but you can deal with that, just be prepared for it. I think you're being proactive by checking out the area ammenities and I would be comforted by the fact that some nurses will be there. I say do it.

2 moms found this helpful
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K.H.

answers from Richmond on

dont go. dont go, dont go. because the last thing you want to happen is to go into labor and nobody within 100 yards of you speaks a lick of english.just because your insurance company will sell you a pre authorization, doesnt mean that you will be in any shape to call them while you are in labor to let them know, read the fine print first, if the baby is born on the way to the hospital, will they still cover the labor and delivery ?? if the hospital you get to suddenly decides that your insurance isnt going to cover you in their hospital, will they still take you ?? if the hospital has no one that reads english on site, will they sign the forms on the insurance information, because, we are going on the crazy ideal that the insurance forms will be written in english.
K. h.

2 moms found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

Not me.... not worth the safety risk or health risk.

Just this past week or so, all local authority has been telling people vacationing and spring breakers to NOT go to Mexico at all.

Americans are being murdered, kidnapped, etc Even in the nice areas of Mexico. We are seeing this on our local news and there have been some murdered people from our area.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Nope-I would definitely not do this if I were you. If something were to happen do you really want to be in Mexico of all places?? My friend went to Hiltonhead at 32 weeks and ended up having the baby prematurely. They were stuck in HH for at least a month. It was a very bad experience not to mention expensive.

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J.L.

answers from Chicago on

I would not do it...It is also very easy to get sick there or on your way back..you don't need to contract a virus, parasite or any other illness being pregnant. Of course it is your choice.

2 moms found this helpful

A.F.

answers from Chicago on

Check with your airline and make sure you have whatever note they will require from your OB as some have strict limits on 3rd trimester travel and will deny bording if you look BIG and you don't have an OB note indicating your due date (take 2 copies in case they keep one and you need it in Mexico to get back). I don't think you are crazy....I just know that if I went into premature labor, I wouldn't want to have my premie in a foreign country. At least your family would be there with you! My OB generally doesn't like any travel more than driving distance in the last trimester but a lot of my co-workers have traveled domestically off and on throughout the third trimester. Best wishes.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

I wouldn't do it.

There's no way on earth I would want to deliver my child in a mexican (or really any other foreign country) hospital. I have had a few friends who played semi-pro sports in Europe - in rather advanced countries - who have told me nightmare stories about having medical procedures/surgeries. One of them had an ACL reconstruction that was basically outpatient - repaired her ACL and sent her home that afternoon with a pair of crutches!

Also, unless you are going to a resort that is heavily guarded Mexico really isn't a place to be right now, what with all the drug cartels murdering people left and right.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.K.

answers from Phoenix on

I wouldn't do it. I went to Mexico for 2 weeks when I was pregnant but I found out the night before we were to leave. My husband spent the entire time in a village where I couldn't speak to him and I stayed with missionary friends that I met for the first time. I also had two little kids with me. We had no money or insurance. It was risky but we were fine. This was 11 years ago. If I were as far along as you, I wouldn't go. But at the same time, it sounds like you really looked into things so maybe for a short time, you'll be fine. I'd talk to your doctor and your husband and make the call based on what they say. Good luck to you!!

1 mom found this helpful

P.M.

answers from Honolulu on

Odds are you will be fine as long as your doc clears you to go. Would I go? I doubt it. Mexico is not on my list of places I would be okay with receiving medical attention. That may be my speaking out of ignorance, but I've yet to hear a positive experience from their hospitals. That is such a tough one since it's your brother's wedding. Good luck, momma!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

This is your choice, completely. It isn't your first pregnancy, so you should know how you will be feeling at that time. Chances are very good that everything will be fine at 33 weeks. It sounds like you have a backup plan in place.

Airlines do have "policies" but how in the world do they know how many weeks along you are, when your own doctor can only guess. If you have an authorization from your doctor, that should suffice. My DIL flew from MN to Saudi Arabia at about 36 weeks pregnant. She wore her traditional muslim clothing and no one would have even been sure she was pregnant.

And as far as "drug cartel murders" as long as you aren't going to Tijuana, Nogales or Ciudad Juarez, you are fine.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.C.

answers from Houston on

I am not going to say whether I think you should go or not, but you should also carefully check both airline policy and Mexican immigration.

Although I am fairly certain that it doesn't apply to Mexico, some countries will not allow you to enter after a certain point in your pregnancy. Make sure that you have a letter from your doctor with all contact information and a statement about the stage of your pregnancy.

Every airline is different, and when I was pregnant and traveling for work, I was only questioned about how far along I was a couple of times; some airlines have clear policies on maternity travel. I flew up until about 32 weeks...and that was more than enough.

You should also take a copy of your medical records with you!

One more thing...consider the implications if your WERE to give birth in Mexico. I am pretty certain that airlines don't allow infants less than two weeks of age!

1 mom found this helpful
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B..

answers from Dallas on

Wow. Now way, I'd go...
Most airlines won't let you fly at 33 weeks.

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K.B.

answers from Chicago on

Mexico can be a very dangerous place. If you go dont leave the tourist area. Just hope your baby is born in the states and not Mexico

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A.L.

answers from Washington DC on

I didn't read ALL the responses, but this is my take.
My daughter is now two months old. At the start of my third trimester I went to England for a month with my family to visit a brother who is stationed over there. I had no problem - even with all the walking and hiking around that we did, and we did a LOT - and had a wonderful time (it helped that my brother is a doctor - pediatrician, but still knows what to do had anything occurred). It was actually a lovely way to get my mind off being big and uncomfortable.
If you're healthy and have healthy pregnancies, you shouldn't have any problem. My doctor was absolutely fine with me going, but I also have easy pregnancies with no problems outside of some annoying sciatic pain.
I do realize that I went to an English speaking country, and would've been able to use military facilities had anything happened, but there is always risk. If there are nurses going on the trip, who's to say they couldn't render you assistance if need be? A nurse can catch a baby as easily as a doctor can. Again, that comes down to the healthy pregnancy question.
If it were me, I wouldn't miss it for the world.

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