Expecting to Move
Relocation During Pregnancy
By Holly Fawcett

Relocating during pregnancy is not something most moms-to-be want to do. But sometimes there's no getting out of it, so you'll need to think it through. Good organization and planning, essential for any move, are critical when you're pregnant. You will likely be tired and moody from your pregnancy, so the smoother things go with the move, the better! Whether you're moving across the country or across town, making a move while expecting doesn't have to be unpleasant.

Get Your Plans in Place
If you're making a smaller move, consider doing it piecemeal. "Though it drove my husband nuts to only move one room at a time, it worked out better," says Shirley Kawa-Jump, who moved from Woodburn, Ind., to Fort Wayne, Ind. "The toys came first, to keep my daughter busy, then the kitchen, then the master bedroom. That way, if we were hungry or wanted to rest, there was a place to do it."

Consider hiring movers instead of doing the packing yourself. At the very least, have a lot of help for the heavy lifting. "You shouldn't lift anything heavier than a clothes basket," says Janet Thurston, a certified nurse midwife. "Musculoskeletal injuries are more likely to happen in pregnancy, so don't overdo it."

Give yourself plenty of time to unpack. "My husband was traveling so I unpacked everything and lifted things I shouldn't have but I was 'nesting' and couldn't stand the mess," says Kendeyl Johansen, of Park City, Utah. Don't forget, you may not feel as well as you normally do. The physical effects of pregnancy may slow you down. "I was 3 months along and desperately morning sick," says Johansen. "I'd unpack a box, bolt for the bathroom, unpack a box..."

Once You've Arrived
If you have older children, you'll need to arrange childcare for them while you are delivering the new baby. Network with other mothers you meet in your new neighborhood, or join a mothers' group such as Mothers of Preschoolers or La Leche League. Also, consider asking co-workers – yours or your husband's – if they are willing to be on call. "When I met the wife of my husband's new colleague she was due in four weeks," says Allison Ratamess, of Muncie, Ind. "They had just moved to town and didn't know anyone. I knew they'd need someone to watch their daughter when the baby was born, so I volunteered."

Your current doctor may be able to recommend a health care provider in your new area, depending on how far away you are moving. "You can also find one that will meet your needs by looking in the phonebook, networking with mothers' groups, or calling the local hospital, birthing center or childbirth educators," Thurston says. Ask other mothers who they recommend, and if you have time, visit with a few of these professionals before you make your final decision. Once you select your new care provider, Thurston recommends getting your records to the new office and setting up an appointment as soon as possible.

On the Road
If your new home is far away, your pregnancy may also affect your travel. "The doctor had a fit when she found out I would be driving one of our cars by myself," says Chris Morgan from Cheshire, Conn. "I asked if the doctor was willing to drive the car for me, but she declined, so I went ahead and did it. About a week after the move, I had to stop driving because I no longer fit behind the steering wheel." Whether you are doing the driving yourself or not, Thurston recommends frequent stops to stretch, rest and use the bathroom. And don't forget to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

If you'll be flying to your new home, the same rules apply. Also, be sure to check with the airline regarding any restrictions they might have on flying late in pregnancy.

Relocating during a pregnancy may not be the ideal situation, but careful planning and realistic expectations can make it less stressful. And when you are finally sitting in your new home holding your new baby, the strain of moving – just like the pain of childbirth – will quickly be forgotten.

 

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