Giving birth In DR/leaving country

[COROLLA24]

Hello,
My husband (DR/Permanent Resident of Canada) and I (Canadian) have been craving to return to DR for a 1week vacation just before Xmas. And I will be 30weeks pregnant when we want to go, still leaving 8 to 10 weeks before my due date. Just goinginto my 3rd trimester. I want to know if ANYONE has any websites or information to
"what would happen if i went into labor in DR" What would happen?
We can only have 1 week off and we both work when we return, so would it be difficult to return with our newborn (if i went into early labor)
Would we have to wait until it has its Canadian Passport?
Any information or website or number that I could have would be appreciated. My main concern is if i had the baby there i would not be able to return with my baby...
Thank you
Suzanne

[Chirimoya]

First of all find an airline that will let you fly at 30 weeks. Some do (I did) but it's not always the case.

[Berzin]

There is no other way to say this-you need to stay home. If you need any further explanation than this, and the thought of going into labor in a third world country seems like an adventure, then this thread needs to be closed.

[SKY]

If the baby is born in the DR you probably will not be able to take it back any time soon.

As the last poster said: STAY HOME.

[margaret]

A travel document will be required to bring a baby on a airplane. (I understand from my girlfriend that she has a temporary travel document for her infant not a passport, but she's crossing the Can/US border she's not boarding a plane.) Here's the site: Passport Canada: Home

You might register with the Canadian embassy and consulate.
Registration of Canadians Abroad - Consular Affairs Bureau Web site - Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
I'm sure Canadians have had babies in DR before, passports get stolen etc. they can process the paper work. But you would have to the proper proof that the baby is indeed yours. Maybe you could email them and find out.

Apply for cancelation insurance for airfare and premium health insurance (if you're eligible with your "pre-existing medical condition")
They have some excellent doctors in the Dominican Republic but how much you would have to pay for a normal delivery and care or a c-section before you go. I'm sure somebody on DR1 knows the answer. Be prepared to pay for hospitalization, change of air tickets etc. and wait for reimbursement from your health insurance.

Personally, I wouldn't do it unless I was sure I had 1st class healthcare lined up for myself and my baby and I could communicate with my physician easily and understand what was going. They have a higher rate of C-sections in the DR. Unless this is your second child, then you can just pop him/her out of oven in a cane field.

Best wishes and lots of joy to you and your husband!

[Kat1144]

Hello .. If I were you I would stay home. Good Luck!

[COROLLA24]

Thank you for the website and information....
I've had a perfect healthy pregnancy up to now, and no reason why i would go 3months premature labor during the 1week I am there. SO my thread is not asking if I should go or not. It was to get information like you have replied to me. THank you very much. I have consulted with my doctor and there are no worries of me flying.
I will be looking further into it, I am taking all precautions you know for the "IN CASE" i went into labor early...

Originally Posted by margaret

A travel document will be required to bring a baby on a airplane. (I understand from my girlfriend that she has a temporary travel document for her infant not a passport, but she's crossing the Can/US border she's not boarding a plane.) Here's the site: Passport Canada: Home

You might register with the Canadian embassy and consulate.
Registration of Canadians Abroad - Consular Affairs Bureau Web site - Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
I'm sure Canadians have had babies in DR before, passports get stolen etc. they can process the paper work. But you would have to the proper proof that the baby is indeed yours. Maybe you could email them and find out.

Apply for cancelation insurance for airfare and premium health insurance (if you're eligible with your "pre-existing medical condition")
They have some excellent doctors in the Dominican Republic but how much you would have to pay for a normal delivery and care or a c-section before you go. I'm sure somebody on DR1 knows the answer. Be prepared to pay for hospitalization, change of air tickets etc. and wait for reimbursement from your health insurance.

Personally, I wouldn't do it unless I was sure I had 1st class healthcare lined up for myself and my baby and I could communicate with my physician easily and understand what was going. They have a higher rate of C-sections in the DR. Unless this is your second child, then you can just pop him/her out of oven in a cane field.

Best wishes and lots of joy to you and your husband!

[MommC]

if you went into labour prematurely it is doubtful the baby would be able to travel at all for at least a month or more after birth. Not too mention all the problems that can occur (Neonatal intensive care??? in the DR???)

My daughter-in-law and son came to visit when she was expecting their first child. She was due the 20th of April so they came the third week of January for one week (went back end of Jan).

We had already booked to return to Canada the 30th of March as she wanted me there for the birth.

While here she had 'stomach' pains, saw a Dr. who said she was just a little dehydrated from the heat and gave her electrolytes and lots of fluid.

Two weeks after they got home (Feb.14) we got a phone call telling us we were grandparents to a 4 lb 3 oz grandson (yes his second name is Valentino)!

She could have had him here and I hate to think what the consequences may have been as her 'stomach pains' were actually premature labour. I doubt he would have had a chance in hell of 'making' it!

I'd really think twice if I were you especially as this is your first!

[mobrouser]

Corolla, while pregnant with both of my mobsters I travelled in the same time line you are talking about. Canadian airlines are quite lenient setting limits at 35-36 weeks as the furthest along they will let the mom-to-be travel. The problem you will find is getting travel insurance. For most, the limit is 32 weeks, and with that you could be considered to have a "pre-existing condition". You will need to have documentation from your doctor prior to leaving, and I would recommend hours prior to leaving, that you are in perfect health.

You sound fairly confident about your health. Have you talked to your doctor about the suspected "common" causes of premature birth? It can be something as simple as a urinary tract infection.

Also,

Originally Posted by COROLLA24

We can only have 1 week off and we both work when we return, so would it be difficult to return with our newborn (if i went into early labor)

You do understand that a baby born at 30 weeks gestation would most likely require at least 2 weeks in a NICU before you could consider returning home?

[Bob K]

Besides the possibility of premature labor, what if you had a third trimester complication? This is not unheard of belive me I know. Would you you want to be here if that happened???? Wow bring the babe back with you for a vacation this fall instead.

Bob K