Relocating During Pregnancy: A Doctor's Perspective on IVF & Safe Moves

Question
Hi Doctor,

I am 3 months pregnant following IVF. The pregnancy is progressing well; and luckily I have not had any issues. However unfortunately because of some organization changes at my husband's job - we have to relocate to a different state about 1000 miles away. The exact timing of the move is still to be decided but it will most likely be when I will be about 6 months pregnant.

I am very stressed out about this. I am concerned that this move can cause harm to the unborn.

I am not sure if others ever do this; and I am trying to decide if we should just say no and risk my husband losing a good job.

Have you come across patients in this situation?

Do you think it is advisable to not move during pregnancy?

If you feel it is ok to move - what is a good timeframe for moving? Is about 6 to 7 months pregnant a good time to move; or is it better to move earlier?

Please give your guidance. While I understand that you cannot give me spcific advice; some general guidance in this topic will help me a lot.

Looking forward to your reply.

Thanks

Answer
You can safely travel or relocate at any time during the pregnancy, but it would be nice to be in your new home by your last month of pregnancy (within 4 weeks of your due date). I would, in preparation, find the name of a good obstetrician in the area that you are relocating to, and make sure that you get a copy of ALL your obstetrical records for this pregnancy when you move. This should include all lab values, all sonogram reports, VDRL, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Group B strep status, and HIV status. Find out where the hospitals are and make sure that an obstetrician will take over your obstetrical care as soon as you move. Don't wait and then run the risk of not having an obstetrician there for you.