Question on due dates

As if this saga couldn't get any messier, now timing is of the essence. Because my wife can only stay for three months at a time, we are trying to figure out the best day to cross. The new visa just arrived and she can enter before the end of April and stay three months. Our due date is June 3 and are going for elective c-section as soon as possible before that (again depends on availability of beds!) Basically there are two choices:


1) Bring her back ASAP (like today) but the problem is she can't renew her visa until three months after she enters (May 6 or later). Since May is a huge holiday in China I expect delays, and she may not get back to HK until late May (say the 25th). What I don't want is for the kid to pop out in China, and I don't know how likely it is to go into labor before your due date.


2) Leave them up in China for another month or two so that she enters in early April. That will start the three month "clock" and we should be able to extend to a fourth. This is the safest but the downside is I won't see the family for a couple of months.


Obviously Option 2 is safest in terms of planning, but Option 1 is best time-wise providing she won't deliver too early. The biggest risk is going into labor early in China, possibly creating a VBAC situation which I definitely do NOT want.


I'm not all that clear on chances of delivering early, on-time, etc. If the risk is low it will be easier to do Option 1. I would ask our OB-GYN but he's on leave this week, and time is of the essence. Any advice greatly appreciated!

Due dates are at best guesses based on scientific fact. I never rely on the due date and instead think of 'early june' or 'mid-april' so I don't get hung up on a specific date.


I met a woman the other day whose second baby was 7 weeks early, while she was on holiday, and he husband had just boarded a 15 hour flight!


Even a scheduled c-section doesn't guarantee anything.

A friend was recently scheduled for a Friday, and went into labour on the Tuesday!


Your option 2 sounds like the best idea, I don't understand why you won't see the family as you can always go up and visit?


BTW - we have a similar problem, currently my hubby works in Beijing M-F, and we are trying to figure out what date should he 'stay' in HK... but there is no perfect answer.

Well i in my 3rd pregnancy and both of my previous pregnancys were early. My last one was 3 weeks early and my husband was out of the country and wasnt able to be there when the baby was born. As that is a huge thing in ones life it was sad but know that she can handle it if she does go early. Sounds like option 2 is good. Best of luck!!!

Just heard from the doc. He advised Option 2 as the first is cutting it too close.


The other downside that I didn't even realize until now (nor did he mention it) is that she'll have to receive ante-natal in China for the time she's there, rather than with him. I guess I can just keep the records and pass to him. This situation really sucks.

Also most airlines will not allow a pregnant woman to fly after the 7th month, since labor /cramps could set in.

You have to have a written prescription from a doc that you( ie your wife) are 7 months pregnant.

Most doctors though will give give a written record mentioning the due date 1 month later ( so that the mom-to-be can fly in the 8th month).

You should check with the airline and /or the doc in china.