Smart to commute across country in 2nd semester?

[Sublimist]

Title should read "trimester", sorry for error!


Good time of the day!

Who am I: I live in Scandinavia, but am working abroad in a bordering country for the summer. With no real working experience I heard that if I work minimum of 6 months in the neighboring country, I will get the right to receive maternity money. That means commuting every 2-3 weeks.

Now, my boyfriend (father of the child) urges me to commute throughout the end of 8th month to be able to, in the end, get the right to receive maternity money, which is much more than I could receive in my home country. My family, particularly mom, urges me to stay at home and find work there, because it might otherwise be dangerous due to possible complications. Bf will then stay at home and continue studying.

I feel like I'm torn. Please, share some of your experience on how you have done and how you feel. Thank you in advance.

 

[Island girl]

Hiya,
I have been travelling for work (and to see my husband) since I have been pregnant, and at a minimum I fly every 2 weeks and sometimes even once a week! I will be doing this for another month until I have finished work and finally will be permanently in Miami with OH at which point I will be 7 months. I don't intend to travel much (if at all) after this point.

Only you can really make the call on this, but if you are feeling fit and well I see no reason why you shouldn't travel, just make sure you have a contact for a doctor/hospital at each side just in case. But don't put yourself or bump in any danger just so you can get the maternity pay, it's not worth it (in my opinion!)

Good luck x

 

[dyscochick]

I would double/triple check the maternity arrangements before making any firm decisions, you sound a bit uncertain if its true! I wouldn't get hung up on possible complications, they could happen with or without the travel or not at all. However think about the fact that you might find all that travel exhausting if you have to keep it up well into your third trimester. When can you start your mat leave? could starting it early make life easier?

 

[tinytoy]

I commute across the north of England for work, sometimes several times a week, sometimes stay over during the week depending on what's going on. I haven't had any problems other than being a bit tired if I'm having a big driving week and lots of on-calls. I'm feeling really well, though and it's different for everyone.