Planning a romantic trip should be fun. But when you are pregnant it can be stressful thinking about planning a holiday. You can still have a great romantic vacation while pregnant. This can be a great time to bond with your partner, and just take things easy. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan that romantic trip or babymoon (honeymoon while pregnant).
1. The best time to go on your holiday is during your second trimester when you would be most comfortable to travel. Nausea should have eased (hopefully). You are also likely to feel more comfortable in your pregnancy. You are advised to plan around the pregnancy and not the time of year.
2. Ensure you tell your doctor your travel plans so that they can advise you on what you should or should not do. Some pregnancies may have complications so it is important for your doctor to give you a clean bill of health before travelling. Here are some tips on Safe Flying While Pregnant.
3. It is important to note that many doctors are in agreement that you can fly up to 36 weeks but airlines may have different restrictions as well. Call your travel agent or airline to find out what the restrictions would be.
4. Try not to travel too far for your holiday. Taking a long flight or having a long car ride can be stressful when you are pregnant so choose somewhere that is convenient in terms of time and distance.
5. Whatever mode of transport you are using, you need to take a break from sitting every hour or so to aid circulation. This will help ensure that your ankles do not get swollen and that also you will not get leg cramps. During your trip make sure you get some exercise by going to the beach or swimming so that you are active during your holiday.
6. Think about what you will eat. You may have aversions to certain foods because of your pregnancy. There are also other foods that are not good for you when you are pregnant so it is important to think about what you will eat especially if you are planning to take a trip to a different country whose foods you are not familiar with. If you are in a different country ask for a translation of the menu so that you can know what it is you are eating. You also need to tell your travel agent who is booking your flight what you would like to eat on the plane.
7. If you are planning to travel to another country or location check with your doctor about vaccinations. It is not recommended to travel to a malaria zone while pregnant. Taking malaria medication and having travel vaccinations isn’t recommended during pregnancy unless it is something that cannot be avoided.
8. Try not to travel too far. You will end up being tired, having swollen feet and taking very many bathroom breaks. It will also save you from trips to the tiny aeroplane toilet.
9. Don’t be too ambitious. Probably you had a picture in your head of your dream holiday and what you would do. Know your limits. There are things you can’t do. Take it easy. The idea of a romantic getaway is to spend time with your partner. It may not be possible to go into a hot tub or sauna while you are pregnant (not advisable as it can cause the baby to overheat) but you can still indulge in some spa packages or activities like swimming. That scuba diving will have to wait.
10. Carry enough water. It is important to stay hydrated so drink enough water. The low humidity in aeroplanes can cause dehydration. You can ask the air hostess to keep refilling your glass.
11. Find out if there are medical facilities where you are going for your trip. Anything could happen and so it is important for peace of mind to know that if anything comes up you know where to go.
12. An extra tip for pregnant women – when in a car wear your seatbelt with the lap belt below your abdomen, low on your hipbones. The shoulder portion should be over the collarbone.
13. Have fun. Find things that you can do together include swimming, walking on the beach and dancing.
14. Finally, if you are honeymooning while pregnant the day of your wedding will probably be very stressful and tiring. Do not plan to travel that night. Book a nice hotel where you can spend your honeymoon night then you can travel the next day. Try not to take an early morning flight or a car trip if you are in your first trimester as you may feel really nauseous.
This article has some additional tips you should check out – 10 top tips for pregnant travellers.
Speaking of babies, 5 tips for parents travelling with children
