Over the past few years, there is a growing trend to take a “Babymoon”, a trip that you take prior to having a baby. A time for you to relax, rest and get that last piece of calmness prior to baby coming. Although I traveled while pregnant with both my children neither are what I would describe as a “Babymoon”. We looked at it as an opportunity to get some last busy travels in before the baby came. So what can you do to make your trip more enjoyable? 
Let’s learn from some of the mistakes I made!
1. Get an aisle seat on the plane.
It’s just easier and I will place bets on you having to get up and use the washroom more than once on a flight. I am a window flyer and always opt in for the window seats, but this one backfired on me. Let’s just say on my flight home I choose the aisle seat.
2. Pack a pair of flip-flops or flats to save your feet.
I decided to wear a new pair of shoes while walking around in Florida in July with ridiculous heat. My feet swelled up, blisters started popping and pain kicked in. It was so uncomfortable I ended up walking around barefoot since it was less painful until I found a store that I could buy flip-flops at. The cliché, barefoot and pregnant that was me!
3. For longer flights use the head pillows as back lumbar support.
Seats on flights or buses aren’t greatest for back support. I stumbled upon this after mistakenly sitting on one and found a relief instantly.
4. Makes sure someone else has a valid drivers license if renting a car.
Another oops for us. Sure it sounds like a great idea since your spouse or partner can then enjoy a few glass of wine or beer while traveling and then mom-to-be drive back, but long rides can be extremely uncomfortable if you are past your first trimester of pregnancy.
5. Double check the mom-to-be books about what you should and shouldn’t eat while pregnant.
In your usually day-to-day you make not try different types of food, so you might second guessing yourself on what you can eat. Upon my return reading the books, I guess I ate too much fish, but probably evened out throughout my pregnancy :) Also, depending on how you are feeling in your pregnancy might be best to stay about from spices that may cause the dreaded heartburn.
6. Be honest and open about being pregnant with tour operators and activity instructors.
This did stop me from doing a few things (probably for the best), but also provided opportunity too. I was 2 months pregnant and was able to try surfing for the first time. The instructor was well aware and put me with their most experienced instructor and kept me and baby safe while trying something new. Know your limits and follow your instinct with activities.
7. Check with your doctor and make sure you are not a high-risk pregnancy and he/she is ok with your vacation and destination.
I was unable to go to a specific destination due to not being able to get certain immunization shots while pregnant. She outlined the risks and options that I had, and in the end, we choose another place (Maui, Hawaii) instead. A pretty great second choice :)
8. Ensure you have the proper travel insurance and medical insurance.
Medical insurance is not covered after so many weeks into your pregnancy, so make sure you read your insurance very carefully and talk to your doctor about your travel.
9. Don’t plan your trips too early in advance.
Listen to your body and try to choose a trimester that you feel best in, for most it is in the second trimester. Remember that each pregnancy can be different too, so don’t bet on feeling the same way as you did with a previous pregnancy.
I absolutely loved traveling while pregnant, it is a special bond that I only have with the one child. It is a special story that I tell them and I recollect upon with them. I bought them each a small little-stuffed animal from the places I visited while pregnant with them, and each time I see it I remember they were along for the journey but only in my tummy.
Leave a Reply