It’s becoming more and more popular for pregnant women and their partners to travel before their babies arrive. This holiday is often known as a babymoon and is the perfect opportunity for expecting parents to spend some quality time together. However, there are extra precautions you need to take once you’ve got a little one on the way — here are six top pre-travel tips for pregnant women…
Think about what you want to get out of your holiday
Chances are you’re going to want to relax, but there’s more to it than that. Do you want to spend time by the sea? Enjoy gentle strolls around a new city? Escape to the countryside? The location will make or break your trip, so talk to your travel companion about your expectations and spend time researching potential destinations. Holidaysafe’s pregnancy travel guide has a list of places to get you started.
Always speak to your doctor
It’s important to get your doctor’s approval before booking a trip. They’ll be able to confirm whether you’re able to travel and can offer invaluable advice, putting your mind at ease. They can also write you a letter clearing you to fly if you’re travelling by plane. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, this letter is required if you’re at 28 weeks or more, but do check your airline’s policy beforehand.
Avoid vaccinations if you can
While some vaccinations are safe for pregnant women, others carry more risk. The NHS notes that live vaccines, which contain a small amount of the live virus, are potentially the most harmful for unborn babies.
Although it’s always safer to avoid getting jabs done, if you do need to travel to a country where vaccinations are required, it’s less risky to have a vaccination than it is to travel without one and catch a disease.
Consider a staycation
If the thought of travelling abroad while you’re pregnant fills you with dread, why not go on a staycation instead? It’s an ideal opportunity to see more of your home country and you won’t have to travel far to escape from everyday life.
Carry a copy of your maternity notes with you
Your notes detail the history of your pregnancy and are written in a way which can be understood around the world. This is helpful for doctors and nurses if you need medical attention while you’re away and can speed up the treatment process.
Book your holiday for your second trimester
Every pregnant woman will have a slightly different idea of what their ideal holiday is, but it’s almost unanimously agreed that the best time to travel is during the second trimester (weeks 13–28).
The first trimester is notable for morning sickness, plus there’s also a higher chance of miscarriage during the first twelve weeks. During the third trimester, you’re more likely to feel exhausted. In contrast, the second trimester is when your hormones will have settled down, meaning you’re more likely to enjoy some time away.
*This is a collaborative post.