Getting pregnant and waiting for your baby’s birth is an exciting season full of preparations and trips to the doctor. You want to make sure everything is fine; you have all items the baby will need and are adequately prepared for life after childbirth. A new kid also signifies an end to a carefree and spontaneous life, though temporarily. Before you finally welcome the new addition, think of a babymoon. Here are ways to ensure the trip is safe, fulfilling and memorable. Choose the Destination and Activities Wisely Doctors recommended travelling during the second trimester because you’re more likely to be at your best. You’ll not be dealing with morning sickness and all the challenges that come during the first trimester, and at the same time, the pregnancy weight will not be weighing you down. You’re less likely to get tired quickly, have swollen feet, muscle cramps and back problems when travelling for long hours. However, you don’t want to go to the extreme and choose very remote or exotic travel destinations or physically challenging activities. Choose activities that allow you to relax, enjoy the scenery without overworking yourself. Don’t go for long drives unless you plan to take walking and stretching breaks in between. It also helps to choose more accessible travel destinations with few travel requirements. You don’t have months to wait for the travel approvals. For instance, application for an ETA makes it easier to travel in and out of Canada. Also, check other requirements such as vaccinations needed on entry. Consult with Your Obstetrician Let your doctor know about your travel plans, the destination activities, and the medical requirements. If expected to have live vaccinations such as measles, rubella, varicella, yellow fever, and mumps vaccines, consult with your obstetrician first. Your doctor will also check your health status to confirm that you are ready for the travel and offer advice such as supplements or prescriptions to take with you and activities to avoid. It’s also worth noting that pregnant women should avoid high-altitude areas that are more than 12,000 feet. During late-stage pregnancy, avoid travel destinations that have 8200 feet or higher altitudes. It means that you shouldn’t go mountain climbing during the vacation. Another concern is whether you should fly or drive to the travel destination. It’s okay to fly during the second semester as you are more likely to be comfortable on a flight, and most airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to the 36th week. You’ll have to provide your due date at the airport to prove that it’s safe for you to travel. You might also be required to bring along a letter from the doctor to prove it’s safe for you to fly while pregnant. Check the requirements from your airline of choice to avoid disappointments when checking in. If you’d like to drive, make sure that your safety belt is buckled just below the belly for more comfort. Also, take breaks every 30 minutes to stretch and improve blood circulation, avoiding cramps and swelling feet. Pack Your Bags You want to make sure you’ll be comfortable during the trip and at the destination. Understand the weather conditions and prepare accordingly. Also, carry enough supplements and any necessary medications. Ensure your insurance policy is up to date and determine whether it covers you even when in the travel destination. If necessary, get a supplement insurance policy and research on the medical networks in the area. You’d probably want to have contacts of a health facility or doctor near your travel destination. Don’t Travel Alone As much as you would want to spend the last trip before the baby arrives alone, it’s safer when you have company. You want to make sure that someone helps you around when too tired, and in case of an emergency, there is quick help. You’ll also eat healthier meals, rest well and be more comfortable with a friend than alone. Know When to Seek Medical Attention It’s normal to feel tired and worn out after a long journey, but the feeling should go away after a long rest. However, if you experience bleeding, pain, fever, contractions or cramping, seek medical attention. Have contact details of a highly qualified and reputable doctor you can call at any time to sort the situation fast. Have a Flexible Schedule An intense activity-filled vacation will wear you down quickly, making the whole experience tiresome and less enjoyable. Once you arrive, take some time to rest, sleep and re-energize, especially when it was a long trip. Also, don’t fill your days with lots of activities but plan one or two daily activities and ensure that they are not strenuous or take too much time. Plan to take naps in the afternoon or when you feel tired and when you don’t feel like you want to go out of your room, cancel the days’ activities, rest and re-energize. Also, make sure that you’re eating healthy, energy-packed foods and exercise regularly. A walk on the streets in the morning or late afternoons when the weather is calmer can significantly boost your energy levels, making you more prepared for the next day’s events. Choose an Ideal Accommodation Comfort should be a significant concern throughout the trip. Choose a hotel with comfortable settings and, if possible, choose a rental. You’ll have a more flexible schedule, plan your meals, bring with you items that make your stay more comfortable and relaxing. Staying in a rental allows you to prepare meals, which means that you are more in control of your foods. This is especially important when you have a food intolerance. Also, if you’re not sure whether the water is safe, stick to bottled water or boil it before drinking to avoid infections. Take time to plan the vacation to ensure it’s comfortable and safe. It is one of the trips that will be most memorable in all your life, so make it count. Once back home, take a few days to rest, then visit your doctor for a check-up to confirm everything is okay. Afterwards, you can go back to your everyday life as you wait for the baby’s arrival. Like this Article? Subscribe to Our Feed!