Can hubby and I go on a babymoon anytime soon?
You’d love one last romantic break with your partner before the little one arrives. This quick get-a-way is becoming widely known as the ‘babymoon.’ Travel agencies have coined the phrase to inspire expecting mommies to live it up one last time before becoming a mother, full-time.
Made popular by celebrities proudly sporting their very preggy bellies on exotic beaches, a babymoon is so much more than a lavish marketing ploy. It will be the one final trip you take with your partner; to spend precious time reconnecting before your little one makes an appearance.
The months leading up to your pregnancy can be stressful, and many expecting moms are preoccupied with turning their home into a family sanctuary while still juggling the demands of daily life. A babymoon will afford you and your partner a welcome break from the stresses of everyday life.
Remember to plan it well. You won’t be interested in recapturing the spark in your relationship if you’re cooped up in a hotel room, too exhausted to move, and too sick to do anything about it. Timing and location are everything.
When to go on a babymoon?
The first trimester is out, thanks to morning sickness and fatigue. And you’ll hardly want to prance around in a bikini – the healthy pregnancy glow is still a few weeks off, so for now, you’ll just feel bloated. Travelling during your third trimester can also be tricky, as no mom wants to go into premature labor mid-holiday.
Experts from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology believe that the safest time to travel is from 18 to 24 weeks. So the best time to go on your babymoon will be during the second trimester.
During this time, you have enough energy and the pregnancy hormones will work in your (and your partner’s) favor, leaving you looking and feeling fabulous.
Moreover, consider just taking a quick getaway, instead of a month-long trip. You wouldn't want to be away from your trusted doctor for that long.
And you don't want the stress of connecting flights and heavy suitcases. It doesn’t matter if you are indulging in a two-week getaway or a short weekend break. It’ll be just what the doctor ordered.
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Where to go on a Babymoon?
The location is up to you but there are a few things to keep in mind. Stick to a couple of hours of travelling time to reach your destination. You’ll feel much more comfortable with a short trip. Far away or remote areas may be too unsafe or unsanitary for you and your precious bump.
Your babymoon destination should also feature temperate weather conditions and decent facilities, should any complications arise.
Check Restrictions
You may have a few days of vacation, but remember that you will still be travelling in the midst of a pandemic. So be on the lookout for travel advisories. Choose a location where the rates of local transmission (not just of COVID-19, but any disease) are low.
Moreover, if you're travelling by plane or by sea, check their travel restrictions. Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly as long as they're not past their 36th week. Cruise lines have restrictions as well.
Take the stress out of travel arrangements
The point of your trip is to relax and unwind, not to add more trouble to your already frazzled nerves. If you are flying, best book a direct flight to avoid tedious hours in the airport lounge. Book an aisle seat in advance, as it will greatly ease your frequent trips to the restroom.
Most reputable travel agents now offer a babymoon service, where all your arrangements, from accommodation to tailor-made excursions are taken care of.
Other things to remember when going on a Babymoon
Consider the cuisine
Before you pack your bags to some exotic location, spend some time looking up the local restaurants in the area. You might feel fabulous in your second trimester, but there are still foods that will make you cringe and should be avoided. You’ll want a selection of tummy-friendly foods and enough options to satisfy your pregnancy cravings.
Make sure to pack your prenatal vitamins and some allergy and prescription medicines, if you have them. Also, wherever you go, don't forget to drink enough water (just make sure that their water is safe to drink).
Plan your activities ahead
It's not a secret that there are limitations to what pregnant women are allowed to do. So when planning your babymoon, it's best to take that into consideration.
You can still head to the beach but beware of the risks of taking a bath in the sea. Extreme watersports need to be put on hold for now, but you can enjoy a quiet walk or a foot massage by the beach. Read this to check what physical activities are allowed for expecting moms.
Keep your doctor in the loop
Travelling entails a new set of challenges when you're pregnant. Before relaxation, the most important thing is your safety. Make sure you speak with your doctor before booking your trip. Tell him about your plans and check if you are in the best condition to travel. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, don’t be too disappointed if your doctor wants to keep you close to home.
Moreover, if you're planning to travel overseas, ask your doctor about any necessary vaccines. Don't forget to put your OB-GYN's number on speed dial, and make sure your partner or companion has it on his phone too.
While researching about your destination, do take note if they have access to quality medical facilities near the area (just in case), and jot down the contact info for nearby hospitals to keep on hand as you travel.
If you're dreaming about going on a cruise, make sure there will be a health care provider on board, as some smaller ships (fewer than 100 passengers) don’t have medical personnel on staff.
Most importantly, don’t let your babymoon put pressure on you and your partner. Remember your honeymoon? It’s all about taking time out and relaxing together rather than cramming as much adventure in as possible.
Spending some quality time with your loved one before you are both shocked into parenthood by sleepless nights and dirty nappies! Your most memorable moments will come in the quiet times you spend with your partner, be it cuddled up on the sofa watching a movie, or strolling the beaches of some tropical paradise.
Updates by Camille Eusebio
Republished with permission from theAsianparent Singapore