Just because you are pregnant, there is no reason why you should stop travelling for many months. If you are enjoying a healthy and smooth pregnancy, babymoon travel is a great way to help you refresh before embarking on your next big adventure: parenthood.
In our case, Tara had an easy pregnancy, no morning sickness, nausea nor tiredness – even during the first trimester. We travelled while Tara was unknowingly pregnant at 4 weeks gestation to Rome, Berlin and Paris. It was our usual intense style travel. We would leave first thing in the morning and only return to the hotel late at night to sleep.
We then travelled again, much later, at 30 weeks to Taiwan and Hong Kong. Travelling while pregnant requires a bit more planning and compromise (most of which had to be done if we stayed home anyway)
From our experience, these are our 10 Travelling while pregnant – Babymoon travel tips:
1. Buy travel insurance and get your travel timing right
Looking back, travelling at 30 weeks gestation was not the best idea. We would not recommend anyone to travel so late in the pregnancy. No Australian travel insurance was willing to cover Tara. Most insurance companies only cover up to 22 weeks gestation. So we took a big risk spending 2 weeks in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Even though the chances were very slim for bub to come out that early, it still gave us an uneasy feeling. We were told that if we had to deliver the baby in Hong Kong, the cost would be so astronomically high that we probably need to sell our house! 😅
2. Don’t book too far in advance
If your first trimester was relatively easy, things may change later down the track. Try not to book more than 3 months in advance. When booking flights, check individual airlines requirements. Many airlines has restrictions on pregnant women flying in their third trimester.
3. Talk to your Obstetrician or midwife before you go
Always get medical clearance from your obstetrician before you fly. Most airlines will require a fit to fly letter from your doctor especially when you travel while pregnant in your third trimester. Take note of any immunisations needed. Also note any medications you can or can’t take.
4. Prep well for your flight
Book an aisle seat as you will need to get up every hour or so to walk and stretch your legs. Wearing compression socks will help tremendously to aid blood flow. Light exercise during flight is important to prevent swelling of the legs– otherwise you will walk out of the plane with elephant ankles.
Don’t forget to drink lots of water on the plane.
5. Bring Good footwear
Comfortable and supportive footwear is absolutely crucial. Tara relied on her Birkenstocks and Fitflops. Good shoes with good arch support will have you standing in better posture reducing lower back aches. It will go a long way in making you walk comfortably during babymoon travel. If you are prone to back aches, wearing a pregnancy support belt will help you walk more comfortably.
6. Note down closest hospital and doctors
It is always reassuring to know where to turn to just in case of an emergency. In each city you visit, note down the closest hospital with maternity unit and the ambulance’s phone number. For example in Hong Kong, we came across an Australian expat forum with a list of recommended doctors in case we need one.
7. Pick a spacious accommodation close to restaurants or convenience store
Trust us, you will need that extra space in your hotel room. Double bed just won’t cut it when you feel like a bloated whale. Pick an accommodation that’s centrally located and close to restaurants or a convenience store. This helps a lot for those late night cravings. Secure great deals via Booking.com
8. Choose your food carefully
Food restrictions while pregnant is not fun! If you are Asian, your parents and in-laws probably add dozens more food items to the “do not eat” list. In general, make sure you pick foods that are freshly cooked and still hot. Avoid food that may make you sick. Remember you are now responsible not only for your own health but also your bub’s.
When we were in Taiwan, Tara had to avoid eating some of their yummy street foods like stinky tofu and oyster omelette. But she made up for it by drinking some amazing bubble teas!
9. Have your go to snacks handy
Going travel when pregnant, you tend to be hungry at the weirdest hours. So we always stock up on water, fruit and biscuits in our day bag.
10. Don’t overpack your days.
Last but not least, have a relaxing time! You can still have an active trip, but be mindful of your own fitness level. This is your babymoon after all. Travel while pregnant, take it easy, take breaks and enjoy the calm before the storm (literally) 😂
Post giving birth your travels will be on hold for a bit, but it won’t be long until your first family travel adventure.
For places we have visited, Checkout our website’s travel Destinations section. We buy our travel essentials online via Ebay
