Travelling while pregnant

Pregnant and planning a final escape before ‘me time’ becomes ‘we time’?

Babymoons are proving very popular with expecting mums and destinations like Hawaii, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Noumea are topping the list of desirable places to go.

It’s a time for plenty of R&R – forget the the high-energy, physically-demanding and adventurous holidays and go somewhere you can do yoga, go walking, swimming, laze on the beach and maybe even indulge in relaxing treatments like prenatal massage.

Here are TID’s top tips for having a happy and healthy babymoon:

Travel to low-risk countries

Choose a country that is low-risk for diseases and one which does not require immunisations or preventative treatments such as malaria tablets. Many immunisations are not suitable for pregnant women so women are advised to check with a doctor before booking flights to any country that requires vaccinations. Avoid South-east Asian destinations such as Bali and Thailand where the dreaded ‘Bali Belly’ can be a serious medical threat for pregnant women.

Travel in your second trimester

Though every pregnancy is different, for most women, the second trimester is the most pleasant time to travel as their nausea has generally subsided and their bump is still small enough to move around comfortably. That doesn’t mean women can’t travel during the rest of their pregnancy, but it’s essential to check any travel plans with a doctor and ensure the airline and travel insurance policy will cover you at this stage of the pregnancy.

Keep a medical file on hand

It’s a good idea to carry maternity notes, just in case you need to be admitted to hospital. Some airlines also require a doctor’s certificate from pregnant passengers, so check with your airline when booking.

Eat smart

It is important to stay smart about what you eat and drink on your babymoon. While many island destinations are very safe, common sense goes a long way. Use bottled water even if you are in an area where it’s safe to drink from the tap – sometimes your body can take time to get used to the local water and may be more sensitive to different bacteria.

Avoid eating food that could have been washed in tap water like salad or fruit that you can’t peel. Also, if choosing to eat seafood, check that it has been properly refrigerated and is fresh that day. Don’t eat seafood that has been laid out on ice all day.

Fly safe

Many airlines will be more than happy to accommodate pregnant travellers. Be sure to let them know that you are pregnant so they can check their in-flight meal service is safe (ie: no soft cheeses). You should also bring your own snacks just in case. When flying it is also best to stay seated as much as possible so unexpected turbulence doesn’t knock you off your feet, however regular stretching is important, so follow the in-seat airline advice and move when it is safe to do so. Finally, request an aisle seat near the bathrooms when booking your airline ticket to ensure regular toilet trips can be made with ease.