Now that you’re expecting, you probably realize that these next few months are your last chance to get some real alone time with your partner. There are many great reasons to take a babymoon. Of course, you can enjoy this time at home with your honey, but you should consider planning a babymoon if you’re like me and want to get out of town instead.
Tips for Planning the Perfect Babymoon
Here are a few tips for planning your babymoon to keep you safe and happy on your last child-free getaway:
Tip #1: Agree on Location
You want to make sure that you pick a place that appeals to you both so you can relax and enjoy your time together: city, beach, mountains, whatever. You want to be on the same page. I will say, try to avoid any place too exotic. Having to deal with vaccines or potential stomach bugs is not something anyone should worry about during their pregnancy, and doctors do not recommend it unless it’s completely unavoidable.
Tip #2: Timing Is Everything
When planning your trip, consider how your body has changed during pregnancy and will continue to change. The second trimester should be the most comfortable time to travel. By then, the nausea of the first trimester is hopefully gone, and you won’t be as uncomfortable as you will be in your third trimester. Just know that you’ll probably tire more quickly on your trip than now, so prepare for stops and starts and make them part of your plan. (According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the safest time to travel is from 18 to 24 weeks.)
Don’t wait too long. If you do your babymoon in your third trimester, double-check with your doctor what they recommend. You’ll want to schedule it before 35 weeks since most airlines won’t let you travel after that. (Some cruises won’t let you get on the ship after 25 or 27 weeks.) If your babymoon needs to be later in your pregnancy, I recommend going somewhere a little closer to home so you won’t have to bother with flying on an airplane while pregnant. If you do decide to go elsewhere, be sure to check with the cruise or airline to see what their guidelines are for due dates.
Tip #3: Keep Your OB/Midwife in the Loop
Traveling presents a whole new set of hurdles when you become pregnant. The most important thing is safety, so make sure you speak with your OB-GYN/midwife before booking your trip. (Especially if you are carrying multiples or are considered “high risk.” Don’t be too disappointed if your doctor/midwife wants to keep you close to home.) If you plan to travel overseas, check in with your healthcare professional about any necessary vaccines. Once you settle on where you’re jet-setting, ask them if there’s anything you should watch out for.
Tip #4: Look Up the Medical Facilities
When researching locations, find out if they have access to quality medical facilities near the area (just in case). Write down the contact info for nearby hospitals to keep on hand as you travel and a number for contacting your OB.
Tip #5: Think About the Food
Not a problem, right?! Haha! You probably already think about it often during pregnancy but make sure you plan well for eating on your babymoon vacation. Remember that certain foods are no-nos now, so it’s a good idea to find out what these are in the local language and area before you go and steer clear of them. For example, say you’re going to Maui or St. John, where all the food is fish, fish, fish. Know which types of fish to stay away from during pregnancy (obviously, fish with mercury).
Tip #6: Don’t Feel Like You Have to Do It All
If sleeping in and taking it easy sounds more appealing, do it! I actually recommend it. Pregnancy makes you tired, so prioritize rest as much as possible during pregnancy. You won’t have the opportunity to sleep in for a very long time after you have this baby, so enjoy it while you can. That means you need to pick a chill place for your babymoon destination. If you choose a place where there’s always a temptation to go sightseeing or do something fun (like New York City or Las Vegas), you’ll just end up feeling even more exhausted than before you left for your babymoon. So, pick a quiet B&B or beachy locale. These are good picks because they’re all about relaxing.
Tip #7: Off-Limit Activities
There are certain activities you can’t do while you are pregnant. Yes, they may look fun during your babymoon, but it is not recommended. Here are some off-limits activities:
- Horseback riding
- Carnival rides
- Outdoor biking
- Contact sports
- Skiing/snowboarding
- Water skiing
- Saunas
- Hot tubs
- Scuba diving
- High altitude exercise
I know it can be a bummer, but remember, that gives you a reason to return and do those things.
Tip #8: Plan for Romance
A babymoon should be about you and your honey. After all, the whole point of a babymoon is to have some quality alone time together before life becomes about baby. Go dancing together, check out a 5-star restaurant, walk on the beach or a stroll throughout the town, or get a couples massage. You can find plenty of ways to up the romance factor during this special getaway. Remember that it’s about the two of you celebrating this last time together as a family of two. So make it memorable. 🙂
