If you make any excuse to travel, you’re probably not allowing pregnancy to stop you. And, in fact, traveling during pregnancy has now become almost a rite of passage for moms-to-be, with the babymoon—a romantic trip taken with your partner before the baby is born—being more popular than ever before.
While traveling during your pregnancy can give you memories to last a lifetime, it comes with a few extra things that you’ll need to consider to keep you comfortable and safe. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you should know before you take a vacation while pregnant.
Talk to Your Doctor First
Before you even start looking at flights and considering your options, talk to your doctor or midwife. You want their confirmation that it’s safe for you to travel based on your stage of pregnancy and overall health.
If you’re flying, your doctor can also give you any necessary documentation, as some airlines have restrictions for people in the later stages of pregnancy.
Choose the Right Time to Travel
Thinking about when to travel during your pregnancy is also important.
Most healthcare providers recommend traveling during the second trimester. By this time, any morning sickness you might have experienced in your first trimester will typically have subsided, and your energy levels should be more stable.
The third trimester can be more physically demanding, so while you can generally still take long trips right up to your due date, you’ll probably find travel uncomfortable.
Plan for Comfort During the Journey
Whether you’re flying, driving, or taking the train, you want to think about how you can stay comfortable during the trip:
Hydration is important at any time, but especially during pregnancy, so make sure to bring a refillable water bottle and take sips regularly. You’ll also thank yourself for packing comfortable, loose clothing and supportive shoes.
While you’re traveling, if you’re on a plane or train, try to walk around when you can. If you’re driving, your body will appreciate making occasional stops to get out and stretch.
Pack Smart
When you’re packing for your trip, you want to be as prepared as possible, and that’ll probably mean packing new items that you don’t normally use.
Bring any vitamins, supplements, or medications you’re taking with you. That means you won’t have the hassle of finding options while you’re away, and you can stick with what you know is safe for your pregnancy. You can order medicines online in advance to make sure you’re stocked up.
If pregnancy has you feeling hungry all the time, you’ll find it helpful to bring a stash of healthy snacks in case meals aren’t available when you need them.
Know Your Destination
Finally, spend some time researching your chosen destination to make sure it’s pregnancy-friendly. That means checking that the local hospitals meet your needs in case of an emergency. If you’re traveling abroad, make sure your health insurance covers you in your condition.
Traveling while you’re pregnant gives you the chance to relax and spend some time with your partner before baby arrives. With just a bit of forward planning, you can make the most of your trip and enjoy your last bit of freedom before you experience the joys of parenthood.