Who doesn’t love a good vacation? What about a Babymoon?
You certainly won’t find us turning down the opportunity for a week in a tropical climate, Babymoon or not, especially when it is February in Ottawa. But travelling while pregnant can come with a unique set of considerations and challenges.
These tips will apply for any travel, even if it is less fun than travelling for pleasure!
1. Health Insurance
This issue hit the headlines a few years ago when a couple unexpectedly gave birth prematurely while on vacation. The pregnancy had been deemed a “pre-existing condition” and was not covered by their travel health insurance. And because the baby was not listed on the policy, the infant’s care was not covered either.
This was a MONSTER of a headache for the family, a huge source of stress, and an unfortunate perfect storm of events.
But everyone can learn from that experience. Make sure that you are covered while travelling, including your pregnancy and if your baby is born. The last thing you want to deal with while giving birth in a foreign country prematurely is insurance problems and paying medical bills.
2. Compression Socks All The Way
Okay, we don’t think you need to keep them on when you kick off your sandal and run into the surf. That would be weird and uncomfortable. But whether driving or flying, compression socks are an absolute must for the actual travel portion of your itinerary.
Blood clots can happen to anyone who is flying and immobile for long periods of time. But the extra blood volume that you have during pregnancy can increase this risk. Flying can also water retention and extra swollen ankles. Compression socks can help with both of those things! The last thing you want on your Babymoon is to end up in the hospital.
3. Hide From The Sun
We know that you just flew several hours so that you could bask in the sun, away from the cold Canadian winter. But your skin is extra sensitive during pregnancy and that puts you at an increased risk of heat rash, hives, and sunburns. So make sure to bring extra sunscreen, a nice big hat, and spend plenty of time in the shade!
4. Stay Hydrated
So your cocktails and umbrella drinks might be virgin this time around, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy plenty! Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water, sports drinks, coconut water (it has electrolytes!), and icy umbrella drinks. It is easy to get dehydrated during pregnancy and pumping AC, travel, and the sun can make it worse.
5. Talk To Your Care Provider
Airlines have cut-off dates for when passengers can fly, but they don’t always stick to those dates. Over the years we have heard of pregnant individuals who “look” more pregnant than they say they are, and airlines refusing to let them board the plane. If you look especially pregnant or are travelling close to the cut-off date, make sure to get a letter from your care provider saying that you have been medically cleared for travel.
Our bonus tip!
Morning sickness is rarely confined to the mornings, and for some people, it can last months. If you are struggling to eat during your pregnancy, sometimes it can help get you back into regular meals if you spend a week picking whatever foods you want and feel like eating, but don’t have to prepare!
If you go on a babymoon or follow any of these tips, we want to know! Don’t forget to tag us on social!
