Paradise Beaches for Preggers
Before you take on the role of diligent, doting mommy, you might as well take a vacation and make your pregnancy more memorable. According to a recent survey, more and more couples are planning one last vacation on their own before their baby is born. Now marketed as a 'babymoon', the holiday lets parents-to-be a chance relax and reconnect with each other before the reality of caring for a baby sets in. This is in fact a great idea and with careful planning, traveling when pregnant can be safe and enjoyable.
When Can I Go...
The best time to travel is during your second trimester – from 14 to 27 weeks. While it is possible to vacation during the first three months of pregnancy, most women find it inconvenient and discomforting. What with dealing with morning sickness and fatigue, they prefer to wait out the initial few months of pregnancy before taking a trip. There is also a higher risk of a miscarriage in the first trimester and many doctors advise not taking any undue risks like air travel or long car journeys. In the third trimester, travel can be too tiring and most airlines do not allow pregnant women to travel after 36 weeks. Once you reach your second trimester however, things begin to brighten up considerably. By this time the nausea and uneasy feeling that plagued your first trimester has subsided and you start feeling a lot more energetic. Make the most of these positive feelings and start packing your suitcase.
Where Do I Go?
High on the wish list of most pregnant mothers is a relaxing beach holiday. There are a number of options that you can consider if it's a sun and sand filled vacation you are looking for. If you are lucky enough to live near the coast, all it could take is a drive to your beach destination. Alternatively, there are special hotels and resorts in Jamaica and the Bahamas that cater to couples. This may be your last chance to visit one of these hedonistic havens for a while, so they are worth considering and some are surprisingly affordable. A good add-on to your beach resort is one that comes with its own spa. After all there's nothing like a little pampering to make your day.
Precautionary Advice
If your dream beach destination is a flight away, try and choose a non-stop flight for stress free travel. Carry extra snacks with you and keep yourself hydrated throughout the journey. Once you hit the beach, remember to slather on the sunscreen. A pregnancy is not the time to lounge on a beach chair catching the rays through the day. Stay indoors during the afternoon when the sun is the hottest and wear a wide brimmed hat to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Pregnancy makes you more vulnerable to discolorations of the skin so it pays to be overly cautious in terms of sun protection.
Not Too Far From Civilization
If you are looking for a beach vacation at a distant destination or a remote island, it may not be a smart idea. After all, in case of any emergency, you will need to locate a doctor and have reliable medical care on hand and this may not be possible in some exotic locales. This is also the time to check with your doctor about vaccinations. Some foreign destinations require them and some vaccinations are not safe for pregnant women. Finally check with your doctor and insurance provider whether your premium covers any medical emergencies connected to your pregnancy. Many insurance companies do not offer protection if you travel too far when pregnant so double check to make sure. Once you have checked these must-do's off your list, the only thing left to do is enjoy your beach holiday and savor your 'me' time in style.
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