Preparing And Packing For a Holiday When You Are Pregnant

**Collaborative post**

Of course, you are able to travel for most of your pregnancy but let’s say that the 1st trimester and morning sickness passed, you and your baby feel safe and the 3rd trimester and anticipation of labour are not yet here?  One of the things you may like to do is to treat yourself to a relaxing getaway before you dive into the amazing chaos of motherhood and baby stuff!

This is something I did and it was great, a babymoon before the sleepless nights and endless nappy changes arrived.

To have your mind completely at ease and to be able to relax fully, preparing and packing are crucial. I have put together my top 5 tips on what to consider and what will make you feel cool as a cucumber on your holiday! Check them out below:

Pick a desired destination and means of transport

Whether you stay inside the UK or decide to venture further afield, consider your health status and discuss your plans with your GP. If you are flying, ask for a “fit to fly” letter and in case it is an exotic destination, consult your doctor about vaccinations, risks, staying in the sun… using a car? Use one of pregnancy-friendly seat belts adapters that are on the market. Your bump will thank you.

Pro tip: Flying? Get an aisle seat this makes those frequent toilet trips easier and you can stretch your muscles and go for a walk in case of a long-haul flight.

Better safe than sorry

Staying in Europe? Check the conditions of your existing insurance or do not forget to pack your European Health Insurance card. Going abroad? Do your research.

Pro tip: Use websites that compare insurance policies. Good plan for mums-to-be should include medical care during labour, emergency caesarean, or covering expenses in case your birth abroad delays your return home. Have older kids that travel with you?  Check my packing tips here.

Bag a deal before you pack a bag

Be smart and you can use that extra money to decorate the nursery. Staying in the UK? Check Groupon for good deals on holidays. Going abroad? Low-cost airlines offer breathtaking deals in countries not that far away. But if you really want to go further afield then check out Skyscanner, Momondo or Expedia for some great money saving deals. 

Last minute deals can also save you a pretty penny, just ensure it’s not too close to your due date as many airlines won’t allow you to travel.

Pro tip: If booking via an airfare search site and a 3rd party, do your research on what reviews the company has from real customers who have used their services before. Sometimes “too cheap/good to be true” means quantity over quality and you may not end up as relaxed as you’d like – I remember a time all the lifts were broken in a hotel in Spain I stayed in, being on the 18th floor and walking up and down a few times a day while 18 was one thing but you’d not like to do that while pregnant.

Pamper yourself

Pack all those nifty things you ‘ve been buying or got as a present to stay in shape and be comfy. Stretch mark creams, comforting foot gel, multi-positional pillow for a night of good sleep. Of course, you’ll not want to over pack but you will need to be comfortable too, there is a good balance between the two. 

Another product you could take with you is – Pelvic floor trainer Aniball, it is never too early to start pelvic floor training, just think of all that pressure your baby is putting on your bladder, it only gets worse as your pregnancy develops. Continue to use after the birth too, even if you’ve had a c-section (I learnt that the hard way) and you’ll soon be able to bounce on a trampoline again without wearing the Tena lady.

Belly or lower-back pain? Try a maternity belt. Swollen feet? Pregnancy compression socks will “rock your socks off!”

Pro tip: Never had time to start a pregnancy journal? Now is your chance. Later you can connect it to toddler’s first-year scrapbook.

Securing your home will put your mind at ease

Before going away for a longer time, secure your household. You can even make a game out of it and delegate some tasks to your husband. From asking someone to pick up your mail through to installing a timer for your lights and remembering to locking valuables. Protect your castle and you will feel even more like the queen you ARE on your well-deserved holiday! Read my top 10 tips on securing your home here.

That’s all. Hope my tips will help you to be “over the moon” on your babymoon!