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Should I Have a Babymoon? What to Consider & Where to Go

Babymoons are similar to honeymoons. But unlike honeymoons—which take place after a marriage—babymoons take place before you have your baby. In this way, it may be more like a bachelorette party before the event (without the alcohol!).

According to a survey by Liberty Travel and BabyCenter, 59% of U.S. parents have taken a babymoon in which they stayed a night away from home.

Pros & Cons of Having a Babymoon

Some parents choose to have a babymoon because they see it as their last opportunity to enjoy a vacation alone without children. Other parents may find traveling during pregnancy too overwhelming. There’s no right or wrong answer, as long as your doctor approves. Every parent should do what is comfortable and safe for them. Below are some things to think about when deciding if a babymoon is right for you.

Pros

• A celebration of your last months or weeks as a couple into a family
• Gives you a chance to bond with your partner before things get hectic
• Squeezing in a vacation without lugging around baby gear
• May help you destress before giving birth
• Gives you a break from the constant pressure of planning for the baby

 

Cons

• Spending money before an expensive time (if you have a tight budget)
• Certain travel restrictions due to pregnancy
• Possibility of pregnancy discomfort while traveling (long car rides, hotel beds, etc.)
• May have lower energy than usual
• May be difficult to travel if you’re still experiencing pregnancy symptoms

If you’ve decided to have a babymoon, talk to your doctor or midwife first. Make sure it is okay for you to travel and ask them about the specific precautions you should take. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your healthcare provider may advise you to stay close to home and avoid travel.

 

When Should You Have a Babymoon?

According to the BabyCenter survey, most women who go on babymoons do so in their second trimester. This is probably an ideal time for most mothers.

During the first trimester, you’ll probably be experiencing many pregnancy symptoms that may make it difficult to travel. In the third trimester, you’re probably spending your last weeks preparing for the baby and there’s a chance of premature labor.

However, if you do decide to travel in your third trimester, you’ll need to make sure you are still able to fly and you’ll probably want to purchase travel health insurance.

Baby Moon Ideas

Where you should go and what you should do on your babymoon depends largely on your comfort level and what your priority is. First, ask yourself which is most important to you on your trip:

• Relaxation
• Fitness
• Easy travel/comfort
• Rest
• Play/Fun

Near Home Babymoon

If you’ve had some pregnancy complications, are worried you may or are further along in your pregnancy, consider staying near home. Just because you’re near home doesn’t mean it can’t feel like a vacation.

• Consider booking a hotel room in your city or in a neighboring city. To give it a vacation feel, you can choose a luxury hotel or a boutique inn.
• Spa hotel. If relaxation is a priority, consider booking services and a room in a hotel with a spa. This way, you’ll have a full day of relaxation and the entire night to dine out or stay in.
• Country getaway. If you live in a city, consider a short drive to the country for a relaxing nature getaway. You can stay in a cottage near the lake or a bed and breakfast.

Near Home Vacation Activities

If you’re choosing to stay near home, make sure to research and plan activities so it feels like a real vacation. Here are a few ideas:

• Hiking trails— If you’re looking to add some adventure and fitness to your trip, consider locations that offer good hiking trails (don’t overdo yourself!).
• Swimming— Swimming is a safe form of exercise for most pregnant women. You can choose a location with a pool or stay somewhere near a beach or lake.
• Dinner— If you and your partner haven’t been out together in awhile, consider having a romantic dinner at a highly rated restaurant near the place where you’re staying.
• Theatre— If you’re more of the artistic type, check to see which plays are on where you’re travelling.
• Class— If you’re travelling to a new city or a new part of town, you may discover they offer different classes. Don’t be afraid to try out a cooking or painting class!

U.S. Babymoon Destinations

If out-of-country destinations seem too far and near home sounds too simple, consider traveling to another state for your babymoon.

Keep in mind that if you’re travelling by airplane, you’ll need to check their pregnancy flying restrictions (read the next section for more information about this).

Here are some fun ideas for travel within the U.S. during your babymoon:

• Hawaii— Since the Zika virus has spread to many sunny countries, your options may feel limited. However, Hawaii is a good option to catch some rays while still remaining safe and closer to home.
• Las Vegas— Vegas isn’t just for drinking. If you and your partner enjoy going out, you can still enjoy a little gambling, shows, high-end restaurants and fancy spas.
• Florida— Another option for a sunny trip is Florida. Get your beach chair and sunscreen ready!
• Colorado— If you’re more of a mountain type of person, perhaps you should consider renting out a cozy cabin in Colorado.
• New York City— If you’re craving some city action, head to NYC for some hustle and bustle (and maybe even a little baby shopping?).

 

Out-Of-Country Babymoon Ideas

If you’re travelling out-of-country for your babymoon, there are a couple of considerations you need to be aware of.

• Talk to your doctor— Tell your doctor where and when you plan to travel. He or she will tell you if it’s safe.
• Zika— The Zika virus is still a problem in many sunny vacation countries. Before you begin planning a vacation, check to see if your chosen country is on the list. You can check this map and get the facts here.
• Travel Insurance— If you’ve been approved for travel and there’s no known Zika threat in the country you’ve chosen, make sure you have the appropriate health travel insurance. Remember, your health and your baby’s health are paramount.
• Flying restrictions— The act of flying itself does not affect pregnancy and you’re no more likely to go into labor on a plane than you are on the ground. However, since giving birth on a plane is obviously a liability for airlines, they have restrictions around pregnancy and flying. For example, some airlines only allow pregnant women to fly if they have no complications, are less than 37 weeks along and are flying for less than 4 hours. Some airlines require you to provide a doctor’s note dated a week before travel if you are flying past a certain number of weeks of gestation. These restrictions vary by airline, so be sure to check as you’re planning.
• Location within the country— No matter which country you choose to travel to, consider your location within that country. If you stay in or near a main city, healthcare will be easier to access, should you need it. On the other hand, staying in a remote, off-the-grid village is probably not the safest idea during pregnancy.
• Travel to developing countries— If you’re travelling to a developing country, you need to be careful not to consume contaminated food or water. Diarrhea caused by contamination can lead to severe dehydration. In addition, certain bacteria can lead to other severe problems. Click here for tips on food and water safety.

 

Here are some safer out-of-country travel options:

• Iceland— If you’re the adventurous type, Iceland is a safer option that allows you to see mountains and geysers and partake in activities such as hiking and swimming.
• European countries— Since they often have good healthcare, you may feel safer traveling to European countries. However, keep in mind they often carry unpasteurized dairy products and raw meats, which should be avoided during pregnancy.
• Cruise— If you don’t get seasickness, consider taking a cruise that will allow you to see the sights of Italy and Greece. Keep in mind that many cruise lines won’t allow you to travel past 24 weeks. Choosing a shorter cruise is probably a better option during pregnancy.

 

Are you going on a babymoon? If so, comment below your plans! If you have any pregnant friends, be sure to share this post with them, too!

P.S. Fetal dopplers are fun devices you can use while traveling to help reassure you that your baby is okay. These handheld devices allow you to listen to your baby’s heartbeat while they’re still inside the womb. Check out our fetal dopplers here.

 

 

Resources:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/world-map-areas-with-zika

https://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html

https://www.babycenter.ca/a1017021/is-a-babymoon-for-you

http://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2017-07-17/flying-while-pregnant-what-are-the-risks/8644934

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/travel/activities-and-interests/tips-for-travelling-while-pregnant/article571372/