Many couples who are expecting a baby opt to take a babymoon, or a trip prior to the arrival of their baby. This helps them relax and prepare for the changes coming to their family.

A babymoon is a trip an expectant couple takes before their baby arrives. It allows them some rest and relaxation before their lives change significantly and for many, many years. It allows them to reconnect and recommit themselves to each other before their little ones arrive. Those who already have other children often use the time to reconnect without the demands of children and plan for the changes that will occur when their family grows once again.

When to Go

Timing the babymoon is important to ensure that it is fun and enjoyable, especially for the mom. The first trimester is a difficult time to travel in for those who experienced nausea and the extreme tiredness that often comes during early pregnancy. Many doctors will not recommend traveling far from home during the third trimester, when delivery could occur. The second trimester is usually the best time for these trips. Most women get their energy back, and the threat of early delivery is less strong than it would be later in the pregnancy.

Where to Go

Choosing the location of your babymoon is almost as important as the timing. You want to go somewhere that helps you to relax, offering things to see and do that are not too stressful. This is probably not the best time to plan a hiking vacation or to visit an amusement park, as these may be too strenuous for the expectant mom. Consider, instead, an all-inclusive resort where you can relax by the beach, indulge in massages as a couple, and simply spend time together in a luxurious hotel room. Another option would be a historic area with sights you are both interested in exploring.

As you make your travel plans, try to avoid extremely long trips. Sitting in the airport for many hours is simply going to be taxing if you are expecting. If you do decide to travel outside of the country, talk to your obstetrician about the safety of the location you are traveling and the potential dangers of the vaccines you might need.

Above all, make sure there are hospital facilities somewhere near your location, just in case complications arise. You need to know that there will be quality medical care should you start developing complications. Check with your insurance provider about coverage when you are out of your local area, and make sure you travel somewhere that you are covered.

Tips and Suggestions

A babymoon is a good time to purchase trip cancellation coverage. If complications arise before your scheduled departure, you will like knowing that you can get some or all of your money back. Look into the cost of this when scheduling your trip.

Always talk to your doctor before you leave, just to ensure that it is safe for you to travel. There may be something your doctor is concerned about that would affect the safety of travel during your pregnancy, so you are better safe asking than assuming.

Make sure you get up and walk around during your travel time. It is easy to get blood clots when pregnant, so take a walk every two hours, even if it just up and down the aisle of the plane you are traveling on to your babymoon destination.