If you’re expecting a baby, congratulations! Whether it’s your first or you already have children, the arrival of your little one is bound to mean some big changes in your life. Pregnancy is a great time to connect with your partner and prepare for the months ahead by taking a babymoon. If you haven’t heard of the term before or aren’t sure exactly what a babymoon is or why you might want one, read on to find out more.
What is a babymoon?
As its name suggests, a babymoon is like a honeymoon only instead of celebrating your marriage, a babymoon is a trip to celebrate the upcoming birth of your new baby. Both a honeymoon and a babymoon are about spending quality alone time together as a couple.
The immediate days, weeks and months after giving birth can be an intense rollercoaster ride of sleepless nights, nappy changes and wonderful newborn snuggles. If this is your first baby, a babymoon is a chance for you to have one last adventure together, just you and your partner. If you already have kids, it’s an ideal time to get away just the two of you and reconnect before your lives get even more hectic!
A babymoon can be anything from a weekend getaway somewhere local to a week or two abroad. Where you go and for how long is entirely up to you but the idea is for this to be a relaxing, rejuvenating and romantic break for you both.
Reasons to go on a babymoon
Taking a babymoon isn’t just about reconnecting with your partner and rekindling your romantic spark, it’s also about getting some me-time before baby arrives and that becomes in short supply! The final weeks of pregnancy can be a busy time if you’re finishing up work and preparing your home and any other children or pets for the new arrival. A babymoon offers you time to just be, without worrying about babyproofing or birth plans.
When should you take a babymoon?
For most women, the first trimester is a no-go as many will be struggling with early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and fatigue. The good news is that for most women, morning sickness eases in the second trimester and you should start to get some of your energy back, making the second trimester a good choice for a babymoon.
The third trimester is also an option but if you’re planning a getaway towards the end of your pregnancy, be aware that many airlines won’t allow you to travel after the 28th week without a note from your doctor or midwife. This means that holidays abroad may be out of the question but shorter trips closer to home are still possible if you’re feeling up to it.
Tips for planning the perfect babymoon
These simple babymoon tips will help ensure your getaway is a success.
Plan ahead
Consider your destination carefully. Ideally, you want to minimise your travel time as much as possible and make sure that you’ll be comfortable when you arrive. Think about what the weather will be like and remember that even if you usually love the sun, you’ll struggle in extreme heat when pregnant.
Think about what you’ll wear and pack comfy clothing like women’s holiday skirts and your favourite maternity outfits. If you’ve been struggling with food aversions or cravings, think about whether or not you’ll be able to easily access the foods that you want to eat.
Be aware of any restrictions
Certain countries aren’t advisable to visit when pregnant due to the risk of contracting Zika virus. Zika virus is typically spread by mosquitoes and in most cases is mild but it can cause problems if you’re pregnant.
You’ll also need to make sure that your vaccinations are up-to-date and check if there are any additional vaccinations or boosters you’ll need before you travel.
Keep moving
Pregnancy puts you at increased risk of blood clots so to keep your circulation pumping, don’t sit still for too long and try not to cross your legs when seated.
But don’t overdo it
A babymoon is meant to be relaxing so even if you’re planning to be active and adventurous during your trip, don’t forget to schedule some downtime too!
Conclusion
A babymoon isn’t essential but is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many couples in the second or third trimester. It allows you to spend some quality time together and is also a great time to chat to your partner about your plans for after your baby arrives and to get excited about what life will look like as a family of three (or more!)
