When I found out that I was pregnant (for the 3rd time!) a couple of months ago, some of the issues that came to mind was having to cancel a trip to Singapore for our anniversary in July (too early in the 1st trimester), and the long-postponed Christmas trip to Europe (at 8 months, forget it). A bore, but the good news now is that I’ve just entered the “honeymoon period” of pregnancy, also known as the 2nd trimester, which means, yes, we have a 2-3 month space to plan a fabulous holiday before life gets even crazier with a third child.
When one is pregnant, the most vital aspect to keep in mind is the safety and health of both Mum and baby. Obviously that vetoes ultra-exotic destinations where jungles and industrial strength mosquito repellent are involved, multiple-modes of transport (including camels, bumpy dirt tracks, elephants end the like) and of course, extreme sports (duh). So with my nightmarish first-trimester all-day nausea behind me, I am eagerly surfing the web, looking for the ideal spot.
According to the BBC, from 12-24 weeks is the ideal time to travel, and this is what one should be preparing:
Preparing to travel
* Check with your doctor, midwife or consultant that in your particular case, it’s all right to travel.
* Take a copy of your pregnancy records with you.
* Keep a record of your blood type.
* Check with the airline that they’ll allow you to travel. Some companies won’t take women after 32 weeks of pregnancy.
* Ensure you have all the medicines or remedies you’ll need for typical pregnancy symptoms, such as heartburn, constipation, and so on.
* Make sure your health insurance is valid while abroad, and during pregnancy, and covers a baby (if you did give birth at 24 weeks, your baby would need some very special and potentially very expensive care).
* Find out about medical facilities at your holiday destination, so at least you know where to go if there are problems.