Our top five tips for 'babymoons'

Taking a holiday before your baby is born is becoming a popular trend among parents-to-be. If you’re planning a ’babymoon’, our midwife Sophie has shared her top 5 tips.

Written by Tommy's midwife Sophie 

The term ‘babymoon’ refers to a holiday taken by parents-to-be in the weeks or months before their bundle of joy is born. While celebrity couples have been ‘babymooning’ for years, the trend is now becoming popular among expectant British parents. If you’re planning on jetting off to enjoy one last holiday while it’s still just the two of you, our midwife Sophie has put together some top tips to make sure that you have the healthiest and happiest holiday for both you and your baby.

If you are babymooning abroad make sure you do the following

 1.) Put you and baby's health first

Make sure that you carry your pregnancy notes with you. It is important to have them in case of an emergency. Having a full set of pregnancy notes will help doctors and medical staff to understand your situation and give you the care that you need. Consider them your baby’s very own pre-birth passport! It's also important to get travel insurance that covers you for pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour. This will save you from having to pay expensive bills later.

 2.) Be fit to fly

You should check with your doctor that you are medically safe to fly first. Some airlines request a doctor's note to fly – and it’s important to check with your doctor that you are medically fit to fly. Many airlines differ from which gestation a letter is required, so please check with your airline before you travel.

3.) Travel smart

Only travel to safe zones: avoid Zika affected zones where possible and take precautions against mosquito bites if unavoidable.

4.) Slap on sun cream

Buy a high factor sun cream to protect your skin as it is far more delicate and sensitive in pregnancy! You are far more likely to burn when you’re pregnant – so aim for a high SPF!

5.)  Watch what you eat 

Take a list of foods to avoid in pregnancy to remind you of your dietary do’s and don’ts to help you avoid accidentally eating something best avoided in pregnancy e.g unpasteurised cheeses and dry cured meats.

Enjoying a “babymoon” is plain sailing if you are well prepared! Have fun!

Find out if you're safe to fly in pregnancy.

Find out which areas are Zika affected zones.