Aside from your honeymoon, there may be no other vacation that has quite as much anticipation. Your babymoon is a nice pre-baby getaway for you and your partner to connect and relax before your pending parenthood. Here are some helpful tips for your journey, whether you’re thinking somewhere exotic like the Maldives, visiting the Italian countryside of Tuscany, or escaping to the mountains of Tennessee, this is your guide to help you plan and enjoy your trip. 

5 Things to Prepare for Your Babymoon

1. Talk to your health care provider when making plans. Ensure that you and baby are both in good health, and depending on your doctor or midwife’s opinions that might determine the destination and how far you are able to travel. 
2. Plan your babymoon early. Ideally it’s not recommended to travel after 36 weeks domestically in the US, and internationally after 28 weeks. Check what the restrictions are with your carrier to confirm the latest you can travel, but let’s be honest the second trimester is the sweet spot to travel when some of your energy has returned and you’re able to move around more easily.
3. Ensure there is a great hospital nearby. Just in case something does happen make sure that your hotel is near a hospital and you’re able to get there quickly. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
4. Choose pregnancy friendly activities. The activities available will depend on your destination and the time of year, but you can enjoy long walks on the beach, laying out poolside, take a yoga class, shopping, have a spa day, visit a museum or catch a show. The world is still your oyster, just be safe and take breaks as you need to.
5. Read lots of reviews! Checkout the hotel and restaurants at your destination to ensure everything is highly recommended and the best. Make sure you have a king size bed and that your room has a mini fridge to keep snacks and drinks on-hand, or plan to splurge on 24/7 room service. Also, take a look at the restaurant menus, make sure that there is something both you and your partner can enjoy.

5 Things To Do When Traveling for Your Babymoon

1. Book the aisle seat! You will be getting up to use the restroom, so plan accordingly.
2. Take your medical records with you. Just in case, have all your prenatal medical records, your insurance information and know your blood type. 
3. Drink lots and lots of water! You should already be staying hydrated anyway, but reduce the risk of dehydration and prevent clotting.
4. Keep moving! If you’re traveling by plane, take a couple of laps up and down the aisle, point and flex your feet, rotate your ankles, or sit in a figure four position. If you are in a car, take lots of breaks to stretch your legs. The goal of movement is to keep your blood circulating and prevent clotting. 
5. Avoid carbonated drinks. During your flight gas expands at high altitudes, so try to prevent that discomfort and bloating.

So, whether this is your first baby or your fourth, make sure you have fun and embrace this quality time with your partner before the joyous chaos ensues.