The rise in popularity of the ‘babymoon’ has led to more discussion about travel during pregnancy. Taking a holiday with your partner before baby arrives is a great way to spend quality time together. But there are some things you should consider when planning your getaway.
Don’t Leave it Too Late
Some airlines and cruise lines won’t allow women to travel after a certain number of weeks into their pregnancy. Even if a doctor says it’s safe, the carrier decides who they will accept as a passenger. Some airlines will allow you to travel up to your due date but may limit the length of the flight you can take, for example only flights of up to four hours after 28 weeks.
Comfort Level
Whether it’s a road trip or air travel you are planning, you don't want to leave it too late in your pregnancy. In the late stages of pregnancy it may not be comfortable sitting in a seat for hours on end. When you arrive at your destination, you may be too tired to walk far or enjoy the location because you don’t have the energy to move from the couch. You don’t want to regret that you didn’t travel two or three months earlier and enjoyed a more active holiday.
Location
If you are holidaying near home or interstate, you don’t need to be too concerned about the location but if you are going overseas, there is more to consider.
Medical Care
The vast majority of pregnancies go to plan, but a small percent don’t. Mother or baby may develop a condition that requires expert medical care or baby can decide to arrive early. While a romantic getaway on a deserted island sounds perfect, if you don’t have access to medical care nearby you may want to rethink the location. Also, consider the level of medical attention you can expect to receive before you book a trip to a third world country.
Risky Locations
If you are considering an overseas location, check if any vaccinations are required and if it’s safe while pregnant. Check that your location hasn’t had any reported cases of Zika virus which causes birth defects if a mother is bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus.
Insurance
If you are leaving Australia, now more than ever it’s important to have travel insurance. Check with your insurer that any pregnancy-related medical issues are covered for both you and your baby if you go into premature labour while away.
Speak to your Doctor
Before you book any annual leave or accommodation, check with your doctor. Let your obstetrician know when you are thinking of going and how long you will be away. Once you get the go-ahead, schedule any doctor appointments before and after your trip.
HIF Maternity Cover
The years spent creating your family are when you rely most on quality hospital cover. Take a look at the benefits included in HIF’s Maternity Cover and enjoy peace of mind knowing you have the right health cover when you need it most.