How To Take A Babymoon Cruise During Pregnancy

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Coined in 1996 by childbirth educator and author Sheila Kitzinger, the term "babymoon" was originally used to describe the period of time in which parents take to spend time, and bond with, their newborn. Recently, however, the travel industry has expanded this definition to also include taking a trip during pregnancy, sort of a last "hurrah" as a couple before the baby arrives. Taking a sea cruise to an exotic destination offers the perfect opportunity to experience that relaxing and romantic pre-baby getaway. The following suggestions will are intended to assist you in ensuring that your babymoon is safe and comfortable.

Things You Will Need

Advance preparation

Step 1

The Best Time To Travel. Plan your babymoon vacation during the second trimester of your pregnancy as experts recommend that you only travel during the second trimester of pregnancy. This makes sense because the first trimester is associated higher risks of a miscarriage and premature labor, bleeding, increased aches and pains, and other health concerns are more prevalent during the third trimester. Additionally, some airlines place restrictions on travel for advanced-stage pregnancies.

Step 2

Speak To Your Doctor. Other than as set forth in step one, above, there are generally no travel restrictions placed on an expectant mother. However, you should ask your doctor if you and your baby are healthy enough to travel. It is a good idea to obtain a certificate from your doctor authorizing you to travel and take it, along with your other medical records, with you at all times. It is imperative that your medical records include your blood type, pregnancy reports, medications currently being taken, and drug allergy information.

Step 3

Travel On A Large Cruise Ship. Choosing the size of your cruiseliner is an important decision that should not be overlooked. You should consider selecting the a larger cruise ship. Generally speaking, the larger the cruiseline ship, the better. Larger ships (i.e., those with a capacity exceeding 1,000 passengers) have more stability in rough weather. You are have enough health concerns to be worried about a small cruise ship tossing you around during your babymoon. Larger cruiseships usually offer a more complete range of amnities such as spas, gyms, and late night food and snacks.

Step 4

Advise The Cruiseline Of Your Pregnancy. The cruiseline cannot takes steps to ensure your comfort unless they know about it. Let them know as soon as possible, preferably as soon as you book your cruise. Not only will this permit them to take additional steps to make you happy, you will learn of any additional requirements imposed by the cruise (i.e., evidence of your due date, medical authorization to travel, etc.)

Step 5

Plan In Advance For Your Safety. First and foremost, you need to inquire into whether there is adequate health care for you on the ship in the event complications arise. If you have any special needs or medical problems, be specific and demand proof that they can meet your needs. The cruiseline would prefer to know in advance if additional precautions are required than face a situation that they are not prepared for or competent to handle. Next, review the ship's sea route and ports-of-call. You should identify access to available medical facilities as well as any requirements for obtaining care at those facilities.

Step 6

Review Your Insurance. Cruiselines offer insurance that will refund a majority of your purchase price in the event you have a medical reason that prevents you from making your cruise. Do yourself a favor and purchase this insurance. Pregnancy complications arise and it is prudent to invest in this trip interruption insurance. However, it is also important that you review your medical coverage to ensure you and your baby are adequately protected. Contact your health insurance provider and obtain written proof of what it covered under your policy, both during and after the babymoon. If your medical provider's coverage is insufficient, inquire into the insurance available through the cruiseline. Many times specific medical insurance packages are available through the cruiseline that will meet the needs of most expectant mothers.

Step 7

Plan For Motion Sickness and Sea Sickness. Whether it is choppy water or a taxi ride on a shore excursion, many events during your babymoon may lead to motion sickness and/or sea sickness. Plan ahead to avoid a miserable experience and purchase a motion sickness wrist band. This type of wristband utilizes the ancient art of acupressure to apply various amounts of pressure to specific locations on the body to alleviate many symptoms of sea sickness. The main advantage of seasickness wristbands for use during pregnancy is that they are drug free. For best results, wear the seaband prior to feeling seasick.

Step 8

Plan Ahead For Your Comfort. Do you require your favorite blanket to fall asleep? How about that special robe that you must have to relax? Do you need a white-noise maker to drown out the still of night? If so, do not forget to bring those items with you. There is nothing worse than not getting enough sleep due to neglecting to bring that key item.

Step 9

Scope Out Your Cabin When You Arrive At Your Cabin. Upon arrival at your cabin, locate your cabin steward and ask for additional pillows and blankets to assist you in reaching the most comfortable sleep position. It is better to request them early then to realize that you need them in the middle of the night. Additionally, locate and put on your life jacket. Do not simply hang it around your neck and assume that it will fit properly when properly clasped. Better safe than sorry! If it does not fit properly, ask your cabin steward for one that does. Finally, locate all of the exit routes to and from your cabin. When in doubt, ask cruiseline personnel for assistance. That is why they are there!

Following these basic suggestions will help you get the most out of your babymoon. Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

* There several destinations that you should avoid during your babymoon. First, avoid locations with high altitude due to the known pregnancy risks associated with such vacation spots. Next, avoid exotic locations known to have insect borne infections such as mosquitoes, or where, as a prerequisite to entrance, you must be administered live-virus vaccines. The world is a big place so make sure your choose babymoon vacation spot is appropriate.

* Avoid the temptation to drink. Just because you are on "vacation", it is imperative that you not lose sight of the fact that your baby's safety must remain a priority. Cruiselines are famous for their broad range of non-alcoholic drinks.

* Avoid the hot tub. In fact, any body of water (including hot springs) where your body temperature will be raised over one hundred degrees is off limit. Instead, enjoy swimming in natural bodies of water such as the ocean, sea, and lagoons.