For expectant mothers, chances are you’ll be spending a good chunk of your pregnancy preparing your nursery and home, and another big chunk of it feeling either sick, uncomfortable, or anything in between. 

Even though pregnancy can be filled with some of life’s most magical moments, it can still be hard to find opportunities for quality time with your partner in the lead up to your due date. This is one of the major reasons why babymoons have become such a strong cultural phenomenon today.

For couples looking to get away for a little R&R before their due date, planning a babymoon can allow for a few days where you can just enjoy a change of scenery, getting out of home space together and removing any thoughts of babyproofing, medical appointments, and maternity/paternity leave arrangements. 

But with so much else to plan, babymoon scheduling naturally may not be a top priority for a lot of couples. Even so, the benefits of taking that time for yourself can be huge, helping you to recentre and connect before your due date. So let this little guide manage some of the mental load for you.

Here’s what to consider when planning your babymoon!

Tick logistical boxes: safety, security, and comfort

The first thing you’ll naturally want to consider is logistics, this means flights, accommodation, and travel insurance. Thankfully, there are insurance providers offering travel insurance for pregnancy before 26 weeks, which is suitable for most babymoons that typically take place during the second trimester (weeks 14-28).

Alongside providing medical cover for domestic and international travel (if required), pregnancy travel insurance can also include cover for trip cancellations or amendments, which can be a lifesaver in the event that you fall ill in the lead up to your babymoon and may need to reorganise or cancel.

With your travel insurance sorted, couples are also advised to consider safety, accessibility, and comfort factors for their transport and accommodation. Is there lift access at your accommodation? Is your accommodation within proximity to a local hospital? Do you have an emergency plan for accessing that hospital or any other services covered by your travel insurance? These are questions to ask yourself when finalising all the logistical details of your trip.

Pack essential support gear and medical documents

Flying while pregnant can be just as tricky as flying with kids. Yes, there are significantly fewer tantrums, but you can still expect to feel a bit uncomfortable and perhaps even experience some swelling on the flight. Thankfully, packing the right support gear and medication can help ensure relative comfort during air travel. 

Anti-nausea medication and prenatal vitamins are a must, as is a good water bottle and high-protein snacks. And to support comfort during longer flights, consider packing some compression socks or stockings in your carry-on for easy access, as well as maternity pads and extra underwear in your carry-on if it’s needed. A travel pillow can also be a godsend for getting some rest on your flight.

As for medical documents, remember that air travel during pregnancy requires a ‘fit to fly’ letter from your GP or midwife. This needs to be secured within 10 days of your departure date, and confirm your due date plus that you are free from any conditions that may prevent you from travelling safely.

Plan a gentle itinerary to maintain flexibility

The best babymoon is one that balances quality time with downtime. You’ll find that this unique couples getaway idea isn’t big on the adventure elements, but more on rest and serenity. As such, your babymoon itinerary shouldn’t be jam-packed in the slightest. In fact, it’s better to keep a sparse itinerary with plenty of rest days and gaps between activities to ensure ample time for comfort and recovery between plans. A less hectic itinerary also means less chances of having to cancel appointments or plans due to fatigue or illness during your travels.

In the spirit of gentle itinerary planning, it can also be beneficial to select your ideal babymoon destination based on what you’d like to do – and not do. Do you want to sit on the beach? Maybe, but do you want to deal with the heat? Not so much. Then maybe a temperate climate is a better fit for your babymoon destination.

Consider doing some research into destinations specifically through the lens of gentle pregnancy-safe and accessible activities. For couples that do enjoy new experiences on their holidays, this can be a good way of balancing enrichment with flexibility on your trip.

Ensure your babymoon is safe and enjoyable with these pregnancy-friendly travel tips

Whether you’re planning air travel or even just a staycation at a local hotel in the CBD, a babymoon can be a great way to switch off for a spell before your due date. For couples who feel like they’ve been running around like a headless chook trying to get their babyproofing and other matters in order, a babymoon can also provide a healthy reset that lets you both relax and reconnect before you get into the finer details of your labour planning.

Keen to resume your pregnancy planning before or after your babymoon? Then be sure to download our free pregnancy planning checklist prepared by Dr. Kieren Wilson, local experienced obstetrician and gynaecologist at North Shore Private Hospital, The Mater and Prince of Wales Private.

Babymoons – FAQ

• When is the best time to plan a babymoon?

Most doctors recommend pregnant people plan trips during the second trimester (weeks 14-28), as this is when morning sickness typically subsides and energy levels return to normal.

• When would you need to secure a ‘fit to fly’ letter for a babymoon?

A ‘fit to fly’ letter or medical certificate from your GP or midwife is required by most airlines if you’re planning to fly at or after 28 weeks of pregnancy. This letter must be provided by a registered GP or midwife within 10 days of your flight and include your estimated due date alongside confirming that you have no complications.

• What should you pack for a babymoon?

Alongside essential support items like compression socks to manage swelling and a supportive pregnancy pillow for comfortable nights, you should also pack essential medical documents like prenatal records as well as any medication (i.e. nausea relief), high-SPF sunscreen, and plenty of pregnancy-safe protein-rich snacks to support energy levels during your babymoon.