The safest time for pregnant women to travel is midpregnancy (14-28 weeks), according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
By this time the pregnancy is “well established,” said Dr. Iffath Hoskins, executive director of the Women’s Health Institute at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Ga.
Plus, women usually feel their best during this time of their pregnancy. “She’s not bulky, not nauseated, she has a little bulge, but she’s not feeling like a house,” said Hoskins.
However, taking precautions before traveling is important. Hoskins recommends that pregnant women:
Discuss their plans with their doctor.
Travel with their medical records.
Choose their destination wisely, allowing for 24-hour access to appropriate medical care.
“Know where the nearest hospital is,” said Hoskins. “When you’re having a problem in a foreign city, it’s not the time to look in the Yellow Pages.”
Regarding travel outside of the United States, Hoskins said to keep in mind that a pregnant woman – just like any other traveler – has an increased risk of exposure to GI bacteria and other potential toxic environmental agents that she doesn’t know about.
“Moderate exercise is superb,” said Hoskins, referring to day-trip activities. However, she noted that pregnant women should stay well hydrated and should not sit longer than two hours to allow for proper blood circulation.
She also advises pregnant women “to get as much information as they can” about spa treatments and discuss it with their doctor beforehand. Pregnant women should avoid treatments that might raise their body temperature and should not lie flat on their back during massages, said Hoskins.
Plane travel usually is safe, and most airlines allow pregnant women to fly until about a month before due dates, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
– Candace Robertson
Bliss, packaged for parents-to-be
Here are “babymoon” packages at several hotels. Prices may be based on availability, vary depending on the season, and may not include tax and gratuities.
Parents-to-be pampering spree
Where: Mountain Lodge at Telluride, 866-368-6867, www.mountainlodgetelluride.com.
Some amenities delivered: Couples massage, couples pedicure, in-room candlelit dinner, dinner for two at Allred’s restaurant, $50 gift certificate to Polka Dot children’s boutique in downtown Telluride, roses, sparkling cider and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival.
Cost: $855 starting price for three nights (available June 20-Sept. 15).
Pregnant and loving it
Where: Destination Resorts Vail, 800-852-9378; and The Gant, Aspen, 800-549-0532, www.destinationrockies.com.
Some amenities delivered: Massages for Mom and Dad, Little Luxuries for Pregnancy tote (based on availability) that includes items such as a pregnancy clock, headband, lavender luxe lotion, massager and peppermint lip balm.
Cost: $254 starting price per night for two nights at Destination Resorts Vail (available June 1-Oct. 1); $355 starting price for overnight accommodations, The Gant (available April 11- Oct. 31).
2005 Babymoon
Where: Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Los Cabos, Mexico, 888-ROSEWOOD.
Some amenities delivered: Silver baby spoon and fork set, massages, manicure, personalized prenatal fitness session, round-trip airport transfers.
Cost: $2,332 starting price for four nights.
The last big hurrah
Where: Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa, Bodega Bay, Calif., 800-368-2468, ext. 5, www.woodsidehotels.com/bodega/bodega_home.htm.
Some amenities delivered: Massages and facials for Mom and Dad, Jenny McCarthy’s book, “Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth,” hospital booties for Mom, $50 food credit for Duck Club Restaurant
Price: $645 starting price for overnight accommodations
Stress-free parents-to-be
Where: The Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, La Jolla, Calif., 858-550-1000, www.estancialajolla.com.
Some amenities delivered: Sitting session with a photographer, facials for Mom and Dad, Pilates classes, hotel-branded onesie and spa gifts for baby.
Cost: $2,000 starting price, three nights.
Babymoon
Where: The Glorietta Bay Inn, Coronado, Calif., 888-267-6236, www.gloriettabayinn.com.
Some amenities delivered: “Mansion rooms,” massages, in-room movies, milk and cookies at bedtime, ice cream gift certificates.
Cost: $599 starting price for two nights.
Once in a babymoon
Where: Beside Still Waters Farm luxury cottages, Willits, Calif., 877-230-2171, www.besidestillwatersfarm.com.
Some amenities delivered: Delivery Kit, fine toiletries, gift for baby, massage for Mom, scenic views of valley and forest.
Cost: $519 starting price for two nights.
Baby on the way
Where: Planters Inn, Charleston, S.C., 112 North Market St., Charleston, S.C., 800-845-7082, www.plantersinn.com.
Some amenities delivered: Signature Planters Inn Teddy Bear; tours of historical district of Charleston, spa treatments, surprise gifts for Mom and Dad upon arrival.
Cost: $1,399 starting price for three nights.
Countdown to baby
Where: Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Hyannis, Mass., 508-771-3000, www.capecodderspa.com; The Dan’l Webster Inn, Sandwich, Mass., 508-888-3622, www.danlwebsterinn.com.
Some amenities delivered: Massages, facials and pedicures or leg treatments for Mom and Dad, chocolate-covered strawberries and nonalcoholic wine at turndown, surprise baby gift.
Cost: $915 starting price for two nights.
Bundle of joy
Where: Five Gables Inn & Spa, St. Michaels, Md., 877-466-0100, www.fivegables.com.
Some amenities delivered: Couples massage, photo album, lullaby CD.
Cost: $710 starting price for two nights.
Babymoon
Where: The Fleurs-De-Lys Mansion, St. Louis, 314-773-3500, www.fdlmansion.com.
Some amenities delivered: Chef of Your Own Dining Experience, spa treatments for Mom and Dad, breakfast served late.
Cost: $550 starting price for overnight accommodations.
– Candace Robertson
