Durban - Being pregnant is a happy yet hectic time.
Chances are you've been so preoccupied with running to doctors appointments, shopping for baby gear or even preparing the nursery, all your now thinking about is a trip away for a few days with your baby daddy to catch your breath and do some serious couple bonding before your bundle of joy comes along.
A babymoon is what you need.
A babymoon is somewhat like a honeymoon except it's for expecting parents. It's the last vacation taken by the parents-to-be where they can treat themselves to a luxurious getaway before your baby arrives. They celebrate the pregnancy and pamper the mom with prenatal spa treatments especially designed for pregnant women.
Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon did it. Kim Kardashian went to Paris, Tamera Mowry and hubby Adam went to Belize, Kate Middleton went to the small private island of Mustique and our very own Jo-Ann and Michael Held went to Munich and Reunion Island.
In fact, a babymoon is one of the hottest trends right now among parents-to-be.
Babymoons are recommended in the second trimester (18 through 24 weeks) of a pregnancy because by then moms have gotten over the struggles of the first trimester.
Not only will you be relaxed but the holiday will take your mind off whatever is going on at home.
This is a chance to focus on yourself, your partner and your unborn baby.
If you’re planning a babymoon don't forget the following:
l Take copies of medical records in your bag.
l Know your blood type.
l Get a list of hospitals from the tourist board and keep a list of emergency contacts.
l When you take a flight, reserve an aisle seat so that you can easily access the bathroom and move about the cabin (or reserve a business class seat with flat bed).
l Wear a high factor sunscreen and stick to bottled water.
l Avoid mosquitoes, expectant mothers are more susceptible to, and often helpless against, the various diseases they may be carrying.
l Avoid countries with health concerns - you won't be able to take malaria medication or have all vaccinations, always talk to your doctor first before booking your trip.
Sunday Tribune