Even going down the block to a playgroup with a baby in tow can take Marie Kondo levels of organization for planning and packing. Before you have to deal with diaper bags and baby gear, take the opportunity to get away and relax with your significant other. Babymoons are cocktail-free vacations, but they are still a fun and relaxing way to get away and unwind while you’re pregnant and before the arrival of your new edition. Here is why you should take a babymoon before each baby.
A Babymoon Will Help You Reconnect With Your Partner
Many couples experience stress and difficulties following the birth of their first child. This is especially true for couples whose first child is born within the initial five years of marriage. Your baby’s early development is affected by the quality of parent relationships.1 So, boosting your chances of maintaining a healthy, loving bond is smart. Research on the benefits of travel reveals that couples can improve communication, reduce the possibility of getting a divorce, and strengthen their bond by taking time off to be together. Traveling together can also increase your sense of well-being in the relationship.2 This is why we recommend taking a vacation with your partner while pregnant!
Unfortunately, the United States has the lowest average vacation days per year for workers, coming in at 12.5, according to a 2022 report. Meanwhile, on average, workers in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Japan get over 20 days of vacation. Germany and France have the most allotted vacation time — 28.5 days on average.3 Sadly, many Americans don’t even take their full vacation days due to concerns about the economy and their job security. Many studies highlight work dissatisfaction due to long hours and few breaks being tied to increased stress at home while trying to balance family, pleasure, and quality time.4
Leisure time can increase contentment and reduce stress while also increasing relationship satisfaction. Hectic family routines can cause high levels of stress and dissatisfaction. Traveling and spending time together away from these hectic routines enhances feelings of togetherness. Researchers have shown that couples who vacation together have closer, more intimate bonds and are happier. Divorce rates are even lower among those who take trips and time away together.5
You’ll Have More Opportunity To Get Outdoors and Be Active
Getting outdoors, going for walks, and exploring a new place are fantastic reasons to go on a babymoon. Walking is the ideal form of exercise during pregnancy, yet most women don’t get enough of it. Research shows that the reason for this is usually a lack of time.6 Getting away somewhere without a busy schedule can provide ample time for activity, especially outdoors. Walking may help prevent and alleviate fatigue, back pain, and nausea, as well as reduce stress.6,8
Although exercise is recommended during pregnancy, it is essential to be careful about overheating if you’re traveling somewhere with a toasty climate.9 It might be best to choose a babymoon destination that is relatively mild. This can help you avoid any risks of overheating while still enjoying the ability to go for walks and explore the outdoors.
Melt Away Stress With Maternity Spa Treatments
Check your destination for nearby pregnancy-friendly activities, such as prenatal massage.10 Some resorts even have onsite maternity spa service, midnight snacks, daily breakfast for two, and other perks as part of their babymoon package. Massage therapy can improve circulation and quality of sleep, improving energy and vitality. You can even beat chronic back pain and anxiety with therapeutic prenatal massage.10,11
As if being away with your loved one on vacation while pregnant wasn’t enough to put you on cloud nine, massage can actually alter your state of mind. Relaxation and stress hormones change for the better during and after a massage.10 Enjoy those hormones working for you instead of against you for once! Be sure to look for a certified massage therapist with training in working with pregnant women. A prenatal massage therapist may have a table with a hole in it so you can lie on your stomach. However, lying on your side is safer, so your massage therapist should have the proper pillows for comfortable side-lying.12
Other safe spa treatments for pregnant women include skin treatments such as certain facials, as well as manicures and pedicures.13,14 Make sure the place is well-ventilated if you are getting a polish, so you’re not breathing in fumes.13 Some spas will have non-toxic polish choices. Toxins in polishes that you should be careful of include dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde.13 If this concerns you, bring your toxin-free nail polish.
Spa treatments are mostly safe while pregnant, but stay away from saunas and hot tubs.13 Also, avoid facial treatments that include toxins, such as chemical peels that contain beta hydroxy acid.14,15
Tips for a Healthy and Safe Babymoon
Whether you choose a prepackaged babymoon holiday or design your own, you should know a few things before planning your trip. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that occasional air travel is safe if your pregnancy is healthy and you don’t have any complications. As long as you observe the same precautions for air travel as the general population, flying while pregnant is considered safe up to 36 weeks gestation.7
Medical concerns like edema or venous thrombotic events are extremely rare, even in pregnant women.16,17,18 But if you’re concerned, pack support stockings and get up to move around occasionally. Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing, and drink lots of water. Be aware that although most commercial airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to 36 weeks of gestation, some restrict pregnant women from flying internationally and even during earlier stages of pregnancy. Some airlines require proper documentation of gestational age for proof.7 Check with the airline you choose to be sure you won’t encounter any rude surprises.
Now you have all the info you need to take a babymoon before every baby and enjoy a relaxing vacation while pregnant. All that’s left is to start planning your getaway. Happy travels, mamas!
