Traveling While Pregnant: Babymoon Packing List

This is the third post in a series about traveling while pregnant. The first post was about timing your trip and the second was about questions to ask your doctor before you go.

I usually advocate traveling light, but when you are pregnant, it's a good idea to pack a few comforts from home. Just remember to keep your bag light enough that you can carry and lift it without straining (or have a plan that involves asking for help).

A little bit pregnant at the Disneyland Mom Blogger's event

Here are a few items you might want to pack if you are traveling while pregnant:

• Comfortable clothing and shoes. Sure you want to look terrific, but if you are walking around town in heels that pinch your swollen feet, you probably won't enjoy your trip. Plan to dress in layers so that you can more easily adjust to changing temperatures.
• Any medical records related to your pregnancy along with a doctor's note stating your due date and saying that it is safe for you to travel (if you are showing).
• Your insurance information (be sure to double check that you are covered for your destination - some plans cover you in the US only)
• Emergency contact information for your OBGYN as well as the nearest medical facility to your destination
• Hand sanitizer. It's no secret that your immune system is less effective when you are pregnant, and if you are visiting crowded attractions, you may want to clean your hands more often than you normally might.
• Prenatal vitamins and other supplements. Be sure to bring enough to last for your entire trip as it might be difficult to find your favorite brands at your destination.
• Comfort foods that may not be available at your destination (especially those that help ease nausea) or to fill in as late night snacks after restaurants and room service are closed.
• Maternity Swimsuit. It can be difficult to find a good maternity swimsuit at your destination.
• Anti-Nausea Wrist Bands if you have morning sickness.
• If this is your first pregnancy and you will not have internet access, consider bringing a lightweight pregnancy handbook.
• If you are traveling overseas, consider bringing any over-the-counter medications you might need for common pregnancy complaints (e.g. heartburn) or a cold. It's no fun to be stuck with symptoms that need medication, but being unsure about whether you are properly communicating with a pharmacist about which medication is safe during pregnancy and what the proper dosage is.

Check back for tips on flying while pregnant.

Filed Under: packing pregnancy travel-tips

4 comments | Posted on May 13, 2009 | Save to del.icio.us

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