The Babymoon: Getting Away From It All

We’ve all heard of a honeymoon, but you may not be familiar with its counterpart, the babymoon. A relatively new concept, it describes a husband and wife getting away for an intimate vacation before their baby is born. Considering the fact that there won’t be much time for intimacy or relaxation after the birth, this is a good time to connect, enjoy each other’s company, and think about how your lives are about to change.

There are no hard and fast rules about when you should go on your babymoon. Some couples prefer to go before they start trying to get pregnant. Others like to go early in the pregnancy so the mother can be flexible enough to enjoy all of the recreational activities that might come with a vacation. Travel options are a lot more open early in the pregnancy as well. Still, many couples prefer to wait until the third trimester to go on their trip, simply because it brings their vacation so much closer to the point when their lives will be turned upside down. The choice is all yours.

Naturally, you’ll need to choose where to go. Again, there are no rules to govern you. People might look at you a little funny if you said you were taking your honeymoon at Six Flags (though there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, either), but it could be a perfect destination for your babymoon. You might want a romantic getaway, or you might want to test your physical limits on an outdoor adventure. Maybe you want to get out of the country and take that foreign vacation you’re afraid you’ll never get to if you don’t do it now.

Remember to talk to your doctor about any and all travel plans you have. There are flying and diving restrictions on pregnant women, so make sure you’re planning your trip to be compliant with those restrictions. Let your healthcare provider and your friends and family know where you’ll be in case you need to get in touch with them.

When the trip is over and the baby has arrived, think back to your babymoon when things get stressful (as they almost undoubtedly will). Raising a child is no easy task and things won’t always be sunshine and meadows. When the storm clouds threaten to gather, think back to those intimate moments you shared with your spouse and remember that you went into this as a team. Together, you can get through anything.