Preparing for a newborn can feel like an exhilarating task; on the one hand, there’s a long-anticipated, already much-loved new arrival making an entrance into your life. On the other, getting yourself into a birthing headspace can feel like a marathon. I’ve already lost count of the amount of stroller reviews, hypno-birthing manuals, crib catalogs, and paint samples I’ve flicked through in my quest for newborn nirvana.
With that in mind, many couples are now opting to take a break from the organizational overload in the form of a long-haul babymoon—a pre-birth couples vacation—as a way of spending those last special moments together as a family of two. And in fact, air travel can generally be considered safe for most expectant mothers, with advice from your doctor recommended.
“All pregnancies and mums have individual needs and varying circumstances,” says Marie Louise, midwife and author of The Modern Midwife’s Guide To Pregnancy. “If mums have any health complications or are close to giving birth, travel should be very carefully considered. Otherwise, mums need a break—it’s good to enjoy and relax on your travels.”
Pregnancy can often feel like a long-haul adventure in itself, and whilst the thought of an extensive flight may not jump out at the top of your to-do list, there are ways to make that coveted trip—and any other air travel during pregnancy that comes up—more comfortable.
Below, I’ve curated an essential list for what to pack in your carry-on for air travel during pregnancy, based in part on my own experience traveling to Europe whilst expecting.
Strategic carry-ons
A great place to start is your carry-on itself, as the right style can help not only to make your essentials more accessible, but the correct product can be re-used as a diaper bag once your pre-baby vacation is a distant happy memory. The key to choosing the perfect carry-on is not only to be mindful of the airline guidelines set out around dimensions and weight restrictions, but to think from your own perspective about what will be easiest for you to carry. If back issues prevail—a common complaint during pregnancy—a stylish rucksack may be more suitable than a tote. And if you’re looking for post-pregnancy practicality, a duffel can tick that cross-functional box.
Pregnancy support bands
Glamour takes a back seat with this essential, but your posture and ligaments will thank me later. If you’re flying internationally or just maneuvering your way through a large airport, you may face long walks between terminals, which can place strain on the lower back. Bump support bands are designed to help relieve the pressure that the additional weight of your bump is putting on your back, and therefore can make a sensible addition to your carry-on packing list.
Anti-nausea pregnancy methods
Not every foray into the world of parenthood is a smooth one, and unfortunately nausea and sickness can play a starring role in pregnancy, especially in the early stages. My first 16 weeks of pregnancy were punctuated with frequent trips to the restroom, and with many flights taken during this time, I became accustomed to having to rely on a few tricks to see me through those difficult moments.
