TRAVELING DURING PREGNANCY

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Traveling when pregnant can be tricky! Not only gauging what you need to pack, but making sure you are prepared in case the inevitable happens. It might seem intimidating to sit on a plane for an extended amount of time or sleep in a strange hotel room, but this is your time! This is your chance to get away and treat yourself! Plan something that you can really enjoy while pregnant and time it right with your doctor.

Here is my comprehensive checklist for staying healthy and comfortable when traveling pregnant.

1. A list of unsafe foods: Know what is ok and not ok to eat while pregnant. Double check with your doctor about what is safe to eat, and some may even recommend to avoid fruit and vegetables depending on where you go. Limit gas producing foods to avoid discomfort and bloating. Pack healthy snacks and bottled water to avoid getting sick or anything that can be dangerous to your baby.

2. Medical records or doctor's note: Ask your doctor for a copy of your medical records just in case you need to go to the hospital while abroad. If you are further along in your pregnancy a doctor's note might be necessary to fly, but it is usually recommended to travel while in your second trimester (14-28 weeks) when medical emergencies are least likely to occur. While you're at it make sure to check with your doctor about getting your flu vaccine before you go!

3. Know where nearest hospital is: If you are a high-risk or complicated pregnancy (like me) find out what care facilities are available in the off-chance something goes wrong.

4. Pack your supplements: This includes prenatal vitamins, fiber supplements, hemorrhoid essentials if you suffer from them, anti-itch creams, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and anything else that might make you more comfortable.

5. Book an aisle seat: For frequent trips to the bathroom or walking around when you need to book an aisle seat on the plane. Make sure [if you are driving] your car/rental car has a working air conditioning before hitting the road since pregnancy can make you feel overheated. Always wear your seatbelt in cars and airplanes and don't be afraid to ask for anything you might need to make you more comfortable. Bring on the extra pillows please!

6. Wash your hands often, drink plenty of water, keep moving to avoid muscle cramps, and prop your feet up to reduce swelling.

7. Dress to stay comfortable: Don't worry too much about dressing to impress! Pack key items and layering pieces that are easy to change with the ups and downs of traveling. Think leggings, comfy socks, flip flops, flats, and a cardigan for your travel outfit!

Remember this is YOUR time before baby comes, and you will be so glad you prioritized yourself for a fun and relaxing trip.

HOW TO: PACK FOR A BABYMOON

My husband and I are going on a babymoon to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! We will be there for 5 days and my son Van will be staying with his grandparents while we're away. I'll miss him like crazy, but I am so excited to take some time for myself before baby #2 comes.

It's hard to know what to pack when you are limited to a suitcase and let alone when you are pregnant. After checking the forecast I made a list of basics so my luggage is manageable.

What to pack for a tropical babymoon:

-mix and match tops

-button up

-fun sweater

-swimsuits

-cover ups

-maternity shorts

-black/denim maternity pants

-leggings

-something dressy

-supportive shoes

-flip flops/sandals

-beach hat

-sunglasses

Stay tuned for more information on traveling when pregnant and follow @travelingtriplets on Instagram for updates on our daily adventures!

BABYMOON PART 2

As promised, the babymoon continued...

 At night the temperature dropped to the perfect degree, just cold enough for you to ease with a mug of hot chocolate. In the morning we crawled out of our warm sleeping bags, careful not to bump our heads on the star painted ceiling, and cranked up the camper stove to cook breakfast. I ate my eggs and bacon peering through a misty window with the reflection of a fantastic case of bed head. What's next on the docket?

 Destination: Red Fish Lodge / Activity: Beach

Can you see my baby bump? We spent the afternoon sun bathing and reading at Red Fish Lake. My husband was forced to go in the freezing water to grab our duck obsessed pup. The water is crystal clear with breathtaking views of the jagged Sawtooths mountains. Nothing beats it. You should go there. Oh, and while you're at it grab an ice-cream cone for only $3.

Destination: Red Fish / Camping: $8 

After a day at the lake we found a new camp spot near Little Red Fish Lake. It was one of very few still open, but with plenty of availabilities. We were allowed to have a fire here, thanks to the hand chopped wood of an old man named Jerry. An evening nature walk was the perfect way to burn daylight and enjoy the beautiful changing colors fall brings. We met a friendly little blue jay who by some miracle didn't seem to bother our dog Jimmy a bit. By nightfall, we had s'mores in our bellies and books to get back to.

 Destination: Stanley Bakery / Breakfast: $9

The Stanley Bakery is one place I loved while living in the Sawtooths. Everything is freshly baked each day, but pastries are first come first serve. By the time we got there we sat down to breakfast. I went with a hot plate of sour dough pancakes that were as big as my head. Talk about to-die-for! Drew went with biscuits and gravy, but kept wishing he got the breakfast burrito. Soon our phones started buzzing with service again and we were reminded that the babymoon was over, and back to reality we were.

BABYMOON PART 1

have you ever heard of a babymoon? if not, let me inform you. a babymoon is a trip parents-to-be take to get some special alone time before the baby comes, sort of like a honeymoon! you can do something fancy and romantic, laid back and luxurious, fun and eccentric, or simple.

we opted for something simple. a bus road trip sounded perfect. we packed our bags, some groceries, and our dog before heading to the sawtooth mountains. i just finished reupholstering, painting, staining, and sewing; so the bus is feeling fresh. perfect timing for a fun little babymoon.

destination: kirkham hot springs / price: $5

remember this place? you might be thinking, "what are you doing in hot water you dummy?" don't worry. i only sat in the medium pools and waded in the hot pools, and either way i wasn't soaking for too long. the river was so low there were tons of pools to choose from varying in temperature. it was perfect really.

destination: smiley creek lodge / dinner: $11

we had to stop by our beloved smiley creek. smiley creek lodge has the best milk shakes ever and new and improved burgers. their prices have jumped quite a bit, but what's a small town gonna do? it was well worth it and the chocolate oreo milkshake did not disappoint. 

destination: smiley creek / activity: camping

after dinner we drove down smiley creek road for a bit into the beautiful woods. there are tons of options to camp in this area for free! we were so excited and it was so beautiful. we parked the bus next to a creek so drew could do some evening tenkara fishing while i crocheted my heart away.

we all snuggled underneath a painted night sky and called it home for the night. talk about happy campers.

to be continued...