Pre-cation, Babymoon, Stay-cation, Couple's Escape, Family Vacation?

What do you want to do in the summertime? Some women want to take a "last getaway" before the baby comes. Others just want to have some family time together before the demands of a newborn enter the picture.

Most women find the second trimester (18-24 weeks) to be the best time for a trip. Being past the nausea stage (for most) and before the point of feeling huge and uncomfortable, another reason this time is good is because of the risk of preterm labor that sometimes comes as a surprise. Nobody wants to be far from home if a surprise delivery is imminent. For this reason, many doctors recommend avoiding travel in the last month of pregnancy - more if you have risk factors or a history of preterm labor. It's a good idea to discuss travel plans with your provider. Some countries have disease risks and vaccinations are recommended or required. The safety of the vaccination or preventive medicine in pregnancy should be researched. Once again, he Pregnancy Risk Line can be invaluable.

With your provider's approval of the trip, take a few precautions.

• Don't overdo it. Give yourself time for rest and relaxation. Remember, this is why we take vacations!

• Stay well-hydrated. When you get busy and perhaps even sweaty, you can become dehydrated without even being aware of it. This can put you and your baby at risk. It also sometimes prompts preterm labor contractions.

• Try to stay on track with good eating habits. It's easy to be tempted to fill up on lots of extra, but empty, calories. Take along some healthy snacks to avoid binge eating and bad choices. Research restaurant menus to find good options and stick with your determination to keep your weight gain in line and provide your body with important nutrients. Don't forget to pack the prenatal vitamins and drink water rather than high calorie soft drinks or alcohol.

• Don't forget to dress comfortably for the conditions. Stable shoes or sandals will help you avoid balance problems and falls. Light weight cotton fabrics will help keep you cool.

• Remember to schedule around your prenatal visits, or schedule your visits around your trip. It is important to take all precautions and monitor your health, weight, blood pressure, etc.

• Remember, you don't need to go far away to get a needed break from your routine. A trip to a local B&B or Motel 6 with a dip in the pool may be just what you need to feel rejuvenated.

• Check with your insurance company customer service so you'll know what to do should you need services while you are away from home.

• If you travel by air, get up and move around regularly to help avoid serious problems with blood clots (more common in pregnancy). If you drive, stop at least hourly to walk around. You'll need the bathroom breaks anyway. Always wear your seatbelt and position it below the bump of your belly.

• If traveling to south or central America, or other developing countries don't drink the water (or add the ice to your drinks). Rely on bottled water. Cruise ships use bottled water so that is usually safe. Most resorts do the same. When in doubt, ask about this.

• Use an insect repellant to avoid getting serious diseases like malaria.

• Avoid scuba diving (extreme pressure problem) or impact sports such as water-skiing, snow skiing, bicycling or other activities with a risk of falling. Also, avoid hot tubs with prolonged exposure to higher body temperatures.

• Make sure you travel with a supportive, sympathetic companion who won't add to your stress when you're dealing with leg cramps, heartburn and other pregnancy discomforts.

Most importantly, have a good time. You should be able to get some relaxation and rest without extra stress. Enjoy!