Holidays When Pregnant – the Pros and Cons

So we have just got back from a fab time in Rhodes, Greece. Apart from the slight issue my eldest having chicken pox, it was a brilliant holiday and babymoon. I will do a round up post but I want to steal all my hubby’s pics and this may take 10 years for him to sort them!! It was my second time on holidays when pregnant.

We were gone 11 nights and the time just flew. I have come back feeling chilled, ready for my final weeks at work and with a love for the Greek sunshine (as it has rained the whole time apparently in the UK)!

We are not really a family who holiday in the UK. This may change with two littlies, but I’m thinking unlikely. I think by the time you often price it up, throw in the likelihood of rain and no change in culture; abroad always wins.

Obviously I have been pregnant this time around and there are obvious highs and lows to this. We always go away with my parents which is a massive help, makes life easier and gives us all a rest.

But what are the pros and cons of holidays when pregnant.

 

Holidays when Pregnant – The Pros

– No hangovers. I’m tee total (apart from a few sips of my mum’s wine!) so most mornings i was waking up fresh and raring to go. My eldest slept until 8.30am Rhodes time and by the time she woke I had often had a half an hour swim in the outdoor pool or a gym sesh.

– You do feel special. In Greece, I had lots of comments, good wishes and pretty much everyone asking me if I was expecting a boy! My shape once again!

– You have a good excuse to do bugger all. My family really looked after me but saying that, I played lots with my eldest in the pool and parks and took her about. Carrying her and lifting her all over was forbidden though and I never once had a sodding nap.

– Lying around all day half dressed and being able to cool off with a swim when I felt like it! It was flipping hot in Rhodes. Over 30 degrees most days. At work in trousers and a tunic, I would have sweltered. I’m a sweaty person!!  In fact I had already been sweltering in the UK at 20 degrees plus. However, I couldn’t care less abroad. Bikini on and laze!

– The food!! I ate a lot but I ate well. Everything. Oily fish, chicken, beef, pork, eggs, yoghurt, a tonne of fruit and veg and my faves – pizza, breads, fried breakfasts, nuts and a variety of mousses! I filled my boots as we were all inclusive.

The Cons

There are always going to be the downsides to going on hols pregnant and here we go:

– No alcohol. Ok I felt amazing but a glass of wine with my dinner or a cocktail on my date night with hubby would have gone down a treat.

– Fashion. I missed my short tops and dresses that I wore last year and had to be inventive with some lovely primark stretchy dresses. I was loathed to spend a lot on maternity clothes just for a holiday.

– You are restricted on trips and activities. Ok, this is part and parcel of being preggers and I was prepared after my previous pregnant trip. If you love your water sports or adventures…it won’t be the same.

– The risk. There’s always that niggly feeling what if? What if I’m ill? Best not pick any shellfish or rice left out for ages. Is that cooked properly? What if the baby comes?! I had a few hours when she wasn’t moving and was worried but all kicked off later. It’s always going to be a worry so you have to weigh it up. For us, we weren’t in the UK and a car drive away from home.

That was it really! The heat could have been a downer but I coped ok. I had to really limit the exercise to 30 mins as the gym had no air con. I soon switched too early swimming when my eldest slept.

Having the grandparents on hand with the eldest really helped as hubby and I got more chances to chill but I would really recommend holidaying when pregnant if you can. If you are well, feel well and can manage it go!!

Ours was a blast!