Holiday?

[Sky2008]

I am 17 weeks pregnant (today!) and we want one last holiday before the baby comes (due 7 July). We have always wanted to go to Costa Rica and the best time to go is April, and this is also when my 2009 holiday allowance starts with work. However, everything shuts on Holy Week (5-12 April) so we need to either go before then (assuming my manager will let me bring some holiday forward) or after. Will I be too big to go away for 2 weeks during either time? Costa Rica will be fairly active, there is a loop you are meant to travel to see 3 different attractions (not including San Jose where we would start/finish). I don't know if anyone has ever been how active I would have to be, the things you are meant to do are basically a volcano, a cloud forest and a rain forest. I don't necessarily mind not seeing every single thing but I don't want to miss out on good experiences either. If Costa Rica is a no-go, does anyone have any other suggestions for April? Our perfect holiday was Bahia Principe in Mexico, the resort was HUGE with so much to do but also quite a few interesting days out to be had outside of the hotel complex.

[mumoverseas]

Just bear in mind that long haul may be a bit much for you and you will need to check with the various airlines with regards to their policies on flying pregnant women. Airlines do vary and usually from around 26 - 30 weeks you will need a doctors letter confirming you are fit to fly.
I've flown mid/long haul (around 8 hours) a few times when around 24 to 30 weeks pregnant and I don't think I'd have wanted to go much further.
Also bear in mind the dvt risk (drink lots of water, get up and move around a lot and wear the lovely sexy dvt stockings you can get from Boots).
Ref being active, I woudln't have been up for soem of the activities you suggest but then I'm a lazy cow!

[GYoIsReallyHavingABaby]

Hello

Think it really depends on how you are feeling, how fit you are etc... Its a very long flight for that time in pregnancy... Sitting down for that long might be quite uncomfy unless you can go with extra legroom seats etc.... Everyone is different. How many weeks will you be? 28/ 30? Not sure I can work it out

I was hoping to do the "last holiday before the baby thing" - which would have been when I was 30/31 wks (due to other factors we couldnt go before then). In the end we decided to wait and book last minute if I was up to it...

Sadly, we havent been anywhere and although I am still craving some time away Im glad we hadnt booked it. We probably could have gone (beach hol only) but I'd not have enjoyed it much mainly due to me having quite painful SPD, bad heartburn and being knackered! I definately couldnt have done an active holiday at that stage.... BUT I've not had a great pregnancy experience so dont want to completely put you off!

Maybe get doctors view? maybe get some insurance in case you arent well enough to travel.... ?

GOod luck, hope you sort something out!

[countrylover]

I've just been to Lanzarote for a week at 28 weeks pregnant and the four hour flight was just about right. Any longer and it would have started getting very uncomfortable. Also bear in mind if it's going to be hot there it will can be quite unpleasant when heavily pregnant - I was pregnant with DS in the summer of 2005 when it was regularly reaching over 30 degrees in London and it was really unpleasant. I guess it's different when you're on holiday but still worth bearing in mind.

That said, if you've had a healthy pregnancy and you're not the type to moan when things get uncomfortable then go for it!

[Hersetta]

I'm not sure Costa Rico sounds ideal for a heavily pregnant lady - probably a bit too strenuous and too humid in the rainforest.

I've been to the Bahia principe in Mexico as well and although not my favourite of our caribbean holidays, I thought it was OK. Have much preferred the Riu reort on the north coast of the Dominican Republic or the Iberostar resort in Bavaro on the east of the Island.

I also travelled long haul when pregnant - we went to the maldives when i was 27 weeks and I was fine. Kepy myself hydrated and went for regular walks and wore my flight socks. Now the maldives is pure heaven on earth if you want pre peace and quiet and R & R. We've been 4 times and my DH is pushing to go back again even though we said we wouldn't when DD is so young (17 months) but maybe we'll go next year.

[Sky2008]

Hi guys

Thanks for your help. We've also been to the Maldives and it was beautiful but to be honest I got a bit bored after a week!

Maybe the Canaries although we're not really into lying by the pool/watersports day after day ... I've been to Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and although I would love some sun, I'm not sure there's enough to keep us interested.

We're now thinking of doing Italy (Tuscany)/Switzerland, either driving ourselves or by train (www.planetrail.co.uk/WhatMakesUsSpecial.aspx) ... although thinking about it, will this be any better?? I guess I will be travelling for shorter periods at a time ... ? And it will probably (?) be cheaper which of course is a consideration!

I will be 27 weeks at the beginning of April.

We were thinking about St Lucia aswell which looks lovely, hot in April, 8 hours on the plane and lots to do, but would probably cost the earth.

[Sky2008]

PS - Hersetta, what is the name of the hotel you stayed in in the Dominican Republic, is it ClubHotel Riu Merengue?

[Hersetta]

Sky,

Yes, I've stayed once at the merengue and once at the Mambo which is part of the same complex.