Will be 20 weeks and off abroad on holiday....

[mytime777]

... Anything I should know or be aware of?
Anything I need to do / take with me in particular?
Expertise and advice from u knowledgable ladies would be helpful!
Thanks in advance.
:-)

I went to Santorini at 20 weeks pregnant with no problems at all. Things to think about:

• Does your travel insurance cover you if you were to need hospital treatment of any kind related to the pregnancy?

• Do you have an EHIC card (formerly E111)

• Make sure you take your notes

• if you are going to a place where English is not widely spoken take a dictionary of the language so you can tell people you are pregnant if needs be.

• I wore flight socks and made sure I moved around on the plane

• I used Mosi-guard (from Amazon) insect repellent as the ones widely sold in Boots etc are not advised for pregnant women but being pregnant you are more susceptible to insect bites

• Drink bottled water when you are there

• Your skin is more sensitive to heat in pregnancy so lots of suncream

• Have a great time and make the most of it!

Yep what aworryingtrend says. I definitely second the bit about knowing what "I'm pregnant" is in the local language - also useful to look up the words for things you can't eat (eg "unpasteurised cheese" or "rare meat") so you can ask in restaurants.

I also took a pillow on board when I was about 30 weeks pregnant as I got uncomfortable very easily.

Enjoy! I am just back from 2 weeks in Italy, took my notes, walked around on the plane a lot, drank a lot of water and stayed in the shade in the hottest hours. I also took a wrap and wet it in the sea and it round my tummy when it was very hot (tip from a midwife friend of mine!) I also looked up where the nearest hospital was to the hotel and took a note of the address.
I used jungle formula mossie spray that was suitable for children the important thing is that there is no DEET in it.
Enjoy it!

Have nothing to add to the good advice above. Just wanted to say, enjoy your holiday and try not too worry too much in advance, ignore anyone who raises an eyebrow at you going abroad when pregnant.

DH and I went to Greece in 2008 when I was 23 weeks pregnant. We had a wonderful time and look back with fond memories. I worried a bit about it beforehand too and my parents thought it was a bad idea but everything went smoothly.

I would absolutely encourage any couple expecting their first child to take a holiday if they can afford it.

Best wishes.

I'm just back from a week abroad at 30 weeks and it was fine...I second all that the others have already said...PLUS...

• split your packing in 2 bags or throw flip flops and a bikini in your carry on. Our airline (think orange!) left our bags at gatwick and didn't get them to us for 2.5 days - it was a nightmare trying to find maternity beach wear from our semi-remote resort in the algarve!!

• don't do what I did which was to stash my maternity notes in an obscure hidden drawer in the hotel room for 'safekeeping'...so obscure I forgot about them. They are currently sat in the hotel reception awaiting repatriation to the UK!!

Plenty of shade, gallons of water and frequent dips in sea/pool made for a lovely relaxing hols.

Enjoy!

I completely agree with MoonHare, all new parents-to-be should get away if they can. That last holiday before we had DD was just what we needed. I was 30 weeks with terrible SPD which did mean the flight was terrible (mainly because there was lots of turbulence for 4 hours so I couldn't get up). It was lucky we chose an all inclusive holiday as I couldn't walk anywhere, so we just sunbathed, slept, read, ate, watched evening entertainment. Perfect! Holidays haven't been quite so relaxing since then!

Also if you are going to Europe you will probably be treated like a fecund goddess who must be worshipped at all times. I certainly was in Italy, much bump patting (which I don't mind) and fuss made

Wow. Lots I'd not even thought of. Some great tips ladies.
I've been googling ' I'm pregnant' in the language
As ever, thank you.