Elimination of the Zika virus before childbirth and breastfeeding
As your belly grows, so may your desire to have one last vacation before the baby is born.
Hence comes the increasingly fashionable concept of the " babymoon ", or honeymoon during pregnancy.
What is a pre-baby honeymoon?
A relaxing vacation taken by couples who are expecting a child.
Pregnant women and their partners who opt for a rest trip before the baby is born may want to go somewhere warm and sunny.
They usually travel when the pregnancy is between 14 and 28 weeks. At that stage they tend to feel good and the chance of having the baby prematurely is lower.
If mom and baby are healthy, travel is usually safe until about 36 weeks. Be sure to read the "fine print" (clauses and stipulations) before making a reservation. For example, many cruise lines do not allow you to travel after a certain point in your pregnancy (often around the 24th week).
Thinking of traveling somewhere? Check travel-related warnings first!
If your idea of relaxation includes crystal clear waters and sand between your toes, think very carefully about where to go on your pre-baby honeymoon.
In many hot places there are mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus and other diseases.
Zika is a virus that can be very harmful during pregnancy as it can cause serious problems for your unborn baby.
Pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika at any time during their pregnancy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains an up-to-date list of all countries and areas where there is a risk of Zika.
This list includes many popular pregnancy honeymoon destinations. It's also a good idea to check any other travel advisories (in English) at your destination.
Tips for planning a Zika-free pre-baby honeymoon:
Yes you can travel safely and enjoy some down time with your partner before the baby arrives; all you have to do is find a place that is free of zika.
1- Look for places close to home:
There is virtually no Zika anywhere in the US (meaning no mosquitoes actively spreading the virus).
Beautiful beaches abound on both coasts, national parks await, and trendy cities beckon. Never been to Las Vegas? Now is your chance.
Dreaming of dipping your toes in the Pacific? Head to California. The possibilities are many.
2- Look even closer (hint: vacation home):
Even more fashionable than the concept of a pre-baby honeymoon is the concept of a staycation at home, a vacation in your city or in a nearby city.
Take time to enjoy your home with your partner before the family gets bigger.
3- Go north:
Wherever you live in the United States, your risk of Zika decreases if you travel north (think Canada). Also, northern destinations are cooler.
Find a nice, cool place to relax where you can be worry-free and Zika-free.
Other tips for pregnant travelers:
1- Even if you go to a place where there is no Zika, be careful.
Whenever possible, stay indoors.
When you do go out, wear bug spray and consider wearing long sleeves and pants. Mosquitoes can be carriers of other diseases so the ideal is to avoid bites.
2- Review Zika- related advisories and other travel tips before and after you make your reservations; warnings may change.
Consider getting travel insurance or find out about cancellation policies whenever you book a trip.
Better not have to worry about losing money if you have a premature birth or if your doctor tells you not to travel because of health reasons for you or your baby.
3- If you stay home but your partner travels to a place with Zika, take steps to protect your baby.
You can get Zika if you have sex without a condom with a sexual partner who is infected.
Consistently use condoms for the rest of the pregnancy or abstain from sexual intercourse.
4- If you are trying to get pregnant and you or your partner have been in an area with Zika:
A- Use condoms or don't have sex. Use condoms every time you have sex to prevent the spread of Zika:
- For at least 8 weeks after the trip if only the woman traveled, even if she has no symptoms.
- For at least 6 months after traveling if only the man traveled, even if he has no symptoms. Why is the wait or caution time different? The virus lives longer in the male body.
C- Keep using insect repellant for 3 weeks after you return home.
This is to protect others in case you have become infected, but not sick.
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