Find out why more UAE couples are opting for a babymoon

Here's everything you need to know about this new travel trend

Picture this: you're basking on a beach in an exotic locale. Your shades are on and a glass of something fruity is in your hand as you lounge on a beach chair, digging your feet into the sand, feeling the sea breeze on your face, and smiling at your better half, who is, obviously, by your side. It's basically your dream vacation, with one small difference - you and your spouse are expecting a baby within the next few months.
Pregnancy can be a hectic and stressful time for a new couple. And, while a few decades ago, most couples would choose to wait this period out in familiar settings, anxiously planning every last detail and burying themselves under baby books, today, many expectant parents are choosing a bolder way to celebrate this phase: by going on a babymoon. The premise is simple: it's a short and sweet vacation for expectant couples to enjoy the last holiday when it's just the two of them. The last hurrah before the baby is born, so to speak. And the concept has taken off exponentially over the last few years.

THE PLANNING PROCESS
"Babymoon is one of the most popular travel trends of late and lays the foundation for the couple's transition into this new phase in their lives," explains Dr Swati
Rahul Pawar, of Aster Clinic, AJMC, who has a lot of couples in Dubai enquire about travelling during pregnancy. "The phenomenon gained major traction because of celebrities who popularised it, as well as social media."
Of course, planning a holiday is always a bit time consuming, especially if it's to a place one hasen't visited before. But, throw in the fact that one member of the party is pregnant, and there is the obvious need for further precautions and rules. For example, how far can a woman travel while pregnant?
"The best travel period in a woman's pregnancy term is during the second trimester, that is, between 13 and 28 weeks," says Dr Swati. "During the first trimester, a woman may experience difficulties like morning sickness and fatigue, whereas after 28 weeks, most airlines will require a letter from the doctor stating you are okay to fly. However, one must also consider the length of air travel as this will affect the woman's convenience. Post 32 weeks of pregnancy, a woman is generally not permitted to take long international flights because there are chances of complications. I recommend consulting your gynecologist before travelling, just to be safe."
While there might be a lot to consider while thinking about a babymoon, for travel lovers Andrew Marty and Zahirah Variawa, who co-founded the website www.thetravelhub.com, the planning process was a welcome distraction.
"There were obviously a few reservations initially," says Andrew, who had never heard of the term 'babymoon' before his wife brought it up. "From the moment you find out that your wife is pregnant, you become a little overprotective. But our obstetrician was extremely reassuring in terms of travel during pregnancy and I think that was a huge factor in settling nerves. If anything, planning the babymoon stopped us from overthinking things."
The duo had their babymoon earlier this year at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in the Maldives, where they indulged in activities that were fun without being too stimulating. That included days lying on a hammock on the beach, 'pregnancy massages', a cooking class and even some snorkelling in a shallow lagoon. There are obviously some activities - like scuba diving, running and cycling - that are off the table, but according to Dr Swati, walking, swimming, yoga and stretches are all good for the mum-to-be.
"Choose a place where you both can completely switch off and enjoy time together," advises Andrew. "Make relaxation a priority - there is no need to try and see all the sights. This is a babymoon, not a Contiki tour! Also, consider the weather options and health risks with your obstetrician. Things are going to change in all sorts of exciting ways very soon, but time to yourselves is going to be a memory, so make it a great memory!"
 

BABYMOONING BLISS: (left) Polly Williams and her husband Johnathan did a short trip to RAK; (right) Shaye Ueckermann and her husband Colin travelled to Seychelles

PICKING THE RIGHT DESTINATION
As Dr Swati mentioned, one of the first things to consider while choosing the location is the duration of the flight - places closer are obviously more desirable. However, it is not the only factor to keep in mind. When UAE residents Shaye Ueckermann and her husband Colin Wilson were looking for destinations, the medical conditions of the location were important.
"We went during the Eid holidays in July but were a little concerned because the Zika virus seemed to be everywhere," says Shaye, an account director at TishTash Marketing. "So, we looked at the map again and decided on Seychelles, which seemed like a safe bet - and it was amazing. We stayed at the H Hotel, which is right by the beach, spent time by the water and even went for a little hike."
Another perk of the H Hotel? It was well-connected, something couples should take into consideration when planning a babymoon. Andrew and Zahirah, for example, had chosen a resort on a private island, but they ensured it was close to the capital city of Male and the international airport, and only a short boat ride away from the hospitals on the main island. "We didn't want to stay hours away from medical help, just in case," says Andrew.
Of course, going to faraway destinations - or even other countries - aren't the only option. UAE residents Polly Williams and her husband Jonathan Williams weren't initially planning on a babymoon at all. But as pregnancy started taking a toll, the exhausted parents-to-be changed their minds. Since Polly was seven months pregnant at the time, they decided to keep it local, and chose to spend a long weekend at Banyan Tree Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah.
"When you're about seven months, everyone keeps telling you 'it's not too long now', and then realisation sinks in," laughs Polly. "You realise life will never be the same, and we were both so tired all the time that we decided to just go. Besides, Dubai is such a great place for staycations. There are so many beautiful places just a few hours away."

RELAXING & RECONNECTING
There are many reasons more and more couples are choosing to plan a babymoon but one of the most oft-heard phrases is 'it helps them reconnect'. Does pregnancy usually have a toll on a relationship - and can a babymoon be the cure for that?
"I don't think it puts a strain, but it is very exhausting," muses Polly. "I've had a lot of friends tell me it's important to go for a babymoon because when you have a baby, especially if it's your first, you're always tired and worried because you're trying to be the best parent you can possibly be - and in the process, you tend to neglect your partner. A babymoon is a great way to spend time with each other - without having to worry about the responsibility."
It also helps parents-to-be let go of stress, even if temporarily, says Andrew. "People get so nervous and cautious during pregnancy. In the end, it is a team effort. My wife and I found ourselves going back to 'normal' conversations during our babymoon and, for me, it reaffirmed how important my support was."
As travel gets easier and the world gets smaller, it looks like babymoons are only going to become more common. And, who can resist a reason to go on a dream holiday? As Shaye puts it, "Think about it this way: the next time you go on a vacation, there will be another little person with you. It's like you're closing a chapter. That's what makes it so special."
janice@khaleejtimes.com