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Motherhood | Pregnant Travel Tips

Motherhood

04.10.2016

I’ll be 22 weeks pregnant tomorrow. Life growing inside of you isn’t, in my experience, without its ambivalence. Some days I fear she’ll disappear, that I’ll wake up to a stillness. Other days, I feel the burden on my body, feel invaded or fear the day (the day coming soon) when my life is no longer my own. But most days, I just enjoy the quiet before the storm, this symbiotic time I get to spend with her. I feel lucky to be a woman—lowered immune system, round ligament pain, swollen ankles, and all. Traveling with her—Matt & I are currently two & half weeks into a month long trip through Japan—as she grows, feeling her kicks grow more urgent and frequent as our journey wears on, makes me feel closer to her. The metaphorical journey in tandem with a physical journey makes the metaphor come alive: with each step, each train, each bus I move closer to being a mother. Momentum.

I relish the fact that in her dark, watery world she’s experiencing the bumps and rumbles of the train, the flavors of each country I visit, her father’s voice as we talk over dinner. We’re already a family. That said, traveling pregnant is a different beast than all previous travel in my life—and I’m sure traveling with a baby will be even more so! But in the mean time I wanted to share my tips & advice that I’ve gathered along the way. There’s been a very real learning curve! If you’re like me and thought that being pregnant would be just like being you but larger, think again.

Depending on how long you’ll be gone, how far along you are, how far you’ll be traveling, and what location you’ll be traveling to you’ll need to consider a few different things. These are just the basics and what I’ve noticed thus far in my experience. I get the feeling that after I finish up all my international travel at around 32 weeks I might have some updates to add to this. But after working & traveling in France, Morocco, Italy, and the UK during my 1st trimester for about 6 weeks total and traveling in Japan during my 2nd for 4 weeks, this is what I’ve gleaned thus far at 5 months along. I’ll be in France, Spain, and Sweden during the end of the second trimester for another 6 weeks, and we’ll see how that goes!


Packing + Planning

1. Pack light.
I’m obsessive about packing light, and I intend to write an entire post on it (namely on fitting a month—and if it will do you for a month, it will do you for 6!—in a carry-on), but suffice to say pack only your essentials, make sure all your clothing can mix and match, limit bulky pieces, and remember that you can buy a lot of “what if” items on the road. Never pack for what if. Except for the following…

2. Emergency medicine.
If traveling somewhere very unfamiliar or with a big language barrier (hello, Japan!), bring an acetaminophen based pain killer like Tylenol or Pericetimol in case you need a pregnancy safe solution. I get migraines, and when traveling to a non-english speaking country the last thing I want is to be guessing & dancing around the language barrier in a foreign pharmacy trying to find something safe. Depending on where you’re planning to travel and for how long, your doctor might be willing to provide you with some emergency pregnancy safe antibiotics just in case. I’d also bring any other basic over the counter meds you & your doctor are comfortable with you taking pregnant—I’ve gotten bronchitis twice in in 4 months!

3. Doctor’s note.
After 28 weeks some airlines require a note from your doctor saying you’re fit to fly. It’s generally acknowledged that in non-complicated pregnancies it’s safe to fly up to and including the 36th week. Follow doctors orders on this to be safe. A copy of your chart also wouldn’t hurt, though I don’t carry one because mine has been 100% uncomplicated, and I started healthy.

4. Pack clothes to grow into.
If you’re going to be on the road for a long time, pack loose fitting clothes to “grow into”. Tunic tops, flowy dresses, and comfy pants with elastic waist bands that can sit below your growing belly are great options. My belly doubled in size our first two weeks in Japan! There comes a time when both your growth and the little’s will be exponential, and if you’re hitting the road for a month or two, things that fit in the beginning might not be so friendly by the end. Best to leave those bits at home and only pack the most versatile pieces. I’ve listed some of my favorite sources at the bottom of this post.

5. Fit your life in a carry-on that rolls on 4 wheels.
Do it. Go for a lightweight, hard-case, 4-wheel rolling bag that fits into an overhead compartment. Both my husband & I are carrying Away bags which have the added benefit of being able to charge your phone, pocket wifi, tablet (any USB powdered device) etc. multiple times. It can charge my iphone fully 5 times. Forget backpack pride (I had to). A four-wheel rolling bag (and a friend or partner to carry it up & down heinous flights of train station stairs should you encounter them!) will make your life so much easier. Sit your purse/camera bag/what have you on top, and roll through streets, stations, and terminals bearing no weight. Your body will thank you. I travel a ton and have my whole life, and I doubt I’ll ever do it any other way again unless I’m actually going backpacking. Like in the woods.

6. Bring the vitamins.
Pack your favorite prenatal vitamins. I travel with an organic catch all pre-natal and non-fish DHA as well as B12 and D3 (because I know I have low levels of those two). They take up room, but they’re worth it to know I’m getting the essential nutrition we need.

7. Comfy shoes only, please.
Obvi. My comfy shoes of choice are Dansko clogs & boots, but I also like Birkenstocks for sandals. Sneakers are always a sure bet too. I like classic looking Nikes and vintage style Asics’ Onitsuka Tigers. Don’t bring more than 2 pairs of shoes and travel in the bulkiest pair to save space. I bring my clogs (my every day walking/travel shoe) and sandals or sneakers suitable for light hiking. If my trip is going to be on the more urbane side, I swap the hiking shoe for a pretty dinner shoe. A small pretty dinner shoe. I don’t do heels of any significant height and frankly 99% time my clogs do the trick day to night.

8. Travel with a partner or friend.
If you don’t have to, avoid travel alone. You can, of course you can, and if I didn’t have a friend or partner to go with me, I would brave it on my own. But this is a time in life when you need all the help you can get, and it’s a time when no one minds lending it. Take the support, and let them help. I tried to insist on carrying my bag up some ridiculous stairs and just about killed my ankles doing so. I now let Matt (not without an inner cringe) manage both our bags up and down stairs. I look at it as his on the road gym time. : ) To ease my mind I make sure to look extra pregnant (hips out, maternal holding of belly, the whole 9 yards) when he’s doing this so passers by will know I’m not useless, just pregnant. Because that damn pride.

9. See the doctor!
Try to see your doctor for a check up & ultrasound as close to when you leave as possible if you’re going to be gone a long time (two weeks or more). This will give you peace of mind. Check before booking to make sure you’re traveling to a pregnancy safe destination. Due to the Zika virus your doctor will likely recommend you not travel to affected countries because of its potentially dire effects on pregnancy. The CDC website has lots of information about Zika here. This goes for other diseases as well—malaria, dengue, etc. Talk to your doctor about vaccinations and prophylaxis safety if those are options you’re considering. I opted for the flu vaccine during flu season; I know not everyone is on board with vaccines but that was my choice. I usually research this when I’m researching what paperwork I’d need for any given country (namely is a passport enough or will I need a visa).

Planes + Trains + Automobiles

1. Hydrate when flying.
This one is a no brainer, and despite the fact that it will make you have to get up for the restroom more frequently than you could ever comprehend (seriously) it’s a must. I’m one of those weirdos that really dislikes drinking still, room temperature water. So I try to fill in my water gaps with coconut water (great for electrolytes), green tea, low sodium + sugar veggie juices, and sparkling water. I also travel (on short trips, not so much on long because of the added weight) with a copper water bottle from Spartan Shop. It deposits beneficial minerals into the water, purifies the water, and it’s pretty which makes me happier about drinking water. Whatever works.

2. Aisle seat + stretching on long flights.
Book an aisle seat (you’re going to be up & down a lot) at bare minimum and one with extra leg room if you can. Got miles to burn or can afford business or first class? Even better! Get up frequently and move around and stretch. Your body is basically a transformer right now, and your bones & internal organs are doing all kinds of crazy gymnastics. That means long stretches of sitting can cause some serious aches. Not to mention pregnant women are at an increased risk of blood clots (DVT). So walk around every hour. If you’re drinking water like you should, you’re not going to have a choice and it might be more like 2-3 times an hour. Do some yoga by the bathrooms. Whatever, you’re pregnant. A little public forward fold never killed anyone. I’d say go for downward dog (really relieves round ligament pain) but I don’t think I could bring myself to touch the floor.

3. Accept special treatment on public transportation.
Let people know you’re pregnant. Take the seat privilege on trains & buses and board early and seek upgrades on flights. Seriously, take it. I didn’t at first & lived to regret it. If you’re in a non-english speaking country you can just touch your belly in a maternal way and give them a pleading look if you need a seat. The message gets across. Willingness to give up seats to pregnant women is international. In Japan you can even get a badge in the train station to show you’re pregnant! I didn’t take them up on this, but hey, if it works. And if flying, take the opportunity to board early, get an upgrade, anything your airline is willing to do. This is not to take advantage of your condition and be lazy, but because being on your feet for very, very long stretches can (as I learned) cause some pretty intense pain especially from around 5 months on in my experience. Not so much during the first trimester.

4. Consider renting a car. 
I was one of those college kids floating from train station to hostel all over Europe on a dime with a copy of Lonely Planet in hand a decade ago, and I tend to be biased towards public transportation due to it being scenic, narrative, and frugal. But if you’re in a situation where car rental is an option, consider it. No more rushing from platform to platform, no more timetables, no more train or bus loos. No more bag wrangling. If you decide to go the car route, keep in mind that some countries require an international driver’s permit which you can get through AAA. Google it to find out what the requirements are at your destination.

5. Eff it. Get a cab. 
I can usually walk indefinitely, and metros & my own two feet are all I’ve ever needed to get around major cities. But if you get to the end of the day and can’t take it, just cut your losses and get a cab or Uber. It’s so worth it.

Food + Drink

1. Eat clean food from reputable, sanitary sources & wash thoroughly all raw food you prepare.
I’m not a doctor and this is not medical advice
, but it’s my personal choice to not subscribe to the standard American pregnancy food restrictions. I know that is controversial to some people. This is not something I recommend doing without talking to your doctor and doing your own research, but I decided that for me the risk of getting in a car and eating chicken (or fruit and vegetables for that matter) far out weighs the risk of sushi or a fresh slice of prosciutto.  I even eat raw oysters (from highly, highly reputable sources—there are about two restaurants and a handful of farms in the US I trust to this degree). I eat sushi (while limiting any high mercury fish and again from reputable sources). I ate raw, French cheese. I’ve eaten cured meats, freshly sliced. Never pre-packaged. The truth, according to my doctor, is that you really can’t know when or where listeria (a very dangerous to you & your baby bacteria) will come up because it’s in soil and water—any food can be contaminated. The last major outbreak was in ice cream, and one of the worst was in cantaloupes. The important thing is to only eat from clean, reputable sources that you trust and to wash your food. I’m more wary of salad than anything else. No dodgy sushi from a mall in the midwest. No grilled intestines in a dive bar (also learned the hard way). No rando queso fresco from a hole in the wall carneceria. But if you’re near a Japanese fishing village, you’re probably safe eating the raw fish. Really that’s true of Japan at large. Ultimately, do what makes you comfortable, err on the side of caution, consider what local moms & doctors have to say, and do some research to assess the risk yourself when it comes to food & drink. I, for one, made the decision to not be too precious about it while also not being foolish so that I could enjoy my travels & experience pregnancy without fear. Sushi in Japan is considered a perfectly acceptable part of a healthy pregnancy diet as are wine, raw cheese, and charcuterie in moderation in many European countries. That said, I did say no thanks to the (raw) chicken sashimi (I kid you not) I was offered the other day. Maybe clean, but I was skeeved out. One thing I don’t mess around with is water. Only bottled water if there’s any question, and in countries with less food sanitation, I avoid *all* raw things, especially salad. Food sanitation is the most important factor in deciding what to eat and what not to for me. If in doubt, cook the hell out of it. Heat kills listeria. Period.

2. Expect a bit of tummy trouble.
That said, I’ve found that an upset stomach is going to find me no matter what I eat, wherever I go. It finds me at home; it finds me abroad. Having an entire human being growing in the space previously devoted to digestion causes some trouble. This might be particular to me & my pregnancy, but I find that I’m much, much more susceptible to being ill. This may differ from person to person, but I find that every week or two I get a very upset stomach that keeps me up. It isn’t dangerous and is gone by morning, but my theory is that any and all foreign bacteria that my body might have just dealt with before is now making me icked out due to a lowered immune system & hobbled digestion during pregnancy.

3. Favor frequent smalls meals.
I’m hungry a lot. Yet due to the growing baby inside me, my stomach is smaller than ever. Any large meals also make me completely sick & miserable, so to avoid discomfort, eat frequent small amounts. For this reason I carry snacks, especially on long journeys. And don’t forget that (clean) water!

On the Go

1. Do less.
Cut what you think you can do in a day in half. Cut what you think you can do in a month by a quarter. This was and is still the hardest one for me. Walking all day around Tokyo I got to the point where I was in so much pain, I would have been afraid if I didn’t know it was round ligament pain. When you’re used to being able to go indefinitely and explore to your heart’s content, there’s a learning curve involved in deciding to see and do less. Everyone’s body is different, and you might have more pregnant stamina than I do, but I’m healthy and (relatively) young at 32, and it hasn’t been totally easy. Save yourself the discomfort, and accept ahead of time that your body is busy growing a person and therefore might not be able to do as much other stuff. That’s okay. Make lots of cafe stops, go to bed early, sleep late, and take down days. Seriously, if abroad for more than a week, take at least one “do nothing but hang around the room/neighborhood/bed” day.

2. There might be pain.
I didn’t count on this, but being on the road and traveling place to place frequently means my body has hurt. Feet, ankles, back, round ligaments. Since I’ve been traveling my ankles have swollen up like easter eggs once; I’ve almost collapsed due to round ligament pain (twice); my feet became sore/blistered because of swelling inside my normally ridiculously practical & comfy shoes; I’ve fractured a rib from bronchitis induced coughing; pinched a nerve in my neck; and my back feels about one wrong move away from being thrown out on any given day. Truth. Ouch. I didn’t expect any of that. I’ve never been particularly fragile. So, I sit at every opportunity. I rest. If you’re like me, this will all be really hard to wrap your mind around or even admit, and you’ll feel like an invalid. But you need to take care of your body. The fact is that when pregnant your immune system is lowered to stop your body from rejecting the baby hence you’re more susceptible to infections like coughs, colds, and the flu. Couple that with the transformer stuff your bones and organs are pulling and you have a body far more fragile than you’d dealt with before. At least that’s been my experience.

3. Exercise!
On the flip side, don’t be scared to do some walking & get plenty of exercise, but if the pain gets to be the bad sort, stop. Travel really is great prenatal exercise, and staying active while pregnant is associated with all sorts of benefits for mother, baby, and delivery. Just stop when your body says stop. No need to treat yourself like a sick person, just remember to be gentle.

4. Keep an eye out for restrooms, and use them every time you see one.
When wandering big cities, keep an eye out for fast food chains: they have guilt-free bathrooms with no purchase. I’ve never been so happy to see a Japanese McDonalds in my life. Just try to resist the fries…

5. No scuba, no ski.
Just in case you weren’t aware. Generally nothing that involves a likelihood of you taking a spill. Unless you’re like me and simply existing involves a likelihood of you taking a spill. In which case…fall on your side. Don’t ask me or my skinned elbows & knees how we know that one.

6. Keep up with your progress using a pregnancy tracking app.
It’s nice when you’re not having check-ups super regularly to be able to follow along with the growth of your little and find out what’s happening to your body along the way. I use Ovia. It tells me what symptoms are normal for where I’m at in the process, and it tells me what size she is in terms of French patisserie, which I’m a fan of. It says at 21 weeks she’s the size of a large brioche à tête.

7. Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize.
It’s no secret that I’m not a germaphobe. I’ll eat anything, touch anything, go anywhere. I just am not naturally inclined to worry about it. But remember that lowered immune system? I carry antibacterial gel in my bag, and try to keep my hands as clean as possible. If I were better at it, I might not be sick right now. Do as I say, not as I do.

Lastly…Mindset

1. Expect the unexpected.
If you’re a first time mom like me, you’re going to have no idea what to expect from your body. Don’t expect the worst, don’t expect the best. Just let go of expectations, take each day as it comes, and always keep your & the baby’s health priority number one. Even if you’ve had one or two or ten kids before, every pregnancy is different so I’d wager expectations aren’t much more useful in that scenario either. Just be committed to rolling with whatever happens with positivity and reason.

2. Don’t live in fear.
The reality is babies are born every  day in myriad different conditions; we’re tough critters. That isn’t to say things can’t or won’t go wrong and complications don’t arise—they do—but to say that there’s no point living in fear of them. I don’t pack for what ifs, and I don’t life for them either. I let passion and opportunity take me, and if it seems prudent that I should cancel, hold back, or change plans I simply do and enjoy that alternative.

3. Just go.
Unless your doctor said not to. Then stay. Don’t overthink it. It’s not rocket science; it’s totally worth it (says the girl with a fractured rib!); most anything can be dealt with in developed countries; and language barriers are surmountable. If you want to travel pregnant and have no medical reason not to, just go. As someone who has had what I think could be considered rather bad luck this go around (this rib situation is seriously weak), I still say it’s 100% worth it.

Sources:

Bags We Carry

1. Away Bag
2. Ona Camera Bag

My favorite Loose Fitting + Layerable Clothes (that I’ll still wear when not pregnant!)

1. Elizabeth Suzann
2. Fog Linen
3. Hackwith Design
4. Lauren Manoogian
5. Base Range Bras (as a small chested girl that woke up one morning and was…ah…decidedly not, their soft bra has saved me!)

Comfortable Shoes

1. Dansko
2. Birkenstock

Other Great Articles on Traveling Pregnant:

1. Tips for Traveling While Pregnant – Fresh Exchange
2. Tips for Traveling While Pregnant – NYT
3. Tips for Traveling When You’re Pregnant – Lonely Planet
4. Pregnancy and Travel – American Pregnancy Association
5. Pregnant Travelers – CDC
6.Tips for Traveling While Pregnant – As the Bird Flies

Worn in this Post

Outfit 1: a traditional yukata (worn incorrectly as the left lapel should be over the right…oops!)
Outfit 2: coat from a little shop in Venice, Harper Tunic in natural linen & Florence Pant in black linen by Elizabeth Suzann, scarf by Blockshop Textiles
Outfit 3: kimono by Ace & Jig, top & pants (linked in outfit 2) by Elizabeth Suzann

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tags: advice, flight, flying, guide, how to, international, motherhood, plane, pregnancy, pregnant, tips, travel, traveling

51 thoughts on “Motherhood | Pregnant Travel Tips”

  1. Celeste says:
    April 10, 2016 at 4:08 am

    even though i’m not pregnant myself, i really loved this post. i love that you’re not changing your entire life because of your pregnancy and you’re still traveling, just with a slightly different approach. it reinforces the idea that travel really can be accessible to everyone– something i’m really passionate about. thank you! excited to have this bookmarked in my arsenal for the future. now i’m off to check out those away bags! they’ve been on my radar for a bit and i’m overdue for a new travel companion 😉

    Reply
    1. Laura ~ Raise Your Garden says:
      April 13, 2016 at 10:11 am

      Lovely post with great info. I think being pregnant and just feeling that life inside you is the most precious feeling ever. As a woman struggling with infertility and having my transfer tomorrow, I truly cherish every. single. pregnancy. Because it is a miracle that I can’t take lightly after all my heartbreak =) Best of luck you and wishing you blessings on this incredible journey.

      Reply
  2. Jess @ ordinarygirlextraordinarydreamer.com says:
    April 10, 2016 at 4:20 am

    I feel like I need to save this for “just in case” – absolutely fantastic advice, and it’s SO amazing to read about women who are still doing the things they love as they adapt to their new lives. Your child is very lucky to have such a strong mum 🙂

    Reply
  3. Miranda says:
    April 10, 2016 at 6:08 am

    Don’t really expect people in Portugal – or at least in the Lisbon area – to give you a seat in the tube or trains, even if it is that pne designated seat. I did a lot of rides on trains and tube during my pregnancy, and at six months my belly looked and felt like it was carrying full term triplets, I looke tired and discomforted and in pain, and no one offered me the seat for pregnant women on the tube. I was visibly pregnant, and yet had to travel standing on my swollen feet and ankles for twenty five minutes in huge discomfort. I even went so far as asking a person for the seat and they pretended not o hear. Still, as for the rest I had a fairly breezy nine months despite the kid’s size, though I did not travel outside my country. This is very sound advice, I was very much like you when it came to food, and yep, in POrtugal the ocasional glass of wine and charcuterie are not frowned upon. Sadly my baby did not see fit to it, wine had me in vomit fits and charcuterie as well as prawns tasted like paper…
    http://bloglairdutemps.blogspot.pt/

    Reply
  4. Johnna says:
    April 10, 2016 at 8:56 am

    Gorgeous list and words. This will be so helpful for so many. Your travels are so beautiful to follow and you carry her so sweetly. Best to you.

    Reply
  5. MissLilly says:
    April 10, 2016 at 9:06 am

    This is brilliant advice, thanks a lot! I’m 19 weeks now and about to go to Japan as well, which happens to be my dream trip. I always pack light and try to keep it as simple and as stress free as I can. The tip on the medicines is a must indeed. I hadn’t considered painkillers, but with my body changing so rapidly I have no clue how I will feel tomorrow, neither less in 2 weeks time. I always travel comfy and try to eat lots of water. I’ve also bought the compression socks to help out in the flight, but will try to see if I can get an upgrade so I have a bit more space for my legs! I’m taking slippers for the flight as well, so I can keep on going to the bathroom, which I’ll be doing quite regularly. I’ve already started applying the tip of going to the bathroom every time I see one, it does help!

    Reply
  6. Abby | Lace & Lilacs says:
    April 10, 2016 at 10:13 am

    You are so beautiful, Beth. I aspire to be a mother/woman like you someday. Adore. <3 (saving for waaaay future reference. 😉 )

    Reply
  7. Megan Gilger says:
    April 10, 2016 at 10:55 am

    Beth this is so good! I am so impressed with what you are doing while pregnant. SERIOUSLY. The round ligaments for me almost did me in when we traveled in London. It was so intense and at times I wondered if it was okay or not. All your advice is spot on. I am so excited for you and Matt as you close out this journey both traveling and entering parenthood. It is a true adventure but one with so much reward. Be kind to yourself every step of the way and remember you are doing something incredible. You are doing awesome.

    Reply
  8. Jb says:
    April 10, 2016 at 11:46 am

    This is all very useful. However, I couldn’t help disagreeing with the above comment that “it’s great that your not changing your life” just because you’re pregnant. As someone who has had a baby and seen the profound ways it does indeed change your life and family, I think that pushing through pretty serious ailments like double bouts of bronchitis and fractured ribs only points to a deep-seated desire to keep life exactly the same, despite the little girl growing inside you, who needs lots of tender care—as do you! I really doubt that all of these problems would’ve befallen you had you just decided to stay home for your second trimester. So, I guess what I’m trying to say here is be kind to yourself. Your life will change whether you want it to or not. And if you think you had a hard time on the road while pregnant, try to imagine how it might be for a tiny baby to be doing this kind of traveling once she is born–with no real immune system to speak of. I hope you slow down and realize this. And I wish you all the very best on your journey into motherhood.

    Reply
    1. beth says:
      April 10, 2016 at 7:08 pm

      I appreciate your concerns & I think you can understand that no one is more concerned for our daughter & my health than my husband and I! You have nothing to worry about and can rest assured that whether I’m in my own bed or a riad or a futon in Japan I take all necessary medical precautions and care for my health & the health of my pregnancy before all else. I’m very fortunate—my doctor is not in the least bit concerned (she says at home & abroad pregnant women get sick—my own mother had pleurisy at home while pregnant!) and that I’m one of the lowest risk women she’s seeing & everything is going great! And she says the real danger for pregnant women (and people in general) is an inactive lifestyle and being overweight…both of which I’m vigilant about & travel actually helps! Lots of (pregnancy safe!) exercise & healthy eating here for baby. I understand that you can’t be a fly on the wall in our reality but you can trust we make changes for the best every day! If our doctors, doula, or pediatrician ever voiced concerns about our lifestyle (so far everyone is very positive!) we’d be the first to reconsider. : )

      Reply
      1. Sarah says:
        April 11, 2016 at 5:47 pm

        lovely post, and lovely response to well-meaning concerns! There is no universal “right” way, except as what makes a person happy and healthy!

        Reply
    2. Nicola Miller says:
      April 12, 2016 at 11:05 am

      You have no choice but to push through and I’m sure Beth, as an intelligent and sentient woman, does what it best for her. And this will be best for her unborn child too.

      It’s utter nonsense to suggest that bronchitis would not have happened had Beth stayed at home (what an utterly daft thing to say- women all over the world have to travel for work while pregnant, you know). Viruses and bacteria do exist in ones own environment unless you live in a hermetically sealed box. And then you’ll fuck up your babies immune system when it is born and needs to develop one of its own.

      You say you are well meaning but your post smacks of judgement. And as the mother of several adult children, I can assure Beth that actually, it is very psychologically unhealthy to become a bloody slave to your children, altering your lives beyond all recognition in the belief that parenting is some kind of competition. There are always people who will judge you according to their own odd standards Beth, but ignore them. Do what you know is best and good luck.

      Reply
  9. Theodora says:
    April 10, 2016 at 1:05 pm

    I am so happy for you! I am now 18 weeks pregnant and I can totally relate to the fear that some day (not far from now) life will be no longer my own. I never in a million years thought I could feel this way as this was a very much wanted and expected pregnancy. I am not feeling any movement yet but I hope that feeling her move will bring me mentaly closer to her. Loved your post, very useful tips and info. Enjoy your magical journey.

    Reply
  10. Liss says:
    April 10, 2016 at 3:48 pm

    Helpful post. Lovely photos.
    What are you traveling for? Is it photo shoots? pleasure? Very cool your husband gets to come along so much.

    Reply
    1. beth says:
      April 10, 2016 at 6:49 pm

      I travel for work (I host photography retreats), and then when they’re over we travel a bit & research to write travel guides & to just explore!

      Reply
      1. Liss says:
        April 21, 2016 at 2:36 am

        Thanks!

        Reply
  11. Peppermint Dolly says:
    April 10, 2016 at 5:04 pm

    Fantastic post, glad to hear you and your family are all healthy and happy!

    Rxx

    http://www.peppermintdolly.com

    Reply
  12. Justine says:
    April 10, 2016 at 6:48 pm

    I live in Japan and know that for the most part here, the beds are not comfortable. You didn’t even mention it, you’re amazing 🙂

    Reply
  13. Linh says:
    April 11, 2016 at 1:28 am

    It’s amazing how you can travel a lot and produce meaningful content here when 22 weeks pregnant! I really enjoyed the post and photos and I love your sweater by the way 🙂

    Reply
  14. Catherine says:
    April 11, 2016 at 1:52 am

    Pregnant in Japan, I can tell you that nobody, even the day before you give birth, will give you a seat in a subway in Tokyo ( in 9 months I got two times a seat: once thanks to a 40 years old woman who probably experienced the same and thanks to a young man who was psychologically disturbed and as soon as he gave me the seat he asked me to stand up!). A baby in a belly does not really “exist”, I guess that is why getting an abortion is so easy. But as soon as the baby is born, everybody stand up to give you a seat. The little one is a king. Badge did not exist in my time there.
    And I agree with you, if you are in good health, travel before or after the baby is born. Pregnancy is not a sickness!

    Reply
  15. Carol says:
    April 11, 2016 at 3:16 am

    Your life with change Beth, it will just become a different kind of life. I completely understand the fear surrounding the loss of self, I felt that when I had my son. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of creating time for yourself post birth. It’s vital. If you’re depleted & your metaphorical bowl is empty it can become fertile ground for frustration & resentment.

    It’s a tough terrain to navigate for sure. But what a journey it is 🙂

    Reply
  16. Laura Mitbrodt says:
    April 11, 2016 at 3:29 am

    These are all some great tips and amazing photos
    xo
    http://www.laurajaneatelier.com

    Reply
  17. Ellie says:
    April 11, 2016 at 5:24 pm

    Oh, how I understand every single one of those woes and joys, Beth! It’s always a feeling of unknown yet familiarity and I remember 3 years ago how I would be so excited one hour, and worried that she wasn’t kicking the next. 😀 Hang in there and keep relishing every moment! And I’m loving your hair~such gorgeous locks of brown.

    Reply
  18. Rob Connoley says:
    April 11, 2016 at 7:45 pm

    Beautiful, as others have said, both you and the photos. I”m happy that you’re enjoying travel and giving baby an adventurous life even before they are born!

    Reply
  19. Zoe Henshall says:
    April 13, 2016 at 2:40 pm

    Hi Beth
    As a lover of your entire social media , blog, etc and mother to two kids who were big babies (does 11lbs translate, I am uk based), I would really recommend trying a bump sling/support that helps take some pressure off your lower ligaments. As you grow it helps do what your two hands will naturally start to, and supports your bump when standing or walking. Having said that I got so huge bump-wise, I always thought a bump trolley to wheel your tummy on would have been a great invention! Japan may be a great place to look for these. They do a traditional wrap for warming the lower back girdle area. We use them for easing period pains. Best of luck 🙂

    Reply
  20. Karen says:
    April 13, 2016 at 11:11 pm

    Gorgeous photos and great post! I’m 37 weeks pregnant at this point and I didn’t travel many exotic places but I went camping in my first trimester and to California at the end of my second and I can attest to most of these tips. My bottom line is really to always be comfortable. Luckily all the traveling and moving prevented me from getting bloaty so that was a plus!

    Reply
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  23. Jen says:
    April 15, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    Fist bump from one late-term international flyer to another. I did my last overseas trip at about 32 weeks right in under the wire. You’ll be fine – the only thing is that extremely late term, the pressure on your belly feels more intense, but if you just keep hydrating you’ll probably just feel queasy when you land. Cheering you on – you got this.

    Reply
  24. best soap for says:
    April 15, 2016 at 8:35 pm

    Motherhood (2009) – IMDb

    Reply
  25. Joanna says:
    April 15, 2016 at 9:18 pm

    I just read this today, and so when I heard about the earthquakes you came to mind immediately. I hope you are safe.

    Reply
  26. Pingback: » Weekend Inspiration
  27. Madeleine à bicyclette says:
    April 17, 2016 at 6:06 am

    So much beauty and tenderness in those pictures. I’m sure that your little one is enjoying in a sweet cocoon. Thank you for your wonderful pictures through Japan!

    Reply
  28. Emily Thompson says:
    April 17, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    Hey lady – I just want to say how much I’ve enjoyed following along with you three on this trip. I think you are incredibly brave and I have loved watching your life make the biggest of transitions over the last year. We’re so happy for you three and wish you all the best and never-ending adventures.

    Reply
  29. myriam / rhubarb! rhubarb! rhubarb! says:
    April 17, 2016 at 10:23 pm

    i completely agree with you about not following the “american pregnancy diet.” i far favour the probiotics in fermented foods over any fear of listeria, and eating real fish over taking omega-3 supplements. besides, i developed a carb intolerance late in pregnancy that would have left me with nothing to eat if I were not so flexible with my diet.

    Reply
  30. poeticmorsels says:
    April 20, 2016 at 4:01 am

    I am just so very very happy to know that you are pregnant and its a girl for both of you. It is just lovely reading your blog and I came back after ages (was a silent reader though). I am so happy for you, trust me.
    I don’t know whether you will read it or not, but hey my warmest wishes to you and your husband, you make such a beautiful couple. You are glowing, like anything. much love to you Beth. And take care. love you

    Reply
  31. Daisy says:
    April 26, 2016 at 11:55 pm

    Beautiful post, Beth! I loved how you described the 3 of you already being a family & imagining your baby experiencing the bumps of travel in her safe place.

    And though I’m not pregnant & traveling myself (just the traveling part), your post has so many great tips & covers a lot of aspects. Will definitely be sharing with my pregnant friends!

    Reply
  32. Regina says:
    May 1, 2016 at 4:57 pm

    Beth,
    I always understood, perhaps misunderstood, that it was recommended for pregnant women to to soak in hot tubs and I couldn’t help but notice that you were soaking every chance you got (as I would too!). Is there any truth to this? I’m sure you must have some input.

    Reply
  33. Regina says:
    May 1, 2016 at 4:57 pm

    Beth,
    I always understood, perhaps misunderstood, that it was not recommended for pregnant women to soak in hot tubs and I couldn’t help but notice that you were soaking every chance you got (as I would too!). Is there any truth to this? I’m sure you must have some input

    Reply
    1. beth says:
      May 1, 2016 at 5:02 pm

      While you certainly don’t want to get overheated, soaking in a warm bath isn’t dangerous. The Japanese rescinded their ban in pregnant women in onsens in 2014 citing a complete and total lack of any scientific evidence that it was harmful and they even wondered how pregnant women got on the list in the first place!

      Reply
  34. Diana says:
    May 6, 2016 at 10:00 am

    I have a feeling I’ll get back to this post over and over again this year … 🙂

    Reply
  35. Camilla / Blueberrytales says:
    May 9, 2016 at 4:14 am

    I loved reading this post! I brings so many wonderful memories back from when I was pregnant (in my 2nd trimester) and we went to Japan, too. It feels like it was just yesterday we traveled around in this beautiful country for one month. But in just a few days one year will have passed and my son is turning 6 months!

    It’s amazing to travel while pregnant but it’s even more amazing to travel with your baby. It will be different, but in a good way. We just arrived home from a month of roadtripping along the west coast in the US. I’m so glad we just went even though our son was just 4 and half month old when we left but he managed everything just perfect! We can’t wait to go and explore more the World with our little baby!

    Reply
  36. Sarah says:
    May 15, 2016 at 5:33 am

    What a lovely and thoughtful post Beth. I travelled to Indonesia when pregnant with both of my children, and loved it! We’ve also travelled to Vietnam and Indonesia again with our kids at various ages (6 months, 18 months, 2 years old) and all I can say is that you’ll love traveling with your daughter once she is born. Sure, some things are different – you have to factor in nap times and late night bar hopping doesn’t happen so much. But! There are so many other experiences that come to you because of the kids – you meet local people and families that you may never have met otherwise, and you get to experience travel through your daughters’ eyes, a very special thing! Wishing you all the love and adventure for your growing family.

    Reply
  37. Stacy says:
    May 27, 2016 at 9:10 am

    Excellent advices for pregnant women who go on a journey!
    Thank you for the inspiration <3

    Sincerely, Stacy from http://www.stacyco.com

    Reply
  38. Miss-E says:
    May 30, 2016 at 7:52 am

    From a former doula to you… you do you.

    You are an intelligent woman, and you’ve done your own research. Of course, there will always be the ones who will try to tell you how to live. I might do things differently, but that’s okay. I’m a different person. Loved reading this list. Mindfulness and awareness are powerful and when pregnant (and when not). I’m sure you were aware when writing this post, that it would possibly create dissonance with some. Thank you for sharing and being so open, regardless.

    Reply
  39. Mel says:
    May 30, 2016 at 5:41 pm

    What a lovely, thoughtful post. I am currently trying to get pregnant and have a trip to Europe coming up. I will be referencing back to this! May I ask what shoes you are wearing in these photos? I see the Birkenstock link but yours don’t look like Birks. They seem like the perfect sandal. Thank!

    Reply
  40. Rachael says:
    June 10, 2016 at 12:19 am

    This was such a great post. It’s refreshing to see someone who isn’t following the typical pregnancy advice re: food you can eat and what you can/can’t do. I travelled in Korea when I was pregnant and couldn’t bear the thought of not having some raw fish, and was glad I did so. As you say, as long as it’s from a reputable source, you should be fine.

    Also, I loved your Koya-san post from last year. I’m finally headed there this November and can’t wait.

    Reply
  41. Bea says:
    October 26, 2017 at 5:53 pm

    What a great post to bookmark for future reference. I enjoyed reading all your tips and most of all your personal experience travelling while pregnant. I admire the courage and fearless attitude you have and you truly inspire me to continue to travel no matter what.

    Reply
  42. Blog voyage says:
    December 22, 2017 at 3:35 pm

    Thanks you so much for sharing your experience. Really helpful !

    Reply
  43. Coco in the Kitchen says:
    January 5, 2018 at 11:48 pm

    Love the photo of you by the window overlooking the Japanese garden!
    Congrats on your beautiful Eulalie, too. She reminds me of my Daisy who’s already 6.
    It’s hard to imagine where the time’s gone. Enjoy every moment!

    Reply
  44. Dulci says:
    February 10, 2018 at 12:46 am

    We traveled extensively when I was pregnant and this post was so helpful to me 🙂

    I learned a few things about doing it comfortably (and safely) and wanted to share with other mamas out there:

    http://www.thefarandnear.com/blog/2016/9/15/pregnant-and-traveling

    Hope this helps!
    xxDulci

    Reply

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