If you’ve been following along with us over the last week and a half, then you know I (Shannon) just returned from my Babymoon with my husband Bobby, where we spent 10 full days unplugged while enjoying the Cayman Islands. It was a vacation we had started planning over a year ago and knew would likely be our last big one before we’d welcome a little one.

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When we began to plan, we weren’t pregnant yet, but we knew there was a possibility it would happen within the year. As time went on, our vacation plans got pushed out further and further and before we even set a date, we found out we were expecting our first baby boy! After mapping out our desired destination and figuring out the best timing based on work and personal commitments, it turned out we’d be traveling while I was six months pregnant.

Initially, there was a little concern from my end being that this is my first pregnancy. I wasn’t sure if traveling abroad that far along was a concern, so I called my physician to discuss. Fortunately, our doctor did not see any issue with our plans and gave me the official ok to book the trip. As we began to count down the days, I also started making a list of several travel essentials I knew my pregnant body would appreciate while traveling a long distance, and I have to say, they didn’t disappoint. So, here it is friends my:

 Top 10 Pregnancy Travel Essentials

1. Medical Masks

I’m no stranger to getting sick while pregnant. As luck would have it, I got sick twice in December when it is rare for me to get sick at all! I started the month with a head cold I contracted after spending time with a family member who got it while traveling. And just when I thought I was in the clear, I ended the month with a horrible sinus infection to ring in the new year. Getting sick is never fun, but try getting sick when there are few remedies to help you get through it in order to keep the baby safe.

After both of those experiences, I can say my number one goal for this trip was NOT to get sick! So, yes, I traveled with a healthy supply of medical masks to wear in case anyone near us appeared to be under the weather on our flight.

2. Sanitizer

Traveling with sanitizer to me is an essential whether you are pregnant or not. And since I am, you can bet I had both hand sanitizer as well as sanitizing wipes to do my best at disinfecting our travel area and our hands while traveling. As I settled in for each flight, you could find me wiping down the tray and seat backs, arm rests, and every other surface around us before strapping in. This mama wasn’t messing around this time!

3. Water Bottles

When I reached out to my doctor about traveling long distance, she gave me two specific instructions.

1. Stay hydrated.
2. Get up to walk around several times during each flight.

Knowing I should be consuming a gallon of water each day, I knew I’d need to prepare for the best way to remain hydrated. We all know those little cups of water the flight attendant gives out just aren’t enough. While you cannot bring bottles of water through security, you can bring empty vessels that can easily be filled near the gate area. That’s why I brought two empty water bottles along and would fill up just before we boarded.

4. Compression Socks

In addition to staying hydrated, maintaining blood flow and reducing discomfort and swelling in my legs was also a priority. I had never worn them before, but this trip, I gave compression socks a try, and they really seemed to have helped!

Four benefits of wearing compression socks:

1. Improved venous blood flow
2. Prevention of venous blood from pooling in the legs
3. Decreases the risk of blood clots
4. Lesson leg swelling

With that, I wore them during our flights and also a bit while we walked around various cities in Spain.

5. Comfy Attire and Shoes

This one is a given. Being six months pregnant, I’m all about yoga pants and oversized shirts right now! So, I knew while traveling I was going to want to be as comfortable as possible, especially on our flight.

I opted for a pair of joggers, a soft long sleeve tee, a maternity sweatshirt and the new SKECHERS Ultra Flex – First Take that are seriously SO comfy! They’re considered a walking shoe which were perfect for making our way through the airport and on sightseeing days. Plus, they are slip ons which means I didn’t have to try and bend over this pregnant belly to tie them!! Definitely, my favorite investment for this trip!

6. Belly Band

As my belly continues to grow, I’ve noticed how my lower back has been impacted. If it’s not well supported while I am sitting or being active, it can be extremely painful. Because we were seated in flight for an extended period of time and bustling around busy airports, I decided to bring a belly band to provide a little extra support intermittently to my back and pelvic area.

Please note, too much compression can have negative effects on circulation and blood pressure, so it is always advised to consult your physician before using one.

7. Travel Pillows

A neck pillow is a must for me while traveling and becoming pregnant has not changed that sentiment. I tend to fall asleep during flights, and there’s nothing worse than waking up with a neck cramp because it wasn’t supported. I also brought a back pillow to provide extra support for my lower back, which I used for the duration of both our flights.

8. Noise Canceling Headphones

Sleep isn’t exactly what it used to be as my body is preparing for our little guy, so anything to drown out the noise while I attempt to catch some zzz’s is a plus in my book! I actually have to give my husband all the credit for my noise cancelling headphones, because they were all his idea. Let’s just say I was pretty happy he picked some up for me.

9. Books

This year, one of my personal goals is to read more and what better time than while traveling. Surprisingly, I hadn’t read any books yet to prepare me for motherhood, so I reached out to some friends for their favorites. I got my hands on Babyproofing Your Marriage, but here are a few others that were recommended to me:

• Happiest Baby on the Block
• The Baby Owner’s Manual
• The Sh!t No One Tells You
• Welcome to the Club

10. Snacks

And last, but certainly not least, I toted along a bag FULL of snacks! In fact, it was so full, I had Bobby check one of his carry on’s so we could bring it on flight with us. It was full of salty and sweet bites that kept my hunger satisfied during our almost 17 hours of travel each way!!

So, tell me, what are your favorite pregnancy travel essentials? Have you found something that makes traveling pregnant more comfortable? If so, I’d love for you to share them in the comments below!

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