After enjoying a good Pre-natal Massage and Pure Organic Facial, as mentioned in the last chapter of The Mommyhood Series (click here to read more), I headed for a trip to Taiwan with Hubby, my best friend and her hubby.
This trip was discussed and planned more than a year ago, and has somehow become my accidental babymoon now that I was expecting. I was 1.5 weeks shy of 7 months into my pregnancy when the trip commenced in April.
About 1 week before travelling, the gynaecologist examined me, and then issued a letter to certify that I was fit for travel. This letter is very essential especially if we are above 20 weeks pregnant, mainly for health reasons.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Take note that your travel insurance does NOT cover pregnancy and its related medical fees (hospitalization, surgery, GP consultations or purchase of medications). Your private MediShield plans do not cover pregnancy complications as well.
For pregnancy-related coverage, you'll need to get either:
- maternity insurance by a local insurer, such as AIA, AXA, Great Eastern, Prudential etc. The extend of coverage would be anything from $5000 to $20,000; or
- international health insurance with pregnancy coverage, such as MyHealth, Worldcare, Allianz, Bupa, Cigna, etc. These offer pregnancy coverage including your consultations, vaccinations, delivery and complications etc, up to millions of dollars, depending on the package you choose. The only 2 drawbacks are that premiums are exorbitant, and you need a waiting period of 9 months.
Speak to individual insurers to find out more (the above is just a guide).
MEDICATION
Prepare pregnancy-friendly medicine for the trip, in the event we fall sick and there are no hospitals or clinics nearby. Simple ailments such as fever or tummy aches warrant for Panadol and Po Chai Pills, both safe for pregnancy (please double check with your gynae as each person's body is different).
The Do's
- Book flights in advance and select a comfortable seat with good leg space.
- Pack shoes that are comfortable for walking.
- Have your gynae's number on hand to call in case of abnormalities (i.e. blood in urine).
- Avoid food that's too exotic or prepared in an environment that does not appear very hygienic.
- Beware of slippery surfaces (outdoors during rain or snow; bathroom floors, etc).
- Bring antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer (personal hygiene is very crucial).
The Don'ts
- Excessive cold drinks.
- Thrill rides (we visited a theme park with exciting rides)
- Exertive sports
- Over-buy infant clothes for 0-3 months old
- (Babies outgrow clothes like crazy).
- Be too stressed out during the trip (i.e. hectic schedule by package tours).
- Carry heavy stuff (let the porters handle your luggage).
- Visit very crowded places where you might get bumped into alot.
- Go for full body massage or hot springs (the latter is an enjoyment in Taiwan where we went; I had to skip it).
For the next series, we shall take a look at the endless shopping list to prepare for, for the arrival of the little bundle of joy.
Backtracks
(ii) The Honeymoon Series
(iii) The Nuptial Series
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