International travel can be stressful but the added pressure of jet setting while pregnant can add additional stress. Mom to-be Diana Pollidore let me borrow her belly for insight and tips on how to travel while pregnant in style.

This mommy on the move ventured to the uber fabulous Trinidad Hyatt Regency for some fun in the sun with her bun-in-the-oven.

Here's her story:

Diana:

While I was five months pregnant, my husband and I decided to vacation in Trinidad. It was my third trip to the country, so I was prepared for the weather and culture, however I quickly learned that traveling while pregnant made my journey a completely different experience.

My first lesson was learned before we even left the Atlanta airport. I only had a sandwich and snack before I left the house but the three hour delay of our flight departure in addition to the five hour flight made the start of our adventure even more daunting. My solution was to purchase a “real” meal, one with a meat, starch and veggies to save the day.

Lesson Learned: Plan ahead, eat a full meal prior to departure and bring snacks with you since dining at the airport can be costly and inconvenient if you have food restrictions.

I also learned that traveling coach while pregnant required some extra considerations for comfort. I had to use the airline pillow and blanket as an extra layer of seat cushioning because I found the seat became uncomfortable after 3 hours.

Also, although I prefer window seats, I found it a little unpractical for those pesky but unavoidable multiple trips to the bathroom. Something to consider before you secure your seat.

Don’t feel guilty about using your pregnancy “pass”, particularly in long lines like customs. Most people are sensitive to pregnant women so if you have been standing in line too long, ask to be moved to the front.

Visiting Port of Spain, Trinidad

Trinidad is the second wealthiest Caribbean nation, and is no stranger to luxury. However for this pampered, pregnant, princess, the place to stay was the Trinidad Hyatt Regency.

This spectacular hotel not only boasts a breath taking view of the Caribbean Sea it employs some of the best staff that I have encountered.

After checking into our fabulous temporary home, I took a nap in one of the most tantalizing beds I have ever encountered. I can't express how much joy that bed brought me after our extended journey! It felt delicious to lie down and let the stress ooze away from my body under the opulent sheets.

Lesson learned:
Some moms-to-be find sleeping in an unfamiliar bed challenging especially during your second and third trimester, so confirm that your hotel or boarding facility has a soft, pillow top bed. Also body pillows are wonderful if available, if not request extra pillows to help customize the most comfortable slumber arrangements. (The Hyatt had a fabulous pillow menu available for me to choose from.)

Enjoying the journey:

Our trip included a visit to the Chaguaramas golf course, Maracas Bay and Salybia beaches, a tour of the northern part of the island and shopping. At the golf course, we opted to enjoy the driving range instead of playing a full 9 holes to reduce the amount of walking I had to do. After our workout, I used the beach time to talk and bond to my baby. My little one and I have developed a pattern of me speaking and her kicking at particular times during the day. So I really enjoyed our "special" time in this exotic locale. As an extra treat, I had a pre-natal massage at the exceptional Hyatt spa. I must say it was the best massages that I have ever had. It was a great way to reset my mind and body to a peaceful state.

As far as the palate is concerned, it is very hard to adhere to the American rules about eating seafood while pregnant when in a Caribbean country. I did my best and must say that I didn’t feel as though I was missing something with all the wonderful dining choices we had at the Hyatt.

We ate regularly at Cinnamon which offered croissants, muffins and other small bites in the morning. I tried the ham and cheese croissant and blue berry muffin, it was yummy!

Also room service was quite delightful and with great presentation. In addition, we ventured out to Mangoes, a local hang out, and had lunch. My curry lamb, potatoes and veggies were superb and at a good price. I made snack packs daily to ensure I had food to eat at all times. A cranky preggo makes for poor company.

I absolutely love to be in water, particularly pools or saltwater. If you are anything like me, during your pregnancy you will tend to wake up early (like 8 or 9am) so the sun is not too hot. That is a perfect time to exercise in the pool which is great for your body and tan! The infinity pool at the Hyatt set the mood for an enticing day.

Water aerobics are safe for the baby and fun for mommy so lather up in sunscreen especially on your belly and jump in. I created a routine consisting of leg lifts to help with the increasing cellulite, stretching, walking/treading the water, and squats.

I also found that swimming laps can help you practice your breathing techniques and build endurance. Importantly, after your exercise regimen, indulge in a fruit smoothie after the workout as a reward.

We spent our evenings in the outdoor lobby seating area with it's beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea. In the evenings, the hotel had bands or someone playing a steel pan as well as bar & food service. My husband and I would just sit outside and talk and enjoy the romance of the night.


Below are some tips to keep you and your travel partner happy while traveling while pregnant:

* Make sure you eat before you leave the house and if you are flying then eat at the airport once you reach the gate. You never know how long you will wait before the flight departs. Just in case your flight is delayed or you have to sit on the runway waiting to take off.

*Wearing breathable clothing and comfortable shoes will ensure that you don’t get left behind on tours. Be cautious of the air you are breathing when in an industrial area particularly taxi stands, ferries or car parks/garages.

*Schedule bathroom breaks when you organize your vacation schedule or daily activities.

*Carry your own tissue and soap because it is expensive in most Caribbean countries and some local bathrooms do not always have them.

*Bring an empty water container, a size that can easily fit in your carry on luggage or purse, so you can fill it up using the water fountain inside the airport.

*If traveling with your partner/significant other, sometimes it is a good idea to have two double beds so that you can have a nice restful, sleep

*Use the extra pillows to support your new sleeping requirements such as one under your back, one between your legs and two under your head

*When planning activities, DON’T over do it; know your physical limitations – I had a habit of committing to an activity only to realize in the midst of the activity that it wasn’t a smart idea.

*Research and print copies of all of the hospitals for each city you visit while traveling

* Most importantly....Have Fun!