5 Tips for Less-Stress Vacations During Pregnancy

MaryBeth LaRosa, of Granby, Connecticut, speaks from experience, "Make sure the adult you are traveling with (in my case, my husband) understands exactly what will be involved. Be specific and repeat the specifics often. This allowed [my husband] to become comfortable with what my needs were and to bypass any potential conflict."

Before your vacation, visualize a successful trip. This can aid in bringing down your stress level and start your trip on a positive note. "A marathon runner concentrates on crossing the finish line," explains Gurry, "Try to see the whole trip as being successful. See yourself letting go, relaxing, and not focusing on the difficulties—just relax."

Express Good Intentions

Start each day with a positive outlook. Gurry offers good advice, not only while vacationing, but for any time you may need to lower your stress level. "Spend five minutes in the morning to start your day with gratitude for your life," she says.

Specifically, she suggests you use these five minutes to:

• Express gratitude for your life (one minute).
• Silently express good wishes to your family, loved ones, friends, co-workers, and people you see throughout the day (two minutes).
• Visualize a good and successful day; focus on the positive outcome of your day (two minutes).

"Avoid focusing on the mistakes of others and yourself," says Gurry. "Pregnancy is not a good time to vacation with negative family members or friends who can deplete your energy, which is highly needed during pregnancy."