so... Paris, once again...
As I mentioned before (about a billion times), our trip was an unconventional one, planned and yet full of question marks. We bought tickets waaay in advance - understandable, considering the situation, but we had no idea how thing are going to go pregnancy-wise. Most of the airlines and doctors will allow you to fly till the end of 7th month, to avoid complications, but then again, being allowed to do sth and actually doing it are two different things, aren't they?
Of course, I did my research, as I always do, to see if there are any other crazy mothers to be, planning romantic excursions just before the due-date. Most od the "Paris pregnancy" articles were about moving to France while pregnant etc or having your last holidays in the very beginning of your pregnancy. I also found a lot of "avoid flying and longer trips in your third trimester" advices. Well... we already had the tickets so I decided to just wait and see what happens.
After not-so-encouraging reading material, I was a bit sceptical, but, at the same time, determined as hell to make the most of it. And it wasn't bad at all! It was actually pretty great.
First of all, we booked air-BnB, making sure it is 1. - near the metro station; 2. - more or less in the centre; 3. - has an elevator(!!!).
After a day of galleries, gardens and cobbled streets, the last thing you want to do is climb 5 cases of steep stairs, no matter how romantic it may seem to stay in one of those old Parisian attics.
As my feet started to swell on the day of our departure, I've noticed every step we had to climb, and there was no end to it. Forget Monte Martre or arc the triumph (yes, I did climb both!), stairs are everywhere! Metro stations, museums, galleries, gardens, shops... it may not seem like much to those with normal size feet, but after few hours in the softest ballet flats I was dreaming of crocks - yes, the ugliest shoes in the world!
So, if you are planning late pregnancy holidays - get yourself a pair of flip-flops or Uggs (or sth alike), depending on the season.
Second of all, your pregnant belly will work like a VIP pass nearly everywhere! I had some misgivings about blatantly using my "condition" to skip queues, use special entries and such, but it was such a comfort and time saver, I decided to screw missgivings and use it while I could.
Then there was a food conundrum. There is the whole list of things you are not supposed to eat while pregnant: seafood, pineapples, papayas, soft-boiled eggs etc. and then there is soft cheese, foie gras and wine... Apparently, it's safer to skip salads and red meet too.
To cushion the blow of not trying some culinary staples, I concentrated on desserts and... snails. As far as I know they are safe to eat and oh-so-delicious! Plus a sip of red wine every now and then is supposed to be ok too. To be on a safer side, skip fresh fruits and veggies (unless you wash them yourself), shellfish, red meat and cheese and you are good to go. Honestly, with all the macarons, creme brulee, baba au rhum, you will barely notice that you are missing something!
when it comes to safety, we didn't face any difficulties. Only two things that come to mind are the metro crowd and pick-pockets. Metro can get super crowded at times, and even though people usually will give you a seat, there is a fair amount of pushing and shoving so whatch out for that. As for pick-pockets, it's a standard warning for every tourist around the globe. I would make extra sure that you are comfortable with your bag as guarding you documents and money can be more difficult with an XXL belly.
To sum it up, I think 3rd-trimester trip is a fab idea.
It takes your mind off the pregnancy/delivery stress, helps you refocus and gives you "a kick" of energy. It gives you a great opportunity to click your belly pics and document you pregnancy glow. Plus, who knows when will you have a chance for a "just the two of you" trip again? If you are tired or walking, there are cafes and parks everywhere, just sit and people watch with a macaron in hand!
If your doctor gives you a green light - go for it!
