Contrary to what you might have heard, a carefully planned trip while you’re pregnant can actually be very beneficial if you approach it in the right way.

Travel is an opportunity to sit back, take stock, and escape your everyday routine, and with some savvy preparation you’ll be able to take a trip you’ll never forget. Here are four reasons why you should travel when you’re pregnant.

1. It’s a chance to relax before your baby arrives

Your little one will be here before you know it, so make the most of being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want.

Enjoy the peace and quiet, spend some quality time with your partner or travel companion, and do as much as little as you like. The important thing is to listen to your body, so put your feet up and get plenty of rest when you need to.

Why is resting during pregnancy important?

• Pregnancy can be tiring and rest helps to recharge your batteries.
• When you’re stressed, the baby is stressed too, so both of you will feel better if you relax and take it easy. Happy, chilled out mom = happy, chilled out baby.

2. You can explore places closer to home

Even if your pregnancy is completely healthy, it’s best not to stray too far when you travel while pregnant. This gives you the opportunity to look at nearby destinations instead.

A two-hour flight will take you far away enough for it to feel like an escape from the everyday, plus you’ll still get to experience a different way of life.

Alternatively, you could take a road trip and find a bolthole in your home country. A low-key city break or countryside retreat can be just as fun as a holiday abroad — and you don’t even need to remember your passport.

3. You can still try new things

Pregnancy doesn’t mean you have to shield yourself from new experiences — you just need to take extra precautions. Avoid adventure sports or anything that might result in falls or sudden movements (both of these can be harmful to your baby). Gentle walking and swimming are both healthy for pregnant women, and you could even try prenatal yoga.

Don’t feel like you have to miss out on the local cuisine, either. Although there are foods you can’t consume, a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, carbohydrates and lean protein will nourish both you and baby (ask the chef if you have any concerns).

According to the NHS, these are the foods to avoid during pregnancy:

• Soft cheese with white rind
• Blue cheese
• Pâté
• Raw or partially cooked eggs
• Raw or undercooked meat
• Liver
• Game
• Fish liver supplements
• Vitamin A
• Shark, swordfish or marlin
• Raw fish

4. You can treat yourself

Whether you visit a museum you’ve been meaning to explore or book that spa treatment you’ve always wanted to try, now is the time to indulge. Many hotels offer packages for expectant couples, so make the most of any extras and enjoy your time away.