I really don't think you have to worry about anything at all, Caroline. And you'll LOVE swimming here - the salty water makes for great buoyancy and your baby will probably kick in happiness! Enjoy your vacation!

Thank you so much!!

Carolinesc7,

Some doctors down here have cautioned against drinking cistern water. So you might want to order bottled water.

This is an odd one, but don't touch iguanas. They carry salmonella.

Also, be careful about eating local fish. There's been some research re: mercury that I'm sure you're familiar with.

Above all, be sure to stay hydrated! It's been warm lately, and with your increased blood volume and hormones, you may get overheated quickly.

Other than that, enjoy! STT Res is correct- being in the water is relaxing and lovely. 🙂

Enjoy your time in St. Thomas!

Best,

LR

My wife and I traveled frequently while she was pregnant last year. I would definitely drink bottled water. The water in the house where we last stayed was brown. Be sure also to avoid large fish because of the mercury factor (tuna, tarpon, swordfish, etc). If in doubt, as 'is this a large fish?'. It never hurts.

By the way,are dairy products generally pasteurized down there? (I heard they are, but just want to make sure....)

General advice:

Make a copy of your insurance card, keep it in your safe. That way if your wallet(s) are stolen you still have the information you'll need for medical care. (This also goes for credit cards. How will you know what number to call to cancel the card if you don't have a copy of BOTH sides?!)

Do up a little sheet before you leave home with your due date and any other timely pertinant information regarding your pregnancy, your doctor's name and office phone number. Carry one copy yourself and have your hubby carry another copy. If either or both of you are incapacitated at least the medical provider will have that information available to them.

It's a bummer to give up a window seat, but sit on the asile. Easier to stretch your legs (prevent DVT), shift to get comfortable and to get up for the bathroom without disturbing everyone in your row.

Take a sleep mask and ear plugs. It's hard enough to get good sleep when you're pregnant, but early sunrises and roosters don't help. Besides, it makes napping a lot easier.

I've read that DEET is ok for pregnant women, but if you want to avoid it as much as you can, I've had really good luck with Burt's Bees Insect Repellant. You smell like Pledge, but it could be worse.

Have a great time!
Jennifer

Wifey and I travelled when she was 5 mos pregnant. No worries what so ever. Have fun and enjoy yourself.

CarolineSC,

Yes, the products you buy in the grocery stores are generally pasteurized. Read labels just to be sure. Anything (I believe!) from St. Thomas Dairies is reconstituted. We drink MacArthur/Crowley milk from Marina Market or Food Center.

Same as you would in States, stay away from "suspect" items like imported cheeses. Had a good friend get very sick from unpasteurized imported cheese from a fancy shop down here. I don't want to stir up craziness, so PM me if you want the full story- it's kind of funny.

All the best,

LR

Have your hubby dig a "belly hole" in the sand and enjoy a nap on your tummy!!

Have fun!