Allman, a Sydney-based travel writer, initially dismissed the term 'babymoon' as a marketing ploy but decided to take the trip with her husband as a last chance for child-free travel. They chose Hayman Island in the Whitsundays during her second trimester.
At the resort's spa, manager Milli Jacobs said she treats four or five pregnant women each week. 'We've deliberately tailored our spa menu to suit pregnant women, knowing most will only want an hour to 90 minutes in a treatment,' Jacobs said. The spa uses pregnancy-safe oils from Australian skincare company Subtle Energies.
Allman noted a circular pillow that allowed her to lie on her stomach during the massage, an uncommon comfort for pregnant women. Most pregnancy massages require side-lying, which limits pressure application.
Dr Ooi said the second trimester, between about 13 and 26 weeks, is generally the sweet spot for travel. 'That’s when most people are feeling their best, they’re over the nausea and vomiting of the first trimester, and they’re not too heavy and uncomfortable yet,' she said, adding that it also presents the lowest risk of complications.
Airline policies vary; Qantas allows travel up to 40 weeks on flights under four hours and up to 36 weeks on longer flights, with a medical certificate required after 28 weeks. Dr Ooi recommends limiting travel before 36 weeks domestically and 32 weeks internationally, warning that early labour away from home could be problematic.
Pregnant women have a higher risk of blood clots, so Dr Ooi emphasised hydration, regular movement on planes and compression stockings. She also advised avoiding destinations with mosquito-borne diseases like Zika virus and malaria, and carefully reading travel insurance fine print. Travel Insurance Direct covers uncomplicated pregnancies up to 26 weeks at no extra cost.
Allman, who stayed as a guest of the resort, said she was still mobile enough to hike, swim, snorkel and kayak. The InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef offers rooms from $550 per night with a three-night minimum, and a 'Reef & Rest Babymoon' package from $1,239 per night includes three nights in a pool access suite, daily breakfast, and a pregnancy spa and massage bundle.