marvelousmouse

Not Justine, but...Night trains just aren't comfortable for a lot of people, even if not pregnant. It's not pain, it's discomfort, plus the chance you won't sleep well and be exhausted the next day. It often doesn't save money either, when you consider how cheap flights and lodging often are. I don't really understand why you recommend them to everyone, PalenQ. Why ride a night train when you can get wherever you're going in less time during the day, and then sleep in a (nonmoving) quiet hotel with a nice clean bathroom at night? If I was pregnant I'd especially want the bathroom. I have slept on a train before and I'll admit that it makes sense for some travelers. I just don't think it makes sense for most travelers and especially not for the OP, who already might be biting off more than they can chew energy wise.

bvlenci

I don't understand why Palenq should have refrain from suggesting night trains. They're certainly an option. I've used night trains often and have no trouble sleeping on them. The travel time is greater, but it's all during the night, leaving your days free.

And not all pregnant women are horribly uncomfortable in the second trimester. I wasn't.

The only thing I would suggest to Palenq is that he add a caveat when he suggests a night train, to the effect that they're not luxurious and that some people have trouble sleeping on a moving train.

justineparis

I thought I explained my reasons for no night trains quite concisely . hard to sleep and bathrooms down the hall. Pregnant women often have to get up at night to pee.. and pregnant women often find sleeping on narrow bunks not that comfy.

TexasAggie

I went to Italy 11 through 14 weeks pregnant with my second kiddo. Fatigue was the biggie at that stage, especially since my older son was a toddler and still super attached to mommy.
Just remember to drink a lot of water. You do not, do not, do not want to dehydrate while pregnant. Also plan flexibility into your itinerary. You may find that what you planned is exhausting, your feet and legs could rebel and swell, you could have sciatica which makes walking excruciating, you just never know.

tomboy

OP-what is your contingency plan (regarding costs) if you need medical care?

PalenQ

. I don't really understand why you recommend them to everyone, PalenQ. Why ride a night train and then sleep in a (nonmoving) quiet hotel with a nice clean bathroom at night?>

Well listing them as options and the pluses is not recommending and I always list the negatives - always advising folks who are noise-challenged that there is always 'some noise from inside and outside the train'

bvlenci - I do not portray them as luxurious either but they are not - especially in private compartments - terribly uncomfy either.

I will continue mentioned them- not recommending them - as options pointing out the pros and cons. Lots of folks here say they are fine and lots say they are not.

<Why ride a night train when you can get wherever you're going in less time during the day,>
On the face of it that is nonsense and an advantage of night trains is saving daylight travel time even over flying which even for shortest flights takes a half-day or so. Indeed folks on a tight schedule may find maximizing time on night trains key as well as saving money usually on hotels (though some private compartments can cost a lot depending on the train).

Pointing out pluses and minuses is not recommending them - no one even mentioning them is not giving all the options one may not realize -night trains continue to decline so there are fewer and fewer of them anyway and an overnight train, especially with kids, can be a neat experience:

(Man in Seat 61 says: The Austrian-run Nightjet trains are great, and save a hotel bill, and our kids love bunk beds on a train. Photos & info at https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/nightjet.htm)

now he's talking about 4-person compartment with bunks -private doubles often have nicer beds than bunks in multi-person compartments.

Sassafrass

Why would being pregnant would have anything to do with night trains being less desirable than otherwise?

As pregnancy progresses, a toilet is needed more and more frequently, and may be less comfortable on a moving train and having to get up more often.

You board the night train at a specific time and get off at a specific time.

If, as in some cases, the woman tires more quickly, if they are in a hotel, she can take a nap, go to bed a bit earlier or sleep later.

Really, as in the case of raw dairy products, why take an unnecessary chance for something that is not important to have?

With trains, why be uncomfortable at all, if there is no need?

To the OP. Some women can just about run marathons during pregnancy. Some are so sick, they are in bed a lot. Both can happen at different time. So, be nice to yourself. Don't think a baby will end all your travels. Cut down a bit. Chill.

By the way, why are you getting a crying, screaming, vomiting, poop machine? I would cancel that order immediately and instead order a sweet, good sleeping, smiling, playful tiny human. Make sure it is a tiny human that likes to sing and learn poems. They are the most fun.

PalenQ

Why would being pregnant would have anything to do with night trains being less desirable than otherwise?

As pregnancy progresses, a toilet is needed more and more frequently, and may be less comfortable on a moving train and having to get up more often.>

OK a good reason to avoid night trains!

marvelousmouse

Private compartments are not cheap. That's my main objection in general. When you recommend doing it as a cost saving measure, you are almost always talking about an economy seat. I don't find that comfortable, and there are other ways to save money. If you're achy and sleep deprived the next day, you lose a lot more time than just that half day it would take for a short flight. A private compartment, I'll admit, would be a fun experience especially with kids, but it's something that you do for the experience, almost never to save money.

In specific- as Sassafrass asks, "why be uncomfortable at all if there is no need"? I will admit that women in my family are not the kind of pregnant woman who can run marathons, though! We're the kind of people who plan our days around the available restrooms. The OP won't know what kind she is until she's on the ground there, and it's better to err on the side of caution.

I loved your comment about changing the baby order, sassafrass! The musical poets are definitely the best kind!

Fuzzbucket- your little slice idea is disturbing. That is not how food contamination works. It doesn't matter how little you consume, it only matters that it was contaminated. It doesn't matter if 9 out of 10 babies suffer no ill effects of their expectant mother consuming high risk foods or beer with no ill effects- it matters that the last baby died or suffered long term health problems as a result.

PalenQ

When you recommend doing it as a cost saving measure, you are almost always talking about an economy seat>

No a couchette with a prefectly sleepable berth. But you are right about private compartments being expensive but probably cheaper than what most pay for hotels (I have no real clue but would say $200/night or more) - but yes I will try to clarify hotel-saving costs by qualifying type of berth.

But a 4-person compartment(couchette) say for families could be as cheap as $125-150 total for all 4 including train fare. (Paris-Venice has 49 euro berths + train fare for folks booking way in advance to guarantee these limited in number berths at that fare.)

But again yes you are right that what most folks want are private compartments which can be about same as hotel. Will be sure to point that out.

But no not a seat - regular seats rarely exist anymore on night trains but some have pullman-type reclining seats that cost very little if any above train fare. Hotel trains more and more have only 4-person or 6-person couchettes and private singles, doubles and triples.

marvelousmouse

That is a better price than I would have expected, but I still don't think the cost savings is worth 14 hours on a train. I can see where you are coming from, though, and it might make sense if your hotel is on the more expensive side. (I don't usually travel with my whole family, and no doubt hotel costs go up considerably when you need a room for 4+ people).

love_travel_Aus

Hi eekimus,

Greetings from very hot Adelaide - and it is only spring!

Agree with other posters suggesting to drop Iceland and one other place and add time to Paris/Rome/London.
Have been travelling from Oz to Europe for 40+ years, as a couple, and with three offspring but only once when pregnant.

We have done lots of winter visits and do note that we find it much colder than people who are used to real winters.
After all a cold day for us is 11C.

Think about making the most of your time as a couple and hence my suggestion to add more days to fewer places.
If you are really keen on Venice you can of course enjoy the romance of it being misty or wet - as it is always terribly romantic - at least to me!!
One of our favourite regions during winter is the Tyrol in Austria. Note we are not skiers but have enjoyed a few days in smaller towns with walks, sleigh rides, delicious food (safe as well!). In many cases the hotels offer full board, have spa facilities and cater for pregnant women in these.
A few days R and R in one of these hotels might make for a good re charge between the bigger cities.

Re clothing: I think someone mentioned getting Heat Tech gear from uniqlo. There is a large shop in Melbourne and their online service is excellent. These tops and leggings are really lightweight and dry quickly.
One other word of advice: warm and comfortable footwear.

So a few thoughts from an Aussie.
I will leave your diet and rest requirements up to you and your medical advisers/team.

Happy planning.