You may think you have travel figured out — you know how to pack your carry-on like a pro and know how to locate the best bargains on everything from rental cars to train tickets — but throw pregnancy into the mix and you might find yourself in a bind. The awareness of things like Zika virus, long-haul trips, and food sickness is heightened when you have an actual infant on the plane with you. You're eager to go outside, but you're also conscious of the need to do so in a safe manner.

So, where do you draw the line between right and wrong? Which modes of transportation are considered safe, and when is it safe to utilize the road, the air, or the seas? The following questions were addressed by Pamela Berens, MD, assistant professor of OB-GYN at the McGovern Medical School of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, who provided us with a dose of professional guidance on these delicate subjects.

When Should You Travel and When Shouldn't You Travel

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you have to stay in your house for the next nine months; however, there are some things you should keep in mind. According to Berens, "traveling during the first trimester can be uncomfortable if you are experiencing nausea and vomiting (morning sickness)." However, she cautioned that "traveling during the third trimester may be a little physically uncomfortable, especially if the trip is lengthy." In a nutshell, the second trimester may be the most comfortable time of your pregnancy, however every pregnancy is different. Furthermore, after you reach 37 weeks, you should definitely cease traveling (at least by air).

"Most airlines will allow you to fly until you are 37 weeks pregnant, but you may be required to present a letter from your doctor. For further information, check with the airlines that you will be flying with "Berens expressed himself in this way.

What You Should Do Before You Travel

Discuss your travel plans with your doctor or midwife before booking a ticket or embarking on a cruise liner. They are familiar with you and your pregnancy history, and they will be able to provide you with tailored advise on what types of travel are and aren't a smart idea during your pregnancy.

"Talking with your prenatal care is even more vital if you are experiencing a complex pregnancy situation. If anything occurs to you while you're traveling, it's critical that the health-care professionals be aware of the specifics of your problems, as well as any particular plans you have for your birth or any special care requirements you may have for your child "Berens gave his recommendation.

Regardless of your choice, you'll need to ask yourself a few questions before embarking on an overseas journey. "The most important thing to consider in this situation is what would happen if you were to encounter a problem when going to a foreign nation. Do you have a command of the language? How excellent is the medical treatment in this country? What kind of insurance coverage do you have if you're going outside of the country? Unfortunately, I have had patients who were in the process of giving birth to a premature child in a foreign country. They were had to remain in the hospital for an extended period of time before the baby could be released, and they experienced communication issues "Berens expressed himself in this way.

What to Bring with You

If you're expecting a baby, there are many items you'll want to pack for your vacation. These include anything from anti-nausea medication and compression socks to dordle lots of water and snacks. However, one thing that many women overlook is the existence of their prenatal records.

As a precautionary measure, Berens recommends keeping your prenatal records on hand at all times while traveling. If you end up having a baby while away from home, the new hospital or doctor will be able to access your medical information and be prepared to care for you. A letter from your healthcare practitioner will also be required if you are traveling within a few weeks of the due date of your baby. If your due date is less than four weeks before your journey, you must present a doctor's certificate confirming that you have been evaluated and are able to fly, according to American Airlines.

What to Keep an Eye Out For

Changing your habits while traveling overseas may be necessary if you're used to eating street cuisine and drinking tap water from the local water source. Berens advises pregnant women to drink only bottled water, stating that "it is quite uncomfortable to suffer from a diarrheal food related infection when pregnant."

Apart from being extra cautious when it comes to food and drink, you'll want to keep an eye on the health status of the nation you're visiting as well. Mosquitoes spread the Zika virus, which is very hazardous to your unborn child. "If you live in a region where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent, dress in long sleeves and slacks. Make sure you're protected. Use an insect repellent to keep insects away "Berens expressed himself in this way. It's always a good idea to double-check travel warnings before making a decision on where to go.

Pregnant women who travel, whether domestically or internationally, will need to keep a tight check on their health and bodily functions while on the road. "If you are more than 24 weeks pregnant, you should notify your healthcare practitioner if you have bleeding, a change in discharge, greater contractions, or a reduction in your baby's movements," said Berens.

Flying Despite the fact that air travel for pregnant women is generally safe, you won't want to put on your headphones and snuggle in for the length of your long-haul journey.

"The process of pregnancy itself increases the danger of blood clots. In addition, "air travel and extended immobility might raise your risk of blood clots," according to Berens, who recommends that pregnant women "remain properly hydrated, walk about every few hours, and be careful to maintain excellent circulation in [their] legs.""

It's likely that when you stand up to stretch your legs, you'll find yourself in need of the restroom as well. Berens said that during the third trimester, "there is generally increased pelvic pressure and pressure on your bladder," which means that you may need to stop and use the toilet more often.

ACOG recommends scheduling an aisle seat so that you may move your feet, toes, and legs more often than the average traveler. Because you'll be getting up and walking about more than the average traveler, the ACOG recommends booking an aisle seat. Carbonated beverages should be avoided, and your seat belt should be worn low on your hip bones, below your belly button, for your comfort.