Traveling by plane while you're pregnant is generally safe, but advance preparations are needed. You'll need to talk with your doctor and the airline ahead of time about any health concerns or restrictions they may have. And staying comfortable en route is not always easy, but minor adjustments can make your time in the air a little more comfortable.

Items you will need Airsick bags

Sanitary wipes

Motion-sickness bands

Crackers or other food

Before You Leave

Step 1 Check with your doctor before making airline reservations. If you are past your 36th week of pregnancy, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that you not fly. Your doctor may restrict you even earlier if you are in danger of complications.

Step 2 Check with your airline. Each airline has its own restrictions. Factors may include whether your flight is domestic or international, when your due date is and whether you need a note from your doctor approving the trip.

Step 3 Do not travel if you have complications or illnesses such as sickle cell disease, placental abnormalities, poorly controlled diabetes or if you are at risk for premature labor. If you have cardiovascular problems, you may not be allowed to fly. Check with your health insurance provider that your insurance is up to date and that it will cover your newborn, should you deliver during the trip.

Step 4 Do not worry about walking through airport metal detectors. They are not X-ray machines and will not harm you or your unborn child.

During the Flight

Step 1 Bring extra sick bags and sanitary wipes if you are suffering from morning sickness. If crackers or other foods calm your stomach, pack extras in your purse. Try wearing motion-sickness bands on your wrists, which use pressure points to counteract nausea.

Step 2 Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and compression stockings. The stockings keep the blood circulating through your body.

Step 3 Drink as much water as you can handle during the flight. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it will force you to use the restroom, which is good for your circulation.

Step 4 Wear your seat belt at all times. At check-in, ask for an aisle seat, which will give you a bit more space. The Federal Aviation Administration requires that pregnant women not sit in an exit row, as these spots are reserved for people who lift the heavy door and help others out of the plane during an emergency.

Step 5 Contact a crew member immediately if you start feeling regular, painful contractions. The crew is trained to handle delivering a baby, if it comes to that. Your flight also may have to be routed to the closest airport for an emergency landing so that you can receive medical attention.

Warnings Pregnant women should not fly in an unpressurized cabin.

Disclosure Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

About the Author Aileen Clarkson has been an award-winning editor and reporter for more than 20 years, earning three awards from the Society of Professional Journalists. She has worked for several newspapers, including "The Washington Post" and "The Charlotte Observer." Clarkson earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Florida.