Checklist: Essentials for Safe Pregnancy Travel

Whether you're setting out on a luxe Caribbean babymoon or are simply heading home to show your bump off to Mom and Dad, be a careful packer. Here's an idea of what you need to bring.

___ Doctor-approved meds. What if the hotel gift shop only has Motrin and you need Tylenol? Pack a mini medicine cabinet (don't forget heartburn-relieving antacids) for all those what-if scenarios.

___ Prenatal vitamins. Bring enough for the whole trip, but don't just toss six tablets in a plastic baggie (they could get crushed in transit). Be like Grandma and use a pillbox instead.

___ For-the-road snacks. Tote a stash of whole-grain crackers, power bars, nuts and dried fruit. They're much better for your baby than greasy airport fare.

___ Bottled water. Having it handy will remind you to keep guzzling. And staying hydrated on a long flight or car ride will prevent swelling and help your complexion maintain that gorgeous preggo glow.

___ Ballet flats or another comfy slip-on shoe. It's hard enough to deal with airport security normally, forget about the inevitable shoe-tying balancing act youd have to partake in now. Plus, don't even think of sightseeing in anything less sturdy -- it's totally uncomfy, and not very safe, either.

___ Just-in-case med info -- the name of a local OB, if your doc can supply one, and the closest hospital. Dont forget a little crib sheet on your health stats -- blood type, allergies, doctor contact info, etc. In fact, your doctor may want you to carry a copy of your complete medical records -- for just-in-case purposes only of course -- so be sure to run that by her too.

___ Sunscreen. Bring more than you'd usually pack, and apply it religiously. It's so important to stay protected while pregnant, since too much sun can make any skin discoloration deepen, and its not good for stretch marks either.

___ Pantyhose. No one's saying they're comfy or fun to wear, but a good pair can boost your circulation while youre sitting still for a long time.

___ Digi camera. Probably obvious, but traveling is a great way to add neat snapshots to pregnancy albums and to show your baby all the neat places she's already been.

___ Pashmina. It's the perfect layering garment for too-cool flights (and it doubles as a blanket too.)

___ Maternity versions of all your favorite getaway gear: tankinis, sundresses, shorts, tank tops. And dont forget a great cover-up -- even the most body-confident gals might not want to show off the bump 24/7.

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All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your won health or the health of others.