Driving While Pregnant: Is It Safe?

is driving car safe during pregnancy

Driving a car while pregnant is generally considered safe, as long as certain precautions are taken. It is recommended that pregnant people always wear a seatbelt, with the lap portion of the belt positioned as far under the belly as possible, and the shoulder belt between the breasts, away from the neck. It is also important to maintain a distance of at least 10 inches between the steering wheel and the body, and to avoid driving while tired, nauseous, or otherwise unwell. Taking frequent breaks, staying hydrated, and wearing compression socks are also advised for pregnant drivers to reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Characteristics Values
Safety Driving is considered safe during pregnancy as long as a seat belt is worn correctly and other safety precautions are followed.
Seat belt Wear a three-point seat belt with the lap portion under the belly and the shoulder portion between the breasts and across the chest.
Airbags Airbags are safe and do not increase the risk of injury to the baby.
Breaks Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs, stay hydrated, and use the bathroom.
Nausea Do not drive if you are experiencing severe nausea.
Concentration Do not drive if you are too exhausted to concentrate.
Mobility Do not drive if your mobility is limited by your pregnancy.
Distance Stay within a short driving distance of home or the hospital towards the end of your pregnancy.
Distractions Avoid distractions such as using your phone or changing the music while driving.
Accident See a doctor immediately if you are involved in a car accident, even if you feel fine.

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Seat belt safety

Seat belts are designed to keep you safe, and this remains true when you're pregnant. In fact, your car's safety belt is your unborn baby's very first car seat. So, when you're driving during pregnancy, it's important to wear a seat belt and to wear it properly. Here are some tips for safe seat belt use during pregnancy:

  • Always use a three-point seat belt, which consists of both a lap and a shoulder belt.
  • Position the lap belt low and flat across the tops of your thighs and hip bones. Never place it over or on top of your belly, as this could harm your baby or placenta in a crash.
  • Place the shoulder belt between your breasts, off to the side of your belly, and across your collarbone. This protects your head and chest and keeps the lap belt from sliding up.
  • Adjust the belt to be snug but comfortable. If you're wearing a heavy coat, it may prevent the belt from fitting properly, so consider removing it or warming up your vehicle before you get in.
  • If possible, tilt the steering wheel up and away from your belly, and slide your seat as far back as possible to protect yourself from the airbag.
  • If your belly is making it difficult to drive comfortably, it may be time to take a break from driving and let someone else take the wheel.

It's important to note that the use of seat belt positioning devices for pregnant women is generally not recommended. There is no government-approved crash test data supporting or regulating these aftermarket products, so there is a risk that they may do more harm than good.

Remember, wearing a seat belt is the best way to stay safe while riding in a car, and this applies to everyone, pregnant or not. By wearing your seat belt correctly, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury to yourself and your unborn child in the unlikely event of a crash.

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Airbag safety

Airbags are designed to work in conjunction with seatbelts, so it's important to wear your seatbelt correctly when pregnant. The lap belt should be worn low across the top of your thighs, below your bump, and the shoulder belt should be placed between your breasts, sitting across your body and above your bump. The seatbelt should be worn as tightly as possible without feeling uncomfortable, and you should sit back in your seat to reduce forward movement in the event of a crash and allow the airbag to inflate correctly.

In the event of a crash, an airbag inflates with a lot of force and at high speed, which can sometimes cause minor injuries such as abrasions and friction burns. For this reason, it's a good idea to sit as far back from the steering wheel as possible while still being able to control your car. If you can, move your seat further back as your bump grows. If you can't move the seat, try reclining the back of the seat to create more distance between you and the steering wheel. If possible, tilt the steering wheel towards your breastbone, rather than your bump, while still being able to see the dashboard instruments clearly.

According to a 2010 study, there is no added risk of injury to your baby with airbag use. Airbags will not keep your baby any safer during an accident, but they won't hurt them either, and they will likely help you avoid serious injury.

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Avoiding distractions

While driving during pregnancy is mostly considered safe, there are some additional distractions that you should be aware of and avoid.

Pregnancy can be a demanding time, and those demands can often result in distractions that could affect your ability to drive safely. Nausea, heartburn, anxiety, stress, and insomnia are all common side effects of pregnancy that can impact your concentration on the road. If you're experiencing these types of effects, it may be safer to catch a ride with someone else or take public transportation to avoid a distracted driving incident.

To minimise distractions, it's important to eliminate potential driving distractions, such as your cell phone. It's also a good idea to plan ahead and have snacks and beverages on hand that you can pull over and safely consume when needed.

If you're feeling unwell, extremely tired, or dizzy, don't drive. If these symptoms come on suddenly while driving, pull over safely, rest, or walk around a bit until you feel better.

Additionally, make sure to schedule regular breaks during long drives to stretch your legs, stay hydrated, and use the restroom. This will help you stay alert and minimise the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially fatal blood clot that can occur when limbs are immobile for an extended period of time.

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Planning breaks

Take Breaks Every 90 Minutes to 2 Hours

It is recommended to stop at at least every two hours to get out of the car, stretch, and walk around. This helps to increase blood flow to the lower body, reducing the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that can form in the leg and move up to the lungs, causing severe and potentially fatal consequences. Aim to stop every 90 minutes if possible, as this will also help prevent fatigue and dizziness, which are common during pregnancy.

Plan Your Route and Identify Safe Places to Stop

Before embarking on your journey, take the time to plan your route and identify safe places to stop along the way. Look for rest areas, parks, or other suitable locations where you can comfortably get out, stretch your legs, and use the bathroom. This will ensure that you don't have to worry about finding a place to stop when you need a break.

Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks

Drinking plenty of water is crucial during pregnancy, as dehydration has been linked to uterine contractions. Aim to drink eight to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) of water per day, and even more if you've been sweating or exercising. Bring a sufficient supply of water in the car, and don't forget to pack healthy snacks and drinks as well. This will help you stay energised and avoid pregnancy hanger!

Avoid Remote Locations

While it's great to explore new places, try to avoid extremely remote areas where medical care may be difficult to access in case of an emergency. Stick to well-travelled routes and maintain a steady speed. If possible, avoid winding, hilly, or bumpy roads, and frequent lane changes.

Consider Having a Travel Companion

If possible, consider sharing the driving with someone else. This will allow you to take breaks from driving and rest, which is especially important during pregnancy. Having a companion can also provide added support and assistance if any unexpected health concerns arise during the trip.

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Staying hydrated

During pregnancy, your body requires more water than usual to form amniotic fluid, produce extra blood, build new tissue, carry nutrients to your baby, enhance digestion, and flush out wastes and toxins. Dehydration can lead to mild symptoms like headaches and sluggishness, but it can also result in more serious complications such as urinary tract infections and preterm labour.

It is generally recommended to drink between 8 and 12 cups of water per day during pregnancy. However, this may vary depending on your body type, size, activity level, and other factors. The key is to ensure you're drinking enough water to stay well-hydrated.

Spacing Out Your Water Intake

Try to space out your water intake throughout the day rather than drinking a lot at once, which can leave you feeling uncomfortably full. Aim for steady sips throughout the day, and be sure to sip before, during, and after exercise or when spending time outdoors in hot weather.

Signs of Dehydration

One of the first signs of dehydration is feeling thirsty. Other signs include dark or concentrated urine, maternal overheating, and headaches. If you're adequately hydrated, your urine should be pale or colorless, and you should be urinating frequently.

While water is the best source of hydration, you can also stay hydrated by consuming other fluids and eating certain foods. Milk, sparkling water, herbal teas, fruit and vegetable juices, and soups all contribute to your daily fluid intake. Just be mindful of added sugars and sodium in some of these options.

Additionally, fruits and vegetables have a high water content, so increasing your intake of these can also help you stay hydrated. For example, watermelon, cantaloupe, pears, strawberries, and oranges are all excellent sources of hydration.

Tap Water Safety

While tap water is generally safe to drink during pregnancy, it's a good idea to assess the cleanliness of your water supply. Public water systems are usually safe, but there may be concerns about contamination with chemicals like lead, mercury, or arsenic, which could be harmful to your fetus. If you have any doubts, consider investing in a water filter for added peace of mind.

In summary, staying hydrated during pregnancy is crucial for your health and your baby's development. Aim for 8-12 cups of water per day, space out your water intake, and listen to your body's thirst cues. Include other hydrating fluids and water-rich foods, and ensure your water source is safe and clean.

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