Is it safe to drive during pregnancy?
Yes - as long as you have a healthy pregnancy, and as long as you take all the steps necessary to protect yourself and your unborn baby, it’s fine to carry on driving while pregnant.
However your growing bump needs to be protected and it can also make it difficult to get in and out of the car. It may even get in the way of the steering wheel - which may mean that you may want to give up driving until your baby has arrived.
As with all drivers, only drive when you are alert and well-rested.
REMEMBER:
Fatigue and dizziness are common during pregnancy, so the NHS advise that you drink water regularly and eat natural, energy-giving foods (such as fruit and nuts) whilst driving.
They also suggest that you keep the air circulating in the car, and that you stop regularly (at least every 90 minutes) for breaks.
Can I take long car trips on my own?
Road accidents are among the most common causes of injury in pregnant women. Avoid making long trips on your own and share the driving with your companion.
Do I have to wear a seatbelt whilst pregnant?
YES. You should always wear a seatbelt, as it protects you and your unborn baby from injury or death in the event of a car crash.
However you MUST ensure that you are wearing yours properly, as research has shown that incorrectly positioned seat belts can cause serious injury to an unborn baby in the event of an abrupt stop or collision.
How should I wear my seatbelt during pregnancy?
The shoulder belt should lie between your breasts and away from your neck.
The lap belt should be secured well below your belly, snugly fitting over your pelvis and pubic bone and across your hips as high up on your thighs as possible.
Never position the lap part across your belly, as it could put unnecessary pressure on your baby. It's really important that while driving you constantly check to see the lap belt has not risen up on to your bump.
Is there anything I can buy to help adjust my seatbelt during pregnancy?
The critically-acclaimed Bump Belt (£24.99 from Clippasafe) is designed to make car journeys safer for mothers-to-be, preventing the movement of seat belts over the abdomen and avoiding the need for constant and distracting re-positioning.
Suitable for use from two months pregnant and up to birth, the Bump Belt is used with a regular seat belt to help keep the strap in place - and has been created in accordance to NHS health and safety guidelines.
Should I sit closer to the steering wheel?
No.
Stefan Duma, Ph.D., head of the biomedical engineering department at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburgh, has revealed that the biggest danger to an unborn baby involved in a vehicle accident occurs when the steering wheel strikes her in the abdomen, causing the placenta to detach
For this reason, you should move your seat as far back as possible.
As a general rule of thumb, you should maintain at least a 10-inch distance between the centre of your chest and the steering wheel. If you're short, talk to your car dealer about installing a pedal extender.
Is it safe to travel in a car with airbags during pregnancy?
Absolutely; as long as you are wearing your seatbelt properly (see ‘How should I wear my seatbelt during pregnancy?’ for more on this), an airbag will protect you and your baby, if an accident happens.
Never turn off the air bags just because you're pregnant.
How can I stay comfortable when travelling by car?
Sitting for long periods of time whilst pregnant can be difficult, as it can cause your feet and ankles to swell, your legs to cramp, and heartburn.
To alleviate the discomfort, try moving around. When you’re not driving, rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.
If you make a pitstop, try a few light stretches; extending your leg heel, and gently flexing your foot, will help to stretch your calf muscles.
Can I still drive as I reach my due date?
If you follow all of the advice listed throughout this gallery, and feel comfortable to do so, then of course you can drive as you near your due date.
However do make sure you always have your mobile handy and take your pregnancy documents with you on long trips. It’s always better to be prepared!
What should I do if I have a car accident whilst pregnant?
If your accident is severe, you will be taken to hospital. If this happens, ALWAYS tell emergency services that you are pregnant, and by how many weeks.
Even if you feel fine after an accident, and do not need emergency treatment, it is best to get checked out by a doctor just to be safe; a forceful jolt can cause unexpected pregnancy complications, such as a artily separated placenta.
REMEMBER:
If you experience contractions, pain, or any bleeding after an accident, see your doctor or midwife as soon as possible.