Car Safety Tips For Pregnant Women

Pregnancy brings a whirlwind of new changes and realities – women must watch what they eat and drink, monitor their exercise, and ensure they’re taking enough vitamins each day. All the sacrifices pregnant women make are for the same outcome: a healthy, thriving new family member.

While it’s one thing to say goodbye to sushi and wine for 10 months, most women understandably don’t give up driving during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 32,800 pregnant women are involved in car crashes each year, and an advocacy group, SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., says crashes are the leading cause of trauma or death during pregnancy.

Here is the good news: your belly provides a lot of the natural protection your baby needs to stay safe and healthy. The fluid surrounding your growing little one offers cushion and a safeguard against mild trauma. Still, there are precautions you can take to protect both yourself and the little one on the road. Take the following actions to reduce your risk of trauma on the road:

Wearing a safety belt is the single most effective action you can take to prevent and reduce injury in vehicle accidents. For pregnant women, buckling considerations are different. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes women should wear their safety belts buckled with the lap belt positioned under the belly and across the upper thighs, never constricting the belly or above it. The shoulder portion should run across the chest and rest on the collarbone. Pregnancy can be uncomfortable, but never put the shoulder strap behind you or neglect to buckle up.

Now is a good time to let someone else take the wheel, for anything from prenatal appointments to trips to the grocery store. As you belly expands, the risk of your baby being injured from contact with the steering wheel increases. If you must drive, particularly later in pregnancy, position your belly as far away from the wheel as possible – 10 inches is ideal. If possible, use automatic adjustments to tilt your seat slightly away from the wheel in a downward facing position. Adjust your steering wheel so it’s slightly facing upward. This offers the safest positioning for your baby.

When driving or riding in the front seat, sit with your back straight up against the back seat and resist the urge to lean forward. This will allow the airbag to function properly in the event of a crash and minimizes your forward momentum.

Distracted driving isn’t safe for anyone behind a wheel – especially for pregnant women. When you’re driving around town, keep your mind on the task at hand. Resist the urge to check your phone by keeping it zipped into your purse and out of reach. If you need directions, write them out before you leave. If traveling with other youngsters, don’t reach into the back seat or twist around to talk to them – use the rearview mirror if necessary and tell them their requests can wait.

If possible, save the long road trips for after pregnancy. If traveling during the holidays, avoid peak travel times and take frequent breaks to walk and stretch your legs. Pack lots of snacks – even women who don’t have trouble with their blood sugar need to take in some amounts of food when pregnant. Take turns driving in shifts and take your time. Noting is more important than your safety.

In the event you’re involved in a car accident, seek immediate medical care at the nearest emergency room, even if you feel well. If you know you are going on a long trip, take extra precaution by having copies of any crucial medical needs. There’s never any harm in checking the safety of yourself and baby.

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