How to make your car more safe while pregnant

When you are pregnant, you quickly realise that life as you know it will change. Your normal day-to-day activities are altered and you have to be more careful. This even includes driving.

Although your baby may be safe inside of your tummy, you need to be extra cautious as this can be dangerous if you are involved in an accident.

Car safety is always important, pregnant or not, but here are a few guidelines you might be wondering about regarding safety while driving a vehicle/sitting passenger in a car while pregnant.

Seating position:

If you are driving, never let your belly touch the steering wheel. Try and position yourself up straight and as far back as possible making sure it is still comfortable for you to reach the pedals.

The steering wheel should be angled toward your breastbone area, not your head or belly.

If you are a passenger, adjust the seat as far back from the dashboard as possible. It is safer for a pregnant woman to sit at the back of a passenger, but for most, the scenic routes would not be the same.

Are airbags safe?

Yes, it is. Airbags reduce the risk of injury for pregnant mothers. Do not turn them off. Airbags do not increase the injury risk to your unborn baby.

Always wear a seatbelt:

Protect yourself and your baby each time you are in a car, no matter where you are sitting. The lap belt should go under your tummy.

The shoulder strap should go between your breasts and off the side of your tummy. It should never go directly across your stomach.

Adjust the height of the shoulder strap so that it fits you correctly. There should be no slack from the seat belt.

Putting the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back defeats its purpose of keeping you and your baby safe. Never put the lap belt over or above your tummy.

Be sure to stop regularly:

If you are on the long road, you may get uncomfortable sitting in the same position. Be sure to take time and stop to stretch your legs.

Drink plenty of water and eat natural energy food like fruit and nuts. This helps to prevent fatigue and dizziness, which are common during pregnancy.

What should you do if you are in a car accident?

Even if you think you are not hurt, medical treatment is the best advice especially if you are 6 or more months pregnant. Injuries to the baby happen to occur a few hours after.

Danger signs include pain in your tummy, blood or fluid leaking from your private area and contractions.

Picture: Women On Wheels gallery