Driving While Pregnant—A Few Safety Tips

I was surprised when I got an email from Bella at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers. She asked me to share their link about driving safely when you’re pregnant. I never connected the two in the 80s when I had my kids.

I checked their link and found some great common-sense tips I’d like to share with you. Here’s the link to their web site if you want to check it out for yourself.


​                                             Link: https://cooperhurley.com/driving-while-pregnant/

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                                Part 1: Seat Belts & Safety Tips
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Seat Belts: Whether you’re pregnant or not, driver or passenger, wearing a seat belt is the safe thing to do. Take a look at this photo and check out how this mom-to-be is buckled up. She’s following National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines.

1. Mama’s lap belt is under her baby belly. It fits against her hips and pelvic bone. Not across her stomach. That’s dangerous for both mom and baby-to-be.

2. See her shoulder belt? It’s on the shoulder, running across the middle of her chest. It’s not in a dangerous position, like around her neck, or under her arm, or behind her back. Keep as much space as you can between your baby bump and the steering wheel, and as little as possible between your shoulder and the seat belt. 


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​ Safety Tips:
1. Buckle your lap and shoulder belt correctly. They’ll keep you safe.
2. Check with your doctor to see if your medications might affect your driving.
3. Adjust your seat, steering wheel, or seat belt as needed. Space and comfort are good things for both of you.
4. Move distractions. When you’re expecting, focus and memory can be tricky. Things like cell phones can take your focus away from the road.
5. If you’re not feeling well, it’s ok to be a passenger, especially if you’re tired, nauseas, or in pain.

   

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Part 2: Road Trips & When to Stop
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​ Road Trips: When you’re pregnant, long commutes and road trips can be a challenge. Think pit stops alone! But don’t worry. I found six ways to stay safe and comfortable.

1. Share your plans. Make sure someone knows when you’ll arrive. Give them a contact number in case you’re running late.

2. Plan for emergencies. Have your insurance cards and contact information ready, just in case.
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3. Pick rest stops carefully. Make sure they’re labeled and well-lit. If you run into a problem, stay in your car.

4. Take breaks, even if you don’t need them. Get out. Stretch your legs. Check out the bathroom. No one wants to feel tired or nauseous.

5. Bring snacks and drinks in case you need them. If you have gestational diabetes, pick healthy ones.

6. Travel in the right clothes. Think loose, casual, and well-worn. Don’t let cute clothes distract you. Think comfy when you’re pregnant and traveling!


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When to Stop: Listen to these 4 signals. They’ll tell you when you need a break and for how long. Don’t be a hero. You’re driving for two.
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1. Discomfort—If you can’t reach the steering wheel, or wear your seat belt properly, or sit comfortably…Take a break. Discomfort affects your focus and your driving.

2. Nausea—most moms-to-be have it. If yours is intense or you get motion sickness, stop! Your body is working for two.

3. Fatigue—anyone who’s tired should take a break. Moms-to-be, you’re building a brand-new person. No wonder you’re tired!

4. High blood pressure—whether it’s chronic or because of pregnancy, STOP! It’s dangerous for you and your precious cargo.
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Part 3: Accidents and Driving After Delivery
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Car Accidents: Would you believe car crashes happen more often during the second trimester? The rate was 42% higher than for nonpregnant women. There wasn’t data for the first trimester or the third. My guess, they’re both lower than the second trimester.

The most serious kinds of injuries: pre-term labor, hemorrhaging, placental abruption, internal bleeding, miscarriage, and birth complications. They sound like collision injuries, not the kind you get from fender-benders.
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So what do you do in an accident? First, take some slow, deep breaths to calm down. Next keep an eye out for symptoms. If you have a concern, see the doctor. If they’re serious, call 911 or get someone to drive you to the ER. If you see a doctor, follow orders. Ask questions about your condition or about changes you notice.
If you’re in an accident, exchange insurance and contact information. Call the police to make an accident report. Touch base with your insurance company. They’ll help you if you decide to make a claim or get legal advice.


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Post Delivery: Take time after you get home to recoup from childbirth and sleepless nights. If you had a normal birth, give yourself a few weeks to recover from any abdominal pain, bleeding, or soreness. Let family take care of you while you learn to care for your new baby.

If you had a C-section, you’ll need more time to heal. Maybe as much as six weeks before you drive again. Until then, rest up; follow doctor’s orders. Don’t do any lifting or heavy movements. Instead take time to catch up on your sleep and enjoy your new baby. 


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Car Seats: You probably bought yours long before baby’s due date, and you made sure it met safety standards. That it didn’t have any recalls or visible defects.

Make sure you install it a few weeks before your due date. The seat must face backwards according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines.

No matter what kind of delivery you had, car seats are too heavy for you to lift once baby’s here. Enjoy letting someone else do the heavy lifting; your turn will come soon enough.

Many strollers are designed to hold car seats safely. They’ll help you move baby around, but you’ll still need help getting it out of the car and into the stroller. Your doctor can tell you how much to carry right away, and when you’re fully healed. ​

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