Hopefully this doesn’t alarm you but there are statistics that show pregnant women are more likely to be in a car accident. Don’t panic though, this is mainly attributed to fatigue, dizzy spells and being unfocused. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t drive but there are some safety driving tips for pregnant women that you should be aware of.
Take a break
Fatigue is going to become a common feeling throughout your pregnancy and in the first few years after your child’s birth. If you’re feeling tired or worn out, then take a break. Taking the time to have a break from driving and to get out the car and stretch will help you to remain focused and alert whilst in the driver’s seat, and thus minimise the risk of an accident.
Use a lap-shoulder belt
It’s important that whenever you’re in a car, whether you’re driving or not, that you buckle up correctly. This means that you should use a lap-shoulder belt as it will keep you and baby safest, and ensure the lap part of the belt is as low down as possible, under the abdomen. As one of the most important driving tips for pregnant women, this could prevent serious damage to baby if you’re in an accident.
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Avoid driving if possible
In a lot of scenarios, if there is someone with you who can drive, then being the passenger is no bad thing and is likely to be better all round. This not only takes the strain off you but will also be important as your bump grows and makes handling the steering wheel increasingly difficult.
Be comfortable
The important part of driving safely is ensuring that you’re comfortable. As a top driving tip for pregnant women, comfort will play a big role in the confidence of your driving. This includes wearing comfortable clothes and taking off coats and extra layers. Elasticated waistbands will also help you feel comfortable which will allow you to focus on the roads and remain safe.
Don’t lean forward
Leaning forward could create some slack in your seatbelt and should you be in a collision, won’t be able to minimise your forward movement. By sitting as far back in your seat as possible, with very little give in your seatbelt, you will be less likely to move in an accident, keeping both you and baby safer, and it will also allow space for the airbag to deploy correctly.
Tilt your steering wheel
As one of the more important driving tip for pregnant women, tilting your steering wheel will help to avoid the airbag inflating into your abdomen. Should this happen, the force of airbag inflation could affect your baby and so tilting the steering wheel toward your chest area will help to make this safer.
Resources:
https://www.hastingsdirect.com/car-insurance/driving-while-pregnant.shtml
https://saferide4kids.com/blog/tips-driving-pregnant/
https://www.babycenter.com/0_car-safety-during-pregnancy_10315876.bc
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