For most women, it’s second nature to click their seat belts in place as they hop into their cars or ride in the passenger seat. Yet once you’re expecting, you may second-guess yourself as your bump grows and that belt keeps stretching and extending farther ... and farther.
While you might experience some minor seatbelt discomfort late in pregnancy, make no mistake: The safest way for you and your baby to travel in a car is buckled up. Consistent expert advice confirms that you should always fasten your seat belt for the entire nine months. In fact, research indicates that car crashes can increase the risk of preterm labor and other complications.
So, once you’ve pulled that belt out as far as it goes, the next step is figuring out the best way to wear it properly and adjust the seat so you can drive and breathe at the same time. For help, here’s more about riding safely by car in pregnancy with a burgeoning belly. Happy travels!
Is it safe to travel by car during pregnancy?
If you always wear a seat belt when you’re in the car then this method of transportation is as safe as it would be if you weren’t pregnant. That said, it’s wise to consider your due date if you’re thinking of taking a longer trip. Women who are experiencing pregnancy complications or are at risk for delivering early may want to stick close to home and skip traveling long distances by car.
Is it safe to drive a car during pregnancy?
Yes, it’s safe to drive a car during pregnancy as long as you always wear a seat belt every time you slide (um, wedge yourself) behind the wheel. And the next most important task? Never, ever engage in distracted driving. This bad habit involves operating a car while talking or texting on a cell phone, tuning radio stations, checking your GPS, putting on makeup, eating or drinking.
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Texting in particular is the most frightening of all these distractions. Reading or sending a text can cause you to look away from the road and surrounding cars for several seconds, leaving you and your passengers, including your unborn child, at grave risk for a crash.
What’s the safest way to wear a seatbelt when you’re pregnant?
The safest way to wear a seat belt is across your pelvis and upper thighs, below your bump. Always wear the shoulder harness over your shoulder, diagonally between your breasts and to the side of your belly (neverunder your arm or behind your back) and then pull the belt snugly to remove any slack. A bulky coat can prevent the belt from buckling, so remove outerwear before you get in to ensure a proper fit.
Don’t worry that an abrupt stop will harm your baby: Even if you’re bruised, your baby will be safe, cushioned by amniotic fluid and uterine muscle. But if you are in an accident, even a minor fender bender that doesn’t seem to have caused pain or injury, get to the doctor or ER for evaluation.
Air bags will still keep you safe in a crash, so don’t have them disabled or removed. Instead, ride in the back seat to add further protection, but if you’re in the passenger seat, move it as far back as possible. If you’re driving, tilt the steering wheel upward (toward your breastbone, away from your belly or head) and try to keep at least 10 inches between your body and the wheel.
For overallcomfort while travelingin a car throughout your pregnancy, adjust your seat position frequently. The headrest should fall directly behind your head for maximum spinal support; the lumbar cushion can be adjusted in some cars to support the changing shape of your spine. If it’s not comfortable, consider buying or borrowing a back cushion (available at auto or specialty stores).
When should you stop traveling by car during pregnancy?
There’s no hard-and-fast rule that forbids car travel at a certain point during pregnancy so if you’re feeling fine, you can continue to cruise the open road to work, the store and more. But if your belly becomes too big to sit or turn with ease, you have trouble reaching the pedals or you feel you just can’t drive safely at any point in your pregnancy, it’s fine hand the keys to others.
Safety tips for pregnancy car travel
A safe car trip is a comfortable one. Keep the following tips in mind the next time you drive:
- Limit car time. If you’re planning a longer road trip, be sure to limit your drives to six hours per day max or spread your trip over a few days so you can drive for shorter stretches.
- Take frequent pit stops. Go for a quick walk and stretch every 90 minutes or so — it will get your blood flowing and help avoidleg crampsand furtherswelling in your feet and ankles. Stretching your legs frequently can also help decrease the risk of blood clots.
- Pack drinks and snacks. Drink plenty of water (don’t worry about having to go, you’ll be stopping frequently anyway!) and pack lots of healthy, filling snacks for when hunger strikes.
- Dress right. Skip tight clothing in favor of looser tops so you’re comfy behind the wheel. And ask your doctor if support hose is a good idea to lower your risk of deep vein thrombosis.
- Pull over anytime. Driving can be tiring and pregnancy is sometimes exhausting. If you’re wiped out, nauseous or feel dizzy, stop driving and rest for a while until you’re refreshed.
And speaking of cars and driving: Make sure toinstall your baby’s car seatat least three weeks before your due date, so it’s ready to go when you need it. Avoid common car seat mistakes by getting help from a qualified technician, which is usually free.Find an inspection station near you here.
From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading ourmedical review and editorial policy.
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