Pregnancy comes with all sorts of adjustments! Not only is your body changing rapidly and your calendar suddenly filled with doctor’s appointments, but there’s also a long list of pregnancy restrictions that can make your head spin. You’re told to avoid alcohol, raw foods, soft cheeses, too much caffeine, deli meat, heavy lifting, certain medications, harsh cleaners, hot tubs, sleeping on your back, and even some skincare products. The list goes on!
All that being said, pregnant women are hyper vigilant of what they shouldn’t do in order to keep their baby safe and healthy. This is why we often get asked, “is driving during pregnancy safe or is that another thing I should avoid?” It’s a valid question, and we have a thorough answer that will help you stay safe while carrying your new baby!
Here’s what you need to know:
Can Pregnant Women Drive?
Yes! There are no restrictions on driving while pregnant. That being said, the changes to your body and mind warrant some extra safety precautions. Be aware of physical things like seat belt fit, seat and headrest adjustments, and steering wheel height, but also be mindful of common distractions and pregnancy symptoms that may impact driving. We’ll get into all of that and more below!
Tips On Driving While Pregnant
Do not use any pregnancy seat belt positioners.
There are lots of products out there that claim to adjust seat belts into a safer position for pregnant women. Though these products may be well-intentioned, seat belt positioners are not crash tested. That means their effectiveness is unknown, and the device will probably hinder the performance of the seat belt.
Instead of getting questionable, after-market products to drive safely while pregnant, simply reposition the seat belt yourself using the instructions we’ll share below!
Place the lap belt over the thighs and under your belly.
The fear with seat belts and pregnancy is that in an accident, the belt may put excessive pressure on your pregnant belly, injuring the growing baby. This fear is valid, however, if you’re wearing the seat belt correctly, you don’t have to worry about this!
Simply, place the lap belt UNDER your belly flat across your thighs. It should fit snugly there and put crash forces on other parts of your body, not your stomach and unborn baby.
Position the shoulder belt properly.
The shoulder belt needs to be positioned properly, too. The upper strap should be on your shoulder, not your neck or arm, and rest between the breasts. Making sure your seat belt is positioned correctly will help keep you safe while giving you peace of mind that baby isn’t in any additional danger!
Always wear your seatbelt.
We just want to reiterate: wearing a seat belt is a non-negotiable, even when you’re pregnant! If driving while pregnant, do take extra precautions to keep you and your baby safe. However, always wearing your seat belt positioned correctly on your body should be top priority.
Adjust the steering wheel and keep a safe distance.
The airbag can be another source of fear for a pregnant woman. It’s true air bags inflate with incredible force, and they have been known to cause some injuries. But, as long as you’re sitting correctly, the airbag should do its job to keep you and your baby safe in an accident. Position your seat belt as instructed, raise your steering wheel to the highest position that's comfortable for you, and sit as far from the steering wheel as you can while still reaching the pedals.
Adjust vehicle seat back to an upright position.
Keep the vehicle seat upright. Avoid leaning it back! It could impact the fit of the seat belt and the trajectory of the airbag in a crash.
Move headrests directly behind your head.
Change your headrest position so that the thickest part is directly behind your head. This will give your head and neck the most support possible in the event of an accident. Make sure you have head support to at least the top of your ears.
Get out and stretch your legs every two hours.
It’s actually recommended that all drivers stop and take breaks every two hours to prevent fatigue and discomfort. However, this is especially important during pregnancy to maintain energy levels, keep swelling down, and reduce the risk of blood clots.
During pregnancy, the pressure of the growing uterus on your body increases the risk of a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It’s where your blood flow slows down, causing blood clots. Sitting for long periods of time can exacerbate these circulation issues! So, it’s a good idea to make frequent stops to stretch your legs or take a quick stroll to get the blood flowing again.
Be mindful of the impact of your pregnancy symptoms on driving.
There’s no rule that says pregnant women should stop driving at any point during pregnancy. However, it’s important to consider how your pregnancy hormones may impact your ability to drive. Extreme fatigue, nausea, dizziness, pain, and other distracting or debilitating symptoms may make it unsafe to drive! Listen to your body and remember that there are other transportation options if you’re feeling unwell. Never push it and hope for the best. It’s not worth risking you and your baby’s safety!
Minimize common and pregnancy-related driving distractions.
Distracted driving isn’t exclusive to pregnancy, but pregnancy can definitely make you more distracted! Some common driving distractions include cell phone use, messing with climate or audio controls, eating and drinking, managing kids, sleepiness, and fixating on things outside the vehicle (like a crash or new restaurant opening).
However, during pregnancy you may be more distracted by these occurrences, and other things like planning ahead, general brain fog, extreme emotion, and pumping can become distractions, as well. Avoid distractions by staying disciplined, reducing stimuli, and avoiding driving altogether if you’re too tired or stressed.
Seat Belt Safety While Pregnant
It’s safe to drive while pregnant even with a standard seat belt! Just remember to position your belt accordingly and adjust your seat, headrest, and steering wheel as needed. Then, you can have peace of mind that you and your baby are protected in case of a crash. In fact, proper seat belt positioning reduces the risk of adverse fetal crash outcomes by 84%!
Drive safe while pregnant using these safety tips!
There’s a lot of “don’t do that” when you’re pregnant, but driving is something you can do! Just take the proper precautions and remember that the destination is never as important as your safety. If you don’t feel up to driving don’t! And, when you do get behind the wheel, follow the above tips to have the safest ride every time.
While you’re here, let’s take a minute to prepare for your new baby! Here are some more essential posts for expectant moms:
