When To Stop Driving When Pregnant

Pregnancy is full of excitement, wonder, and joy as you prepare for the arrival of your new baby. However, pregnancy is also full of physical changes and a lot of unwanted symptoms like nausea, fatigue, etc. When you’re pregnant, everything gets more difficult from driving to just getting out of bed in the morning, things are just harder with the added weight, exhaustion, and everything else!

Of course, there are things you shouldn’t do as a pregnant woman, like ride roller coasters and lounge in hot tubs. However, there are other tasks that are not quite as black and white as far as “should you” or “should you not.” For example, a lot of women wonder if there’s a point where they should stop driving. 

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When To Stop Driving When Pregnant 

There’s not a set rule on driving while pregnant, which can have women coming to the internet to understand if continuing to drive is the best choice for them. So, in this post, we’re going to discuss driving while pregnant. We’ll share tips as well as valuable insights about safety! Of course, we’ll also let you know if there’s a point where you should stop driving while pregnant. 

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Here’s what you need to know:

Is Driving Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, driving while pregnant is technically safe. There’s nothing directly dangerous about driving when you’re expecting, however there is evidence that the symptoms of pregnancy can increase your risk of an accident. In fact, a 2014 study found that pregnant women are 42% more likely to be involved in a serious car accident! So, while you and your baby aren’t directly in danger from the act of driving, it’s wise to take precautions to prevent accidents and stay safe.  

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When Should You Stop Driving During Pregnancy?

Here’s another question often asked: When should you stop driving during pregnancy? There’s not a clear cut time you have to stop driving when pregnant. Many women drive all the way to their due date. However, there are some signs that reducing driving or ceasing driving altogether may be a good idea. 

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You can’t reach the pedals or steering wheel comfortably. 

Depending on your proportions or the size of your belly, there may come a point in pregnancy when you can no longer reach the pedals and/or steering wheel comfortably. If that happens, you should stop driving. If it’s difficult to operate the vehicle normally, it’s not safe to operate the vehicle at all. 

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Your stomach is too close to the steering wheel. 

To safely drive, your breastbone should be 10 inches from the steering wheel. If you can’t position the driver’s seat in a way that allows you to reach the pedals and keep your belly and chest 10 inches from the steering wheel, it’s unsafe to drive. This is because the airbag deploys with tremendous force and needs space to deploy. Without that space, it can cause significant injuries, especially to a pregnant belly. 

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You’re experiencing extreme fatigue. 

Though we don’t know for sure why pregnant women are more likely to get in car accidents, one likely reason is fatigue! A majority of pregnant women report feeling extremely tired and fatigued in all trimesters, but especially in the first and third. 

Since we know that drowsy driving causes over 300,000 accidents including 6,400 fatalities annually, we can make the assumption that fatigue makes driving especially dangerous for pregnant women. So, if you’re feeling extreme exhaustion and struggling to stay awake through daily tasks, it’s best to refrain from driving.  

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You’re distracted or stressed. 

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents! You may think of distractions like texting and eating, and though those are big contributors to road accidents, there are lots of other things that can make you distracted. 

In pregnancy, you could be distracted by overwhelming planning responsibilities, concerning medical results, upcoming events, and plenty of other things that come with growing a family! Plus, if hormonal changes can increase your feelings of stress, even for things that are less consequential. If you have a lot on your mind or are feeling overwhelmed, don’t get behind the wheel. 

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Doctors have advised you to stop driving. 

If you have any pregnancy complications or specific concerns, discuss with your doctor whether driving is safe. Of course, if the doctor says to cease driving, you should absolutely take their advice. Even if it’s inconvenient for you and your family’s safety, do what’s best for your family and don’t drive! 

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Safe Driving Tips for Pregnant Women 

Aim for 10 inches between your breastbone and the steering wheel if possible. 

As we mentioned earlier, try to maintain 10 inches between your breastbone and the steering wheel to ensure the airbag has enough room to safely deploy without injuring you in the event of an accident. 

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Do not use any aftermarket seat belt positioners. 

Wearing a seat belt is always essential for safety. However, there are companies out there who will try to tell you that wearing a standard seat belt is unsafe and instead sell you aftermarket adapters to reposition the lap belt. These products are unregulated and unsafe—do not use them! 

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Position the lap belt under your belly, across your hips and pelvis.

Though standard belts are safe, they do need to be positioned correctly. Position the lap belt under your belly, across your hips and pelvis. The belt should not be resting on or around your belly.  

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Position the shoulder belt to the side of your belly, not across. 

Run the shoulder belt across your chest between your breasts and down the side of your belly. Like the lap belt, the shoulder belt should not be across your stomach. 

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Avoid driving when tired, nauseous, or stressed. 

No destination is worth an accident especially when you’re expecting. If you’re feeling sick, stressed, or extreme fatigue, stay home or get someone to drive you where you need to go. These are the factors that can greatly increase your risk of getting in an accident. 

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Ensure your car is stocked with a seasonally appropriate emergency kit. 

You’ve been told to keep your hospital bag in your car, which is a great way to prepare for labor. However, to prepare for other types of emergencies you may encounter while driving, stock your car with an emergency kit. This kit should include things like a first aid kit, basic repair items, extra food/water, and weather-centered survival gear. Here’s a good list of things you should keep in your car. 

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Avoid peak traffic, bad weather, and night driving.

We already know that pregnancy increases the risk of accidents, so try to avoid other situations that could further the threat. Don’t drive at peak traffic times, during bad weather, or at night if possible. If you decide to get behind the wheel at these times, take extra precautions to stay safe. 

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Listen to your body and take breaks. 

Whether driving a short distance or on a long trip, listen to your body. If you’re getting too tired, pull over and take a rest. If you’re feeling sick, pull over and call someone or weight out the nausea. And, If you’ve been driving for more than an hour, get out and stretch your legs. Not only will it help keep you alert, but it can prevent complications like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The point is, listen to your body and don’t try to push through if you’re being alerted to stop. 

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Take precautions when driving while pregnant to keep you and your baby safe!

Pregnancy is difficult. Even if your symptoms are mild, there are challenges that come with all the changes that happen in your body. Driving can be one of those things that’s just harder when pregnant! Make sure you’re mindful of the driving process and stop driving when it seems like it’s no longer safe. Convenience is not the priority, you and your baby’s safety is the priority! 

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For more vehicle safety tips and essential car seat education, browse more of our posts on the Safe in the Seat blog. If you need a place to start, read this post on additional tips for driving during pregnancy. We have the answers to all your car safety questions! 

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