The car is a 19th century invention – and not necessarily made for growing bellies. Is driving safe in pregnancy? Anyone who adheres to proper safety rules and strategies, can sit behind the wheel without hesitation. This guide explains how to drive safely during pregnancy.
Expectant mothers do not have to give up driving, as long as they follow safety tips.
Forgoing the car is difficult. Often it is necessary to get to work or to visit relatives and friends. Pregnant women also make the car mobile – it is ideal as a means of transport for heavy loads that women with baby bumps should not wear themselves. Is driving safely in pregnancy ? This question comes to the fore more, the thicker the belly gets behind the wheel. If you pay attention to some aspects, play it safe.
Drive safely during pregnancy: seatbelts
Many pregnant women fear that the seatbelt could press too hard on their bellies and cause harm to the baby. But this worry is unfounded. On the contrary: Without a belt, the unborn child is seriously endangered, because in an accident, the stomach could bounce against the steering wheel. Such an accident could have devastating consequences if the foetus break away from the uterine wall and cause premature labor. The mother herself also risks serious injuries.
Always wear safety belts when driving a car. It is important to place the lap belt between the abdomen and the thigh. In addition, the shoulder strap should sit between the breasts. The belt has to be tight to protect you. If you want to be sure that the belt is right, you can buy a car strap for pregnant women. It is a seat pad with a strap guide belt, which ensures that the lap belt remains under the belly.
Drive safely during pregnancy: Correct seat adjustment
Not only the belt, but also the correct sitting position contributes to the safety during driving in pregnancy. It is important to push the car seat as far back as possible because of the airbag. “Especially in the last months of pregnancy, care should be taken to ensure the correct distance of at least 30 cm to the steering wheel airbag,” says the Royal Automobile Club.
Relaxed driving in pregnancy
Basically, it is important for pregnant women not to stay in the same posture for a longer period of time. Moving in between prevents water retention in the legs and provides the baby with an extra dose of oxygen. This also applies to the time pregnant women spend in the car. Take frequent breaks during long car journeys. Thrombosis tights help to prevent blood congestion and water build-up in the legs. Expectant mothers should also be careful to pack enough to drink.
Get enough fluid. This keeps the circulation going. Caution is advised on rough roads. Potholes cause shocks and can cause labor .
Do without driving during pregnancy
Driving a car during pregnancy is no problem for those who feel comfortable and follow the basic safety tips. It is different when expectant mothers feel that driving a car is stressful and exhausting. “Even with nausea , dizziness, dizziness and similar complaints, it is advisable to at least temporarily refrain from driving,” said the Federal Center for Health Education. If the stomach becomes so big that it limits the freedom of movement, women should not use the car during pregnancy.
