Car Safety Tips for Pregnant Women
Most moms-to-be continue driving throughout their pregnancies. It's safe for most women, even during the last weeks, if you take a few extra precautions as you get behind the wheel.
1. Wear Your Seat Belt
Use both the lap and the shoulder harness. Keep the lap belt down under your baby bump. Fasten the seat belt snugly beneath your abdomen, against the bony part of your pelvis. In the wintertime, remove your coat so that the belt stays low and in place.
Pass the shoulder strap over your shoulder and across your chest between your breasts. It should feel snug without cutting into your shoulder or your neck. Don't tuck it under your arm or behind your back.
2.Stop, Stretch and Stroll
If you'll be in the car for several hours, take frequent breaks. Get out of the car, stretch a bit and walk around and visit the restroom. You'll feel more alert for the next part of the journey and keep the circulation moving in your legs.
3.Sit as Far Back as You Can
The further away from the steering wheel you sit, the less damage you might receive in a car accident. Even a few inches can make a huge difference in a collision.
Scoot the seat back and adjust the head rest so you're as comfortable as possible while driving. Position the steering wheel to maximize abdomen-to-wheel clearance, while aiming it more toward your chest than your head.
You can buy special extenders for the car's pedals that allow you to operate the car from further back than you'd normally sit. Practice with the pedal extenders before you take them out on busy streets.
4.Opt for Airbags
Rumors have been flying around that airbags can harm your baby. No research confirms this idea. Safety experts agree that an airbag can only help protect the mother and baby in the event of a car accident.
5.Gauge Fatigue
During pregnancy you can become tired sooner than you did when you weren't sharing your body with a growing bump. Realistically gauge your fatigue before you get behind the wheel. If you're too tired to concentrate, ask someone else to drive, wait until you're feeling a little more energetic or postpone your trip.
Once you're out on the road, eat regularly and carry snacks and water to keep your blood sugar level. Sudden dips can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, confusion or disorientation.
6.Cut Down on the Distractions
Since pregnancy by itself can be distracting, try to get rid of things that will draw your attention away from the road. Don't take your cell phone out of your purse while you're behind the wheel. Let someone else change the channels on the radio. Wait until you're there to attack that lunch you picked up.
Becoming a parent often means taking fewer risks and more precautions. Even if you might consider driving in pounding rain, snow, ice, or fog under normal circumstances, think twice about driving in poor weather conditions when pregnant.
Whenever possible, drive before and after rush hour. Fewer cars on the road mean fewer possibilities for mishaps.
7. If You're in an Accident
If you're in an accident, your baby will more than likely be okay. Your muscular abdomen and the amniotic fluid offer a buffer from bumps and bruises.
The main risk to your baby is separation of the placenta. This condition might cause vaginal bleeding, severe pain or contractions.Even if you don't experience these symptoms, call your midwife or doctor immediately. Your caregiver will ask you to come in, examine you, listen to your baby's heartbeat and perhaps do an ultrasound to confirm that you and the baby are doing well.
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