Driving When Pregnant

[BigEars]

Jodie got me thinking. Of course, no matter what when you are driving it is safest to wear a seat belt. But, when pregnant, where do you put the belt? Just a random question, but a girl can't help wondering.

[Callaghan]

The lap belt goes under your belly and the shoulder belt goes over it and up over your shoulder.

[Evo Baby]

As above hun, Ive been quite lucky with my bump because its not overly huge, I have plenty of room between me and the steering wheel if my belly was pretty much touching the wheel I wouldnt risk driving the car, or any car for that matter.

Getting in and out of the car used to be a quick and easy task although now it gets a little more tougher due to Bucket Seats and again as said above you need to double check that your seat belt is fitted correctly around your precious cargo so can take a little while longer to get yourself in and sorted.

I am quite lucky though as I have the use of my car and my sisters little Renault Clio :-) But am trying to walk almost everywhere as being just over 39 weeks I wanna get things moving

Jodie x

[Speeddemon]

Really good question and really good advice but I have another question...what about the airbags? If you have driver's side airbags would it be better to just not risk it later in pregnancy? I ask because I am quite short and already very close to the steering wheel.

[Bling]

Really good question, I have never seen any studies regarding the use of air bags when pregnant. How fast do they deploy-with how much force? I would think that the reduction of the force of the impact on your chest and abdomen would still be a benefit because the baby would still suffer from that impact if it was the steering wheel that you hit.

But then I HAVE seen studies that show that air bags increase the mortality rate of morbidly obese people, like over 300lb.

[rara]

Originally Posted by Evo Baby

I am quite lucky though as I have the use of my car and my sisters little Renault Clio :-) But am trying to walk almost everywhere as being just over 39 weeks I wanna get things moving

Walking is a good way to speed up that process! No doubt on having to adjust, have been in many cars with the ladies when pregnant (sisters) and it will take a good 5-10 minutes getting things all together. I think there are also some clip things you can use if you need extra help not sure of the name though.

And as for airbags, I can vouch they work QUICK! I was hit in the face, chest with one, and there is nothing more painful that chest bruises (that lasted for over a month).

[Laos]

you definitely need to be careful while driving and pregnant. Even in the passenger seats. If you get into an accident, smacking into the seat in front of you, or hitting an airbag isn't exactly good for the baby in your womb. If you stay out of any risky situations and stay calm while driving during the pregnancy you will be alright

[silver_song642]

I think it depends on how many months your pregnant. When it gets closer to your baby's due date, I suggest having your husband or a friend drive you around. If you feel threatened by the airbag, try sitting in the back of the car instead.

[rara]

Originally Posted by silver_song642

I think it depends on how many months your pregnant. When it gets closer to your baby's due date, I suggest having your husband or a friend drive you around. If you feel threatened by the airbag, try sitting in the back of the car instead.

Exactly what I was thinking, depending on your doctors wishes, some will tell you that depending on how you carry when pregnant, they will have you cut off at 36 weeks.

[BRGreen]

I've never heard of not driving because you were pregnant honestly but it makes total sense. At least as a passenger you don't have the steering wheel in front of you for you to crash into. Makes sense I guess.