Seat Belt Recommendations for Expectant Mothers

You’ve picked a baby name, you’ve started decorating the nursery and someone more than likely already bought you a copy of “What to Expect When You Are Expecting”. If not, don’t worry, it’s guaranteed someone will purchase it for you before you give birth. Everyone is excited and you’re officially gone into Momma Mode and picked up all the best advice.

And you’re probably freaking out a little bit too. You may have even heard of the study that shows expectant females are more likely to be involved in a car crash than their non-expectant friends. The statistics could be due because you’re also feeling tired, nauseated, dizzy and unfocused even.

But the best advice yet, and one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your unborn child in a crash is to always wear a seatbelt.  When used correctly, seat belts can save lives and can significantly lower the chances of serious injury.

How will a car crash affect my pregnancy?

Depending on the accident, being in a car crash can raise your risk for serious complications during pregnancy, including:

• Preterm labor – Preterm labor is labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
• Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) – When the amniotic sac ruptures past 37 weeks' gestation but prior to the onset labor.
• Placental abruption – A serious condition in which the placenta partially or completely separates from the wall of the uterus (womb) before birth.  Placental abruption can deprive your baby of oxygen and nutrients, and cause grave bleeding that can be dangerous to both you and your child.
• Miscarriage – When the baby dies in the womb prior to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
• Stillbirth – When the baby is born dead past 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Wearing your seatbelt appropriately can help protect both you and your baby. If you are expecting, always wear your seatbelt when riding in a car. Hopefully you won’t have to, but if you end up involved in a car crash, seek immediate medical treatment (no matter if you were the driver or passenger, and even if you think both you and baby are fine). Most physicians’ will recommend having the baby’s heartbeat checked. If you have contractions, pain in your belly or notice blood and/or fluid leaking, call your health care provider immediately. 

What’s the proper way to wear a seatbelt when you’re expecting?

• Always use the complete lap and shoulder belt (not just the lap belt). Make sure both fit you comfortably. 
• Buckle the lap belt under your belly and over your hips. Never place a lap belt across your belly. 
• Put the shoulder strap between your breasts and off to the side of your belly. Never place the shoulder strap underneath your arm. 
• If it adjusts, fix the length of the shoulder strap to fit you properly.
• Remove extra layers as jackets and coats can interfere with your seat belt placement. It can also make you feel too warm and become uncomfortable and/or distracted. 
• Look into a Tummy Shield. There are several products specially made for expectant moms that help keep the seat belt low.

What are some additional tips to staying safe while driving pregnant?

• If possible, limit the amount of time you’re spending behind the wheel. Certainly avoid driving more than 5-6 hours (maximum) per day. Be aware of how you are feeling. If you feel fatigue, nausea and lack of focus, ask someone else to drive or postpone your trip.
• Take a break – If you’ve been in the car for several hours, take a break to stop, stretch and walk. This is a good time to use the bathroom and re-energize.
• Limit your distractions. Avoid phone (calls and texts) and radio.
• Do not turn off the airbags in your car. They are designed to work with the seat belt and provide the best protection for you and your unborn child. Instead, try to tilt the steering wheel towards your breastbone instead of in the direction of your abdomen so that if the airbag does go off, it’s not directly into your abdomen.
• And when you’re unborn baby finally arrives, ensure he/she is protected by knowing the appropriate car seat rules.
  

Wishing you a happy, safe, and comfortable drive.