From the moment you find out that you’re eating for two, there are so many questions going through your head, one of them being something that many of us do daily, and that’s can you drive while pregnant. Stay tuned for all things driving while pregnant.
Driving when pregnant
The good news is yes, you can keep driving while you’re pregnant, it’s absolutely fine. You can drive throughout your pregnancy as long as you feel comfortable. It’s generally safe, as safe as the roads can be anyway.
If you feel fine driving, then no doubt you are fine, that is unless you’re feeling uncomfortable or have nausea. Pregnancy can be exhausting and concentrating at the wheel might prove to be a bit of a struggle in the end, but to start with no doubt you’ll be feeling physically ok behind the wheel.
As time goes on and you find yourself still driving while pregnant, it’s probably best to take your notes with you and to always have your phone with you too. You never know when you might go into labour.
Pregnancy seat belts
Buckle up, always. Wearing a seat belt is safer than not wearing a seat belt and the same goes for during pregnancy too. Protecting the mother is protecting the baby, isn’t it? Your seat belt is like your first line of defence in the event of a crash so you’d hope that the mother and baby would be protected as much as possible.
If you were to find yourself in an accident and you’re pregnant the main thing is that you get checked out, even if you feel ok.
There are a few things that you can do if you’re pregnant to help you be as safe as possible when you’re driving:
- Always wear a seat belt
- Have the shoulder belt over your shoulder, collarbone, and down across the chest
- Check the lap belt is worn as low as possible, under the abdomen
- Adjust the seat belt so that is as comfortable as possible for you
Wearing a set belt when you are pregnant is key unless your doctor says otherwise for a medical reason. If this was the case, you’d be given a Certificate of Exemption from compulsory seat belt wearing.
Pregnancy pit stops
A car trip might be a good getaway for you but before you decide to do any long-distance car journeys, check with your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you to travel. If you’re good to go, then a few things to bear in mind would be:
- Take time to stop and stretch your legs regularly
- Extra toilet breaks
- Pit stop every few hours to keep your blood flowing
- Drink plenty of water
- Take the trip during your second trimester when you’re most likely feeling your best
The main thing is that you never want to get behind the wheel if you’re feeling unsure about your health or the well-being of your child. So long as you’re feeling well, you should be good to drive while you’re pregnant.
