As an expectant mother, you must ensure your safety and the well-being of your unborn baby. Car travel during pregnancy can pose risks, such as airbag and seat belt injuries, dehydration, stress, or, worse, an accident. Hence, taking the necessary precautions to ensure a smooth and safe journey is crucial.
Whether you’re a first-time or experienced mum, this article may help you. You’ll learn practical tips and advice on car safety that you can implement to protect yourself and your baby. Let’s get started.
1. Know When To Seek Medical Attention
One of the most important aspects of car safety during pregnancy is knowing when to seek medical attention in the event of an accident. Post-collision, it’s essential to be aware of any warning signs indicating a more serious issue. Possible pregnancy complications after a collision may include miscarriage, severe bleeding, and early labour.
Consult with your healthcare provider and ob-gyn about any concerns or symptoms you experience after a collision as soon as possible. They can evaluate and manage any potential complications or injuries that may arise due to a car collision.
2. Keep Contact Information Accessible
Now that you have learned the importance of seeking medical attention after a car collision, it’s essential to keep contact information accessible. In case of an emergency, it’s essential to have the contact details of your healthcare provider readily available. Saving their number in your phone and keeping a physical copy in your car’s glove compartment or wallet can ensure you can reach them quickly if needed.
Additionally, it may be helpful to have the contact information of close family members or friends who can support and assist in an emergency. Having trusted individuals aware of your pregnancy and available to help during unforeseen situations can provide peace of mind.
3. Avoid Prolonged Trips
During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant physical changes, making it more susceptible to discomfort while sitting for prolonged periods. It’s essential to take frequent breaks and stretch your legs to avoid blood clots, which can be a concern during pregnancy. Prolonged trips may also result in dehydration, fatigue, and stress, adversely affecting your pregnancy.
To ensure your comfort and safety, limiting your car trips to no longer than six hours per day is recommended. If you have a long way to travel, break the journey into shorter trips, and plan regular stops. Take the opportunity to stretch, walk around, and use the restroom.
Don’t forget to wear loose and comfortable clothing and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and healthy fluids. Ultimately, the goal is to make your trips as comfortable as possible and reduce the risk of developing blood clots and alleviate discomfort.
4. Avoid Distracting Behaviours
Driving requires focus and attention, and when you’re pregnant, it’s essential to take extra precautions to avoid any distractions that could compromise your safety. Distracting behaviours—such as talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio—can divert your attention from the road and increase the risk of an accident.
For example, if you’re driving to an appointment and your phone rings, instead of reaching for it, let it go to voicemail and deal with it later. By prioritising your concentration on the road, you create a safer environment for yourself and your baby.
Remember, it only takes a moment of distraction for an accident to occur, so it’s always better to focus on the task at hand—driving safely.
5. Adjust The Steering Wheel And Airbag
Positioning the steering wheel and airbag is critical for your safety while driving. Positioning the steering wheel properly can help prevent injuries from airbag deployment. During pregnancy, keeping the steering wheel at least ten inches away from your breastbone is advisable.
It would also help to place the seat belt under your belly and across your hips. The airbag should always be positioned to point directly at your chest, not your belly, to limit the risk of compression injuries.
6. Ensure Proper Car Maintenance
Lastly, maintaining your vehicle’s condition is vital for safe and comfortable travels during pregnancy. Regular car maintenance can help prevent unforeseen mechanical issues while on the road.
Check the tire pressure and fluid levels, and ensure that the brakes and lights are functioning well. Also, schedule a routine maintenance appointment for your vehicle. Keeping up with these essential maintenance tasks reduces the risk of a tire blowout or other mechanical failure, decreasing the chances of an accident.
Car Safety As An Expectant Mother
Remember, these practical tips can go a long way in ensuring your safety as a pregnant woman while travelling by car. From being aware of potential complications to maintaining your vehicle, you can have peace of mind and enjoy a comfortable journey.
Your well-being and the safety of your unborn baby are of utmost importance, and by implementing these guidelines, you’re taking proactive steps to protect both of you.
Always consider car safety on the road!
