The answer is simple. It is safe to drive while you are pregnant, as long as you are comfortable to drive and the driving pedals are within easy reach. If you decide to continue driving yourself around, please consider these essential tips:
Wear your seatbelt correctly
Seatbelts should be worn at all times. Make sure the waist strap of your seatbelt is positioned underneath your baby bump and across your hips. The shoulder strap should be placed comfortably between your breasts. The strap should not cover your belly as this could put pressure on unborn child. Wearing a seatbelt correctly will ensure that you are comfortable and that you and your unborn baby are protected throughout your journey.
Make sure you are comfortable
For additional support, consider placing a small cushion underneath or behind you. Position your seat as far back as possible and keep about a 10cm distance between you and the steering wheel. This also protects you and your unborn child if the airbag happens to be deployed.
Take regular breaks
Your feet and ankles may be prone to swelling during your pregnancy so try to avoid driving for lengthy periods and stretch your legs as much as possible. This increases blood flow which also means you will feel less tired on the road.
ALSO SEE: 10 pregnancy hacks to ease aches and pains
Reduce your driving when necessary
As you reach your third trimester, you may feel more fatigued and find it more cumbersome to move around. At this time, it’s probably wise to limit your driving and only drive when necessary. Try making alternative transport arrangements such as using an Uber or asking a friend, your partner, or another family member to drive you.
Always consult your doctor
If you plan on going on a road trip, make sure you consult your doctor before travelling. If you experience bleeding, abdominal cramping, fatigue, dizziness, nausea or any other complications during your pregnancy then it may not be a good idea for you to do a long road trip.
If you have any other concerns, speak to your doctor.
Xanet is an award-winning journalist and Living and Loving’s digital editor. She has won numerous awards for her health and wellness articles and was a finalist for the Discovery Journalist of the Year in 2009 and again in 2011 for the Discovery Best Health Consumer Reporting and Feature Writing category. She is responsible for our online presence across social media channels and makes sure our moms have fresh and interesting articles to read every day. Learn more about Xanet Scheepers.