Remember, wearing a seatbelt is the best way to stay safe while riding in a car. And pregnant or not, the right way to buckle up is the same—with the lap belt low and flat over your hips and the shoulder belt snug across your chest and shoulder.
But pregnancy does change your body—and your comfort level in the car. These tips can help make sure you and your growing belly are comfortable and secure on the journey.
1. Lift your belly and position the lap belt snugly across the tops of your thighs and hip bones.
Never place the lap belt over or on top of your belly. A seat belt over your vulnerable belly could harm your baby or the placenta in the event of a crash.
2. Position the shoulder belt between your breasts and off to the side of your belly.
This protects your head and chest and keeps the lap belt from sliding up over your belly.
3. Tilt the steering wheel upward. Your growing belly needs extra room in the car.
Tilt the steering wheel up and away from your belly.
4. Slide your seat as far away from the steering wheel as possible.
Sit as far back as you can comfortably to protect your belly from the airbag in a crash.
5. Adjust your seat to a comfortable upright position.
Reclining your seat too far increases the gap between your shoulder and the seat belt and puts extra pressure on the uterus.
If your growing belly prevents you from driving comfortably while wearing your seatbelt properly, maybe it’s time to take a break from driving. Consider letting someone else play chauffeur until after delivery. And remember to move your seat as far back as you can, even as a passenger. Airbags can save lives, but they can also be dangerous if you’re too close during deployment.