How Safe Is Riding A Two-Wheeler During Pregnancy?

There is no airbag protection on a two-wheeled vehicle. Two-wheelers also have a greater risk of injury from road hazards. There is an increased risk of falling for a pregnant lady riding a two-wheeled vehicle. Therefore, you shouldn’t get on a two-wheeler during pregnancy.

Healthy pregnant women can ride two-wheelers. But the roads are generally filled with potholes and other obstacles that make the ride uncomfortable. Traffic, reckless drivers, and unsafe surroundings can cause accidents. Thus, avoid such risks during pregnancy.

In This Article

• Why Is It Unsafe To Ride Two Wheeler During Pregnancy?
• 10 Precautions To Take When You Ride On A Two-Wheeler During Pregnancy
• 5 Ways You Can Avoid A Two-Wheeler Ride During Pregnancy
• FAQs

Why Is It Unsafe To Ride Two Wheeler During Pregnancy?

Two-wheelers, as such, are not the culprits. But the crazy traffic on our roads, combined with the sad condition of the roads with multiple potholes, ensures that you are in for a very bumpy ride. The bumpy ride poses a problem even when you are driving in a four-wheeler (or a three-wheeler). But it poses a bigger threat to two-wheelers because:

• Two-wheeler riders are rougher than four-wheeler rides – this will make your journey bumpier than usual
• The rides require more balance because, well, you are on just two wheels
• Two-wheeler rides are also riskier because there is an increased chance of falling and hurting yourself in case of an imbalance

In fact, your doctor might even suggest staying off the roads completely during your first trimester. So, it is advisable you avoid two-wheelers if you can help it. Whatever means of travel you decide to use, you should first talk to your doctor and ensure she is fine with your plan.

10 Precautions To Take When You Ride On A Two-Wheeler During Pregnancy

10 precautions to take when you ride on a two-wheeler during pregnancy are:

1. Always wear a helmet, whether you are riding the bike, or sitting pillion
2. If there is a chance you will be outside in the dark, take a high-visibility jacket with you
3. Try to avoid peak-hour traffic in the morning and evening. Not only will the ride be more difficult and time-consuming, but being out in the sun and smoking for long is not advisable during pregnancy
4. Always pick a road you are familiar with, so you can anticipate the road humps and potholes ahead and will not encounter either of them out of the blue.
5. While this is not always possible, make sure you know where the nearest hospital or medical center is, on the route you are taking. This way, if you feel unwell in between, you know where to go
6. If you are driving as a pillion, make sure the driver knows that you are pregnant and that he/she has to go slow and avoid potholes
7. Try to avoid long drives during the afternoon, when the sun is ablaze, especially during summers. The chances of you feeling dizzy is higher in the mid-afternoon time
8. Keep a water bottle in the two-wheeler so that you do not become dehydrated when out for long
9. Avoid riding in the rain. Also, avoid riding just after the rain when the road is wet and slippery (and the potholes are not visible due to water on the road)
10. Avoid riding in fog or low visibility. During winter, early morning and late evening, there would be mist and fog which can lower your visibility

Although many of these tips may seem difficult to follow, especially if you have to get to work in the morning and hence cannot avoid the morning traffic, you have to find alternatives because it is always better to be more careful than less.

5 Ways You Can Avoid A Two-Wheeler Ride During Pregnancy

The following are five ways you can avoid a two-wheeler ride during pregnancy:

1. Carpool! While this may seem obvious, very few of us actually do it (which explains the crazy traffic!).
   • Ask your colleagues where they live. See if there is a way you can reach their residence, or if they can pick you up on their way to work. Trust us, people would want to help out a pregnant lady.
   • Alternatively, ask your neighbors where they work. If they go to the same area as you for work, or if they pass your workplace on their way to work, then again they might be able to pick up and drop you.
2. If you live in metros, cabs are easier to find thanks to services like Ola and Uber. They also have a “share” option where you ride with other people, which in turn brings down the cost of your ride
3. Find out about public transport. That is right, the government transport buses might seem rickety in some regions, but once you move to the third trimester, it would be close to impossible to sit on a two-wheeler comfortably
4. Try to make your work life a bit more flexible:
   • Talk to your manager about having a more flexible work timing, which might help you coordinate better for carpooling, or avoid peak hour traffic.
   • Consider working from home some days a week, if your company permits it.
5. If the office is close by, and you plan to walk, always make sure you do not walk alone and you have a friend or colleague with you so that there is someone to help if you feel unwell.

For more on this topic, read Driving During Pregnancy – Car And Two-Wheeler Safe Driving Tips

FAQs

1. Can Bumpy Ride Affect Pregnancy?

Even if you’re in your ninth or tenth month of pregnancy, it’s quite improbable that being in a car that goes over speed bumps or down a bumpy road with potholes can cause labor to begin. It’s perfectly safe for your infant. The amniotic fluid, abdominal muscles, and your pelvis all work together to provide a comfortable environment for your unborn child.

2. When Should You Stop Riding When Pregnant?

During the third trimester, most women want to quit riding and most obstetricians agree with this decision.