Driving During Pregnancy - Car And Two-Wheeler Safe Driving Tips

An increasing number of women are becoming independent and resorting to their own conveyance! It’s not unusual to spot women buzzing on their mopeds or checking their makeup behind the wheel. This is absolute bliss till you begin your journey toward motherhood. The uterine cavity, where the embryo implants and grows into a baby is very delicate and cannot tolerate pressure. But how safe is there are many dos and don ts when it comes to driving during pregnancy.

Why Is It Important To Be Careful While Travelling Now That I Am Pregnant?

“Now that I am pregnant..”, isn’t this enough to drive anyone to a ‘safe-radar’ drive? Not only your growing belly but the hormones that are at play during pregnancy, increasing your risk of having a road accident. This risk is more pronounced during the second trimester. Fatigue, insomnia, nausea, and stress that accompany a given pregnancy contribute to erroneous driving and increase the possibility of having a road crash.

So should you not drive? Of course, you should, but you should drive a bit more carefully, follow driving rules and follow the standard, safe driving instructions. You do not want to visit the hospital because of an accident, and because conducting X-rays, etc. are not recommended during pregnancy, it is best to stay careful and attentive on the roads while driving.

15 Car Driving Safety Tips During Pregnancy

If your daily ride to work is a car, then you need to be a little calm and careful on the roads now that you are expecting. The below tips should come in handy to drive safely by car:

Select a smooth route. Sudden jerks from break and speed breakers or potholes are serious concerns for a pregnant woman. Stay away from a rough road with loose grits and patches of potholes.
Adjust the driving seat. Too high or low seating can cause discomfort. Hopping down or dragging up from a low seat is unpleasant.
If you are driving ensure that the baby bump doesn’t crash with the steering wheel, there should be enough space. All the controls should be within comfortable reach.
Aim the steering wheel towards the chest rather than toward the abdomen
Follow the basic safety rule – wear a seatbelt. It is for your and your unborn baby’s protection! Buy seat belts that are specially designed for expecting mothers.
Nausea, headache, and suffocation are common during car journeys. Choose a car perfume that calms you.
Buy & wear sunshades. Whether driving or traveling, heat increases discomfort. Sunshades will protect you from direct sun.
Do not shy away from cars with airbags – they will protect you.
Be prepared for the unexpected like flat wheels.
Keep your phone charged and carry a charger.
Keep a bottle of water, in your sleeves, during summer. Pack some juice or buttermilk in the summer. It is important to stay well hydrated.
Pack a few healthy munchies, for unexpected hunger pangs.
Be it a romantic drive with your hubby or an all-girls trip; wear loose and cool clothes! Unlike before, there are exclusive stores for expecting mothers which offer stylish and comfortable clothes.
Follow the traffic rules religiously. This includes lane changing, indicator lights, speed limits, and phone use while driving – consider using Bluetooth or hands-free.
As your belly expands, it’s best to have someone to help you. Try someone else to drive you to work

Car Driving For Long Distances During Pregnancy

In case you need to travel a long distance during your pregnancy, you must ensure that you:

1. Carry the comfort

Keep your hot water bottle, pillow, or aircraft cushion in your car

2. Wear the Seat Belt Snugly and Correctly

While wearing a seat belt during pregnancy, make sure:

The shoulder portion should be positioned over the collarbone
Lap portion below the abdomen and across the upper thighs
The strap should run across the chest not over or above the belly

3. Keep the Reports Handy

Always keep a copy of your pregnancy reports/check-ups in your car

4. Take Frequent Breaks

Fatigue, nausea, and blackouts are common, and this could be dangerous, especially while driving on motorways. Breaks are welcome since sitting for prolonged periods is tedious for expecting mothers.

Meets the need for frequent urination too.
Keep hand sanitizer and toilet roll handy.

5. Stay Hydrated

Apart from water, carry a glucose drink/Limca whatever you prefer for instant energy and wellness. Snacks and drinks will help keep your blood sugar level optimum.

6. Stretch Yourself

Swollen feet are not only a sign of pregnancy but can be painful and suggest insufficient blood circulation. Stretching your legs and rotating limbs (wrists, ankles) will ease discomfort

7. Car Care

Ensure that your car has been serviced and works perfectly fine before you buzz off on a driving spree. Check for any loose breaks or non-functional head/tail lights. Get the air in your tires checked frequently. A spare pair of keys is a good idea as well

8. Fill the Fuel Tank

Check the fuel level and do the needful; sometimes it’s difficult to find a petrol station

9. Be Alert

Stop the car and pull along the hard shoulder if you suspect any foul or burning odor. Do not drive if you feel strained or burned out.

10. Invest in a SatNav

Get a navigation device and learn how to operate it. The Map my India by Google is one such reliable device available in the market.

11. Be Tech-Ready

Ensure that your car is equipped with the first aid kit, car Stepney and provided tools – no you are not changing tires but the mechanic on rural roads may!

12. Avoid Night Driving

Visibility could be a concern if you opt to drive at night. Also, the chances of encountering drunk drivers are more. You will also be fatigued by the night

Two-Wheeler Riding During Pregnancy

Coming to the two-wheelers, you need to be extra cautious! Most doctors advise against taking the ride on two-wheelers because of the increased risk of falling, losing balance, and the lack of airbags to protect you. Unlike cars, you are more open to the roughness of the road, and bumps strike harder. If you have to ride to work during pregnancy, you need to take quite a few precautions as listed below:

Wear a helmet and summer coat/wind-cheater – any extra layer always works as protection!
Invest in neon-high visibility jackets while traveling during the night.
Wear comfortable footwear and not strappy sandals which may be a hazard.
Avoid exploring new routes – keep the ride short and sweet i.e. less busy and bumpy.
Avoid traveling during peak hours.
If you feel dizzy or unwell, do not drive at all.
Avoid riding the two-wheeler on a rainy day- the rain makes the roads slippery and chaotic.
Seek help if your scooter doesn’t have a self-start option – jerks are not good!
Know if there are any health care centers in the route you follow – just in case.
Keep the vehicle documents along with water in the storage.
Carry the charger and mobile. Nowadays, vehicles come with these facilities!

Avoid traveling by two-wheeler during the first few and last months of pregnancy, particularly if you are above 30 yrs or previously had complications in pregnancy miscarriage). The pressure on the uterus may lead to premature delivery and complications. Also, it will become difficult to balance the weight, especially during turns.

Driving During The First Trimester

Unless you suffer from extreme nausea and dizziness, you are good to ride or drive as the case may be. Risks are low, but you need to take all the necessary precautions. Take a check from your gynecologist though.

The Second Trimester of Driving

As your belly grows, you may find it difficult to ride and drive on your own. The summer heat and the winter colds are not suitable for a pregnant woman. If you can, ask a co-worker or your husband to drop you off at work.

Driving During The Third Trimester

You should avoid driving and riding during the third trimester. Avail of the work-from-home option a few days every week. The rest of the days, ask your husband to drop you off and pick you up from work. Two-wheeler riding during the last few months of the pregnancy should be completely avoided. If your office is close by, take a walk- but not alone.

Regardless of car or moped, it’s best to get in touch with your obstetrician to identify what’s best for you and your baby!

FAQs

1. When In Pregnancy Should You Stop Driving?

The general answer is that you should never stop driving while pregnant. You can drive while pregnant as long as you are comfortable. You’re ready to go cruising if you can sit in the driver’s seat comfortably and safely without worrying about distractions, sickness, or limited movement.

2. Do Bumpy Roads Affect Pregnancy?

According to studies speed bumps if driven over quickly, can cause minor brain injuries, an abnormal fetal heart rate, abdominal pain, uterine contraction, increased uterine activity, and other complications. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the road condition while traveling during pregnancy. Avoid very bumpy roads and postpone off-roading until after the baby is born.

3. Can Driving Cause Miscarriage?

Traveling by car during pregnancy has not been proven to be dangerous by any credible scientific study. You have a larger chance of having a miscarriage in the first three months of your pregnancy regardless if you are traveling or not. You can still drive, but only if you take all the required safety measures.

4. Where Should A Pregnant Woman Sit In A Car?

Pregnant women should ride in the back seat with a seat belt and the seat belt beneath their bellies. When riding as a front-seat passenger, it’s best to recline the seat back and keep the airbags activated.

Driving During Pregnancy – Car And Two-Wheeler Safe Driving Tips