By Pam Fischer, CPST

Many women have concerns about driving when they’re pregnant—from how safety belts and airbags could affect their unborn child to developing blood clots when sitting behind the wheel for an extended period of time.

So what’s a pregnant woman to do? First, be sure to always buckle up. Not only is wearing a safety belt required by law, but it’s the most important safety tip for an expectant mom. The key to wearing a safety belt when pregnant is to do so properly.

Position the shoulder strap high across your chest away from your neck and the lap belt below your tummy and across your hips and upper thighs. Never place the lap belt above or on your abdomen.

If you’re thinking about using a safety belt positioning device designed specifically for pregnant women, be careful. While these devices may help keep the lap belt low on your hips, these “aftermarket products” aren’t governed by any federal motor vehicle safety standards. AAA-certified child passenger safety technicians (CPST) are trained to advise parents never to attach an aftermarket product to a vehicle’s safety belts or to the harness straps of a child safety seat.

When it comes to airbags and pregnancy, buckling up is even more important. Airbags, when used in conjunction with safety belts, save lives. In addition to fastening your safety belt, be sure to move your seat back so that you’ve got at least 10 inches of clearance between your body and the steering wheel. Also, sit back against the seat and don’t lean forward.

While today’s cars are designed with myriad safety and comfort features, some vehicles, particularly compact and sports cars, may not work for you if you’re pregnant. You may find that, like your wardrobe, your vehicle may have to increase in size as well.

When it comes to driving long distances, unless your doctor says otherwise, you should be able to do so as long as you follow the safety tips noted above. The key to any long drive, regardless of whether you’re pregnant or not, is to take frequent breaks. Stopping every hour or two to stretch your legs—and visit the restroom as necessary—will help minimize swollen ankles and prevent blood clots from forming, which can occur when you sit for long periods of time.

Finally, if you’ve reached a point in your pregnancy where you no longer feel safe or comfortable behind the wheel, talk to your doctor. If you’re having a normal pregnancy, you should be able to continue driving. However, every woman and every pregnancy is different. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, ask your spouse, a family member or friend to take the wheel. And do sit back and enjoy being a passenger…until the time comes to begin chauffeuring the little one around!

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