Car accidents are the leading cause of death for pregnant women and the leading cause of trauma-related hospital stays during pregnancy. Wearing a seatbelt is the best way for moms-to-be to prevent injury and death from a motor vehicle accident. Bellow you will find the answers of the most common questions you may have as a pregnant woman.
Is it safe for my unborn baby if I wear a seat belt?
Research shows that unborn babies have the best chance of surviving car accidents when mom uses her seat belt properly. There is no evidence that suggests seat belts can harm unborn babies.
Seat belts greatly reduce mom’s risk of injury in a car accident. If mom stays unharmed, there is a good chance her unborn baby will, too. But if mom is hurt in an accident, her unborn baby could also suffer. Maternal injury during a car crash is linked with:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Placenta abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus before birth)
- Distress of the unborn baby
- Death of the fetus
Studies show that the use of a seat belt reduces the risk of injuries and these poor outcomes.
10 Tips on how to travel safely in a car
The key to keep you and your unborn baby safe is to proper buckle up preferably using the three-point restraint system that gives the maximum protection.
- Place the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly and across your upper thighs.
- Place the shoulder portion of the seat belt between your breasts.
- Make sure there is no excessive slack anywhere on the seat belt.
- Always wear the lap and shoulder portion of the seat belt.
- Never take the shoulder part of the seat belt off and place it behind you.
- Do not place the lap portion of the seat belt across your abdomen.
- Keep the airbags turned on at all times. Experts say the benefits of an air bag outweigh any risks to a pregnant woman and her baby.
- Adjust your seat. Keep your seat as far back from the dashboard as you can – at least 10 inches if possible.
- Keep trips in the car brief. Limit time spent in the car to five to six hours at most each day. Taking breaks at least every two hours. Get up and walk around, stretch your legs and wiggle your toes often. This helps lower the risk for blood clots and eases swelling in your ankles and feet.
- Call your doctor right away if you are involved in a car crash, even if it’s minor.
If seat belts are not worn correctly, women are at increased risk for abdominal injuries and uterine rupture. Check your seat belt to make sure it’s not too loose or too high.
