{"id":34183,"date":"2021-08-25T06:52:50","date_gmt":"2021-08-25T06:52:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.safetyrestore.com\/blog\/?p=34183"},"modified":"2023-08-24T16:14:41","modified_gmt":"2023-08-24T16:14:41","slug":"seatbelt-guidelines-for-pregnant-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.safetyrestore.com\/blog\/seatbelt-guidelines-for-pregnant-women\/","title":{"rendered":"Putting Safety First: Seatbelt Guidelines for Pregnant Women"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pregnant women are advised against riding a vehicle because of the stress and dangers of being on the road. Besides being unsure of unexpected physiological symptoms, it can be dangerous to be pregnant and behind the wheel. This risk is present for both drivers and passengers, no matter how safe driving routes may be.<\/span><\/p>\n

All car accidents have a degree of danger and risk to passengers. However, it\u2019s even more dangerous for pregnant women, even if they feel like they\u2019re physically free from harm. The impact of a car crash can lead to different internal complications that can compromise their unborn child\u2019s safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding Car Accidents and Pregnant Passengers<\/b><\/h2>\n

A car crash can cause preterm labor or force a pregnant woman to give birth 37 weeks too early. Additionally, a pregnant passenger can experience premature rupture of the membrane, breaking the sac around the baby before labor.<\/span><\/p>\n

A miscarriage or stillbirth is common when women experience severe physical stress. This is why wearing a seatbelt is necessary to prevent the risk of severe internal injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wearing a Seatbelt Properly<\/b><\/h2>\n

Your lap and shoulder belt combination is a part of your car\u2019s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Your seat belt works in coordination with different sensors to check if you\u2019ll need a drastic emergency response for your safety. During a car crash, your seat belt\u2019s pretensioners will trigger, tightening the sashes\u2019 webbing to reduce slack and keep you in place. However, this cannot occur if you don\u2019t wear your seat belt properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

First, you need to secure the shoulder sash across your collarbone and keep it snug between your breasts. Avoid hitting your neck or putting your shoulder belt under your arm. Next, the lap belt should stay under your belly to prevent a suffocating tightening on your stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since a pregnant woman\u2019s body will undergo various physiological changes, you may need to adjust your sitting posture. Doing so will help you put on your seat belt properly and let you stay comfortable as you wear it. As a general rule, there must be at least ten inches of space between your belly and the steering wheel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Minimizing Risk of Car Accidents<\/b><\/h2>\n

Although pregnant women are advised to stay at home and avoid physically strenuous activities, most future moms cannot delay their other responsibilities. Going to the office and heading to the grocery are tasks that require them to use public transportation or their own vehicle. While it\u2019s still best to limit driving, here are some safety tips you can follow if you need to travel in a vehicle:<\/span><\/p>\n