When you are pregnant, normal activities are suddenly under careful scrutiny. Is this safe? Will it harm my baby? Can I still do this? It’s good to be careful, but after a while you’ll realize there are a lot of things that pregnant woman can still do with a little modification. Many woman become concerned about driving during late pregnancy. Here are some DOs and DON’Ts. As always, check with your doctor if you are unsure about any activity.
DO continue to drive while you are pregnant as long as you are not under any restrictions from your doctor.
DO adjust your seat so your belly is not too close to the steering wheel.
DON’T drive without a seat belt. Some women worry the seat belt may hurt the baby in an accident, but not wearing one will produce much more tragic results. Position the lap belt underneath your belly and you should not have anything to worry about.
DO put a towel on your seat if you are worried about your water breaking.
DON’T drive if you are in labor. I have a friend who did this and ended up getting pulled over when she slammed on the gas during a particularly strong contraction.
DO stay within a short driving distance of home or the hospital. Avoid long trips close to your due date in case you need to get to the hospital for an early delivery. I made sure I was within 25 minutes of the hospital at all times during the last 3 weeks of my pregnancy.
DO keep a cell phone in the car in case you need to pull over and call for help. If your water breaks while you are driving, or you begin to experience contractions, pull over and dial. Do not attempt to call while driving. Again, do not drive while you are in labor.
DO trust your instincts. If you do not feel safe behind the wheel, find a chauffeur.
DON’T drive tired. Pregnancy made me a little extra sleepy at times. Driving while tired is dangerous and can lead to a serious accident.
DO take time to stretch out your legs, which are more prone to cramps during pregnancy.
DO take plenty of breaks during a long trip.