Written by Editorial Team
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.
Depending on the stage of pregnancy and the risks, some women are completely advised against traveling. It’s a rare sight to watch women with very pregnant bellies either driving or traveling. Unless advised by the doctor, it’s safe to drive and travel during pregnancy, however following safety tips should be observed.
In This Article
“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.
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:
In case you need to travel a long distance during your pregnancy, you must ensure that you:
Keep your hot water bottle, pillow, or aircraft cushion in your car
While wearing a seat belt during pregnancy, make sure:
Always keep a copy of your pregnancy reports/check-ups in your car
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.
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.
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
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
Check the fuel level and do the needful; sometimes it’s difficult to find a petrol station
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.
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.
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!
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.
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