Car Safety During Pregnancy: 3 Tips From the ACOG to Keep Mom-to-be & Baby Safe While Driving Third Trimester Second Trimester Safety

Most of us drive every day. When you’re pregnant, keeping yourself and your unborn baby safe and sound becomes top priority – even in the car. Here are some safety tips for moms-to-be from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):

• Although the baby is protected inside your body, you should always wear a lap and shoulder belt every time you travel while you are pregnant for the best protection – even in the those final weeks of pregnancy.

• When wearing a seat belt, follow these four rules: Buckle the lap belt below your belly so that it fits snugly across your hips and pelvic bone. Place the shoulder belt across your chest (between your breasts) and over the mid-portion of your collar bone (away from your neck). Never place the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back. Pull any slack (looseness) out of the belt.

• When it comes to air bags, keep 10 inches between the steering wheel and your breastbone. If the car has an air bag “on/off” switch, check to be sure it is turned to “on.” As your belly grows, you may not be able to keep as much space between you and the steering wheel. If the car has a tilt steering wheel, make sure it is angled toward your breastbone, not your belly or head.

Get more car safety tips for pregnant women, babies and children at ACOG.org.