Pregnancy is not the most comfortable period in a woman's life. Sure, it can be magical, but you're still growing an entire human being, and this is not easy. You feel tired all the time, you're nauseous, and you have trouble concentrating for long periods of time.
All these are normal and will pass, but they may impact your driving skills and reaction time. Plus, a growing abdomen affects posture, so you may not be able to reach the pedals as comfortably as you used to.
Then there's the risk of being involved in a car crash. Even minor accidents can cause serious complications, so it's essential to take all possible precautions. This is what we'll talk about today.
What If You Do Get in a Car Accident While Pregnant?
Sadly, accidents happen no matter how safe you are behind the wheel. According to recent data, around 200,000 pregnant women are involved in police-reported car accidents each year. Out of these, around 116,000 result in injuries to the mother or fetus.
If this happens, your first priority is to call emergency services or go to the closest ER (even if you feel fine). The adrenaline can mask serious internal injuries to you or the baby, like placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterine wall. Inform the emergency personnel that you are pregnant and how far along you are.
After this, contact your OBGYN. They will want to perform a thorough evaluation, including an ultrasound, to ensure both you and the baby are safe. Make sure to document every doctor's visit and ask for scans and official documents.
Once you make sure you and your baby are safe, look for a reliable local personal injury firm. For instance, if you get involved in a car accidents while pregnant in Chicago, search for legal help there. If the accident happens in a different area, find representation there. Local personal injury attorneys know the courts and processes better than anyone, so they can help you build a solid case for a claim.
5 Travel Tips to Improve Safety
Now that you know what to do in the worst-case scenario, let's see what you can do to make your driving experience a little safer and more comfortable.
1. Proper Seatbelt Positioning
The way you wear your seatbelt ensures that in the event of a sudden stop or collision, the force is distributed to the strongest parts of your body (hips and chest), protecting the uterus and baby.
Here's how to wear it:
- Place the lap belt low on the abdomen, under the belly, resting across the hipbones and pelvic area. Never wear it across the stomach!
- The shoulder belt goes across the collarbone and between the breasts, off to the side of the belly.
2. Adjust for Comfort and Circulation
Adjust the inside of your car for your comfort and convenience. Recline your seat slightly to reduce pressure on your back and abdomen, and maintain a safe distance from the steering wheel (at least 10 inches). Also, tilt the wheel up towards your breastbone, away from your abdomen.
Also, ensure you have enough space to move your legs and feet to promote good circulation and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a risk that increases during pregnancy.
3. Frequent Breaks and Movement
Take breaks every 60-90 minutes. Get out of the car, stretch your legs, and walk around. This improves blood flow, eases back pain, and can help prevent swelling in your ankles and feet. It also helps with bladder control, as frequent urination is a common symptom of pregnancy.
4. Stay Hydrated and Pack Snacks
Dehydration can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and even preterm contractions. Always have a water bottle on hand. Carry healthy, non-perishable snacks like crackers, nuts, or fruit to keep your blood sugar stable and to combat nausea.
5. Know When Not to Drive
It's best to talk to your doctor if it's safe to drive or travel in the first trimester (due to potential for morning sickness and fatigue) and the third trimester (especially after 36 weeks due to the risk of labor).
From a traffic safety perspective, avoid traveling in poor weather conditions, during peak traffic, or if you're feeling unwell, dizzy, or overly fatigued. Pull over and rest if you feel any of these symptoms.
Wrap Up
If you have to drive while pregnant, prioritize safety above all else. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel tired, dizzy, or nauseous, pull over and rest or avoid driving at all (if possible).
