Drive Safely during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, you might be eating for two and drinking for two, but you probably have not considered that you are driving for two. That's right; once you become pregnant, your safety is of the utmost importance. Indeed, the absolute best way to protect baby is to protect mom. With that being stated, it is mandatory to practice safe-driving tactics throughout your pregnancy. Following is a guide to driver safety for moms-to-be.
Wear your Seat Belt
Seat belt safety is not only the law, it is basic common sense. Your chances are surviving a car crash increase exponentially while wearing a seat belt. Furthermore, it is all the more important to wear a seat belt while you are pregnant. However, before fastening your seat belt, make sure you understand the proper way to wear one during pregnancy. First of all, ensure that the upper part of the belt falls directly in the middle of the chest. Secondly, the lower portion of the belt should be placed in the lower part of the lap and directly below the uterus. Placing the lap belt too high could cause pressure to be applied to the uterus when slamming on the brakes.
Obey Basic Traffic Laws and Avoid Distractions
Pregnant or not, you should be minding your speed and following basic traffic laws. Fight the urge to become involved in risky driving situations. For instance, leave plenty of space before making a turn into traffic. Pregnancy is certainly not the time to gamble with your personal safety. Furthermore, always avoid electronic distractions while driving. Stowe your cell phone out of reach while on the road. This way, you will not be tempted to talk or text while operating your vehicle. In addition to your cell phone, always avoid tampering with your GPS while driving. If it is absolutely necessary to make an adjustment, always pull the car over to do so.
Check with your Doctor regarding Trips
Before taking a road trip, always check with your doctor to ensure it is safe to travel. Often times, doctorsdo not recommendtaking prolonged road trips during the third trimester of pregnancy. Under special circumstances, such as bed rest, travel is also discouraged. If your doctor believes that travel is safe for you during your pregnancy, make sure that you bring all of your insurance and medical information with you. You will need these documents in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
