Why pregnant women should not drive

Is it possible to drive a car while pregnant?

The question of whether pregnant women can drive is acute in our time, when a woman is no less busy than a man, and maybe even more..

In order to be on time everywhere, public transport is far from an ideal option, and the conditions that exist, for example, on a city bus cannot be compared with those when you travel in your own car.

With the current mentality, pregnant women are not always treated properly - they may not only not give up their seats, but also push them in the stomach with their elbows, and even be rude, and this is extra stress, which is far from beneficial for both the expectant mother and her baby, which means the answer to the question is clear - driving a car while pregnant is not only possible, but also necessary.

Of course, only if you feel well. You shouldn’t deprive yourself, your beloved, of such pleasure.

Are there any legal restrictions on driving a car for pregnant women?

Is it legal for pregnant women to drive a car? Pregnancy is not a disease, therefore, the law that exists for the current 2019 does not prohibit the expectant mother from driving.

Until when can pregnant women drive? There are also no restrictions on the duration of pregnancy for driving a car.

If a woman feels great, is mentally balanced, follows traffic rules, reacts well to situations on the road and behaves adequately when driving, then why shouldn’t she drive a private vehicle?

Moreover, the fact that the comfort in her own car for a woman expecting a child is much higher than in any other transport is undeniable. Many pregnant women drive until they give birth; moreover, they drive themselves to the maternity hospital to give birth.

In order for other drivers to be more loyal to a pregnant woman driving a car on her own, a “pregnant woman driving” sign should be attached to the windshield and rear window; even if it is not official, it will allow you to pay attention to who is driving the car.

It is necessary to remember that no one relieves pregnant women of responsibility for accidents on the roads, so you should be very careful and strictly follow the traffic rules.

In what cases is it not recommended for pregnant women to drive?

If a woman feels great throughout her pregnancy, and also has extensive experience driving a car, then she should not think about whether she should get behind the wheel or not, although some rules should still be followed.

They will be discussed below, but if you feel unwell, it is better to stop traveling on your own.

Contraindications for driving private vehicles during pregnancy:

If there is severe toxicosis, driving is strictly prohibited. In this case, any odors, especially those that are typical when traveling in a personal car, such as the smell of gasoline or exhaust gases, can not only cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness and fainting, but also irritation and inadequate reaction on the road;
Often, pregnant women get very sick, especially on modern road surfaces, which leave much to be desired. If a woman in this position is prone to motion sickness, then it is better for her not to get behind the wheel;
You should also stop driving if you have high or low blood pressure. This may cause fainting;
If you have nagging and cramping pain in the lower abdomen or lumbar region, it is better to stay at home and not drive. There may be a risk of miscarriage or bleeding;
if a pregnant woman takes painkillers, sedatives and sleeping pills, she should absolutely avoid traveling;
No matter how well a pregnant woman feels, it is not recommended to drive a car alone in the last weeks of pregnancy. At this time, the pregnant woman is not insured against anything, and a bad situation can take her by surprise right on the road. Well, if she decides to get behind the wheel, then she must have all the necessary documents with her, including a medical insurance policy and an exchange card.

You should not attend a driving school during pregnancy. Those who studied there know what stress it is, and unnecessary worries are contraindicated for pregnant women.

Also, when traveling, you need to choose a time so as not to get into rush hour, when especially concentrated attention is required.

When the air temperature is high, if the car does not have air conditioning, it is also better not to drive; at any moment a lady in an interesting position may become ill, which is fraught with an unpredictable situation on the road.

It is also important to remember that if the car is equipped with airbags, their deployment can lead to the death of the child, therefore, before driving during pregnancy, they should be turned off.

Behavior of pregnant women when driving long distances

Can pregnant women drive long distances? Of course, it is best to refrain from such trips, since driving for a long time is far from beneficial for the expectant mother.

Staying in a car seat in the same position for a long time can lead to problems with your arms and legs, which cause numbness and pain.

There is also a circulatory disorder in the abdominal cavity and pelvis, which can result in the development of a disease such as varicose veins.

This is also dangerous for the fetus because there is a threat of hypoxia, that is, oxygen starvation, which is extremely harmful for its further development.

But if long trips cannot be avoided, certain conditions should be met that will help you feel as comfortable as possible behind the wheel in these cases:

adjust the driver's seat so that it is as comfortable as possible to sit in it. Tilt the back slightly back, place a special orthopedic pad under the lower back, which is secured to the back with special straps and Velcro, and place the seat itself from the pedals at the distance of a half-bent leg. Adjust the steering wheel position according to the size of your belly;
Every hour and a half of driving, it’s worth stopping and getting out of the car, at least for five to ten minutes, to stretch your arms and legs and take a breath of fresh air. To do this, you need to plan your trip so that there are no time restrictions;
It is best to avoid busy roads and traffic jams, choose a period of time when there are the least number of cars on the roads;
It is imperative to provide yourself with mobile communications so that if you feel faint or feel unwell, from which no pregnant woman is immune, you can contact loved ones or call for medical help.

If all these conditions are met, then any driving trip will not cause undesirable consequences for a woman expecting a child.

Safety rules for pregnant women while driving private vehicles

Driving safety during pregnancy is a very important aspect, because a woman is responsible not only for her life and health, but also for the life and health of her unborn baby, so it is worth taking the safety of driving in an interesting position with great responsibility.

It is important to understand that pregnancy is a complete restructuring of the female body, while absolutely everything changes, including the mental state, therefore the likelihood of various unforeseen situations on the road increases, and any stress is a risk for the mother and child.

By changing her driving style and canceling long trips, a woman will thereby protect herself from the threat of a traffic accident.

Do pregnant women need to wear seat belts in the car? Not only is it necessary, but this is a prerequisite not only for pregnant women driving. But for her it is not discussed at all. The idea that the belt will compress the stomach or harm the child is a wrong opinion.

How should pregnant women buckle up in the car? Yes, very simple! One part of the belt goes under the stomach, and the second part goes under the woman’s chest. This way nothing can harm the baby.

Special seat belts are also sold for pregnant women, which, while holding the body, do not put pressure on the stomach.

You should start traveling in a car only if the car is in full working order and the pregnant woman is absolutely comfortable in it.

Mood also plays a huge role in driving safety - if a woman is in a good mood, then she will enjoy driving a car, which means nothing will irritate her or distract her from the road.

You should avoid traveling, especially long-distance ones, in bad weather - heavy rain, snowfall, ice, heat or minimal visibility. This can be very risky for the expectant mother and her baby.

You need to choose a route in such a way as to avoid dark streets and roads with poor markings. There is no need to drive on primers and poor-quality road surfaces - there is a risk of getting motion sickness.

And of course, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules of the road, carefully monitor all signs, once again it is better to give way, maneuvers only if you are completely confident and there are no dangers on the way.

You should not pay attention to boors behind the wheel, of which, unfortunately, there are quite a lot on our roads. It must be remembered that any stress is harmful to the expectant mother and her baby.

It is advisable to avoid traveling in the last month of pregnancy and, of course, you do not need to take yourself to the maternity hospital to give birth; for this you have a husband or other close people, as well as an ambulance.

We can talk a lot more about pregnant women driving - this issue is so relevant nowadays, when the modern woman leads such an active, sometimes even too active, life.

And there is only one conclusion from the above - driving a car while pregnant is not prohibited, however, at the same time, you should very carefully monitor your health and current well-being.

If there is even the slightest doubt about whether to get behind the wheel or not, it is better to refuse any independent trips - you should not risk yourself, your loved one, and the life of your baby. Bon Voyage!

Video: Aspects of driving during pregnancy

Driving a car during pregnancy: basic safety rules

Nowadays, both men and women can drive a car. Moreover, sometimes a woman needs a car even more than a man. But the question may arise: is it possible for pregnant women to drive? It is clear that, being pregnant, a woman chooses the most comfortable type of transport for herself. And often it is the car that is such. Here, a pregnant woman will not receive a sudden push or blow, because not all public transport passengers are attentive and careful towards other passengers. But it is clear that driving is recommended only if the pregnant woman is feeling well.

Does the law prohibit pregnant women from driving?

The issue should be considered from a legal point of view. Can pregnant women drive? Any woman, being pregnant, says that she is not sick, but just pregnant. So the legislation does not currently prohibit pregnant women from driving. Having studied the law, you can also find out that, in principle, there are no restrictions on how long a pregnant woman can drive. That is, no matter what age the expectant mother is, she has the right to drive a car.

Of course, a woman must evaluate her mental and emotional state. If there are no side effects of pregnancy, then why not drive a car? Considering that it is more comfortable to travel by personal transport, the expectant mother may well not deny herself this.

There are unofficial signs that can warn that a pregnant woman is driving the car. If you attach such a sign, other drivers may be more loyal to this road user. But at the same time, the pregnant woman herself must clearly understand that if she breaks the rules, no one will relieve her of responsibility, the penalties will be the same as for other road users who have broken the rules.

When is it not necessary or recommended to drive?

Now it’s clear whether pregnant women can drive. But there are factors that indicate that you should not drive. Of course, when you feel great, there are no deviations, the driver has enough experience, then there are no obstacles to driving a car. But there are recommendations that are worth listening to. What contraindications need to be taken into account?

Toxicosis is a condition when a woman is strictly not recommended to drive a car. Severe toxicosis can lead to unpleasant consequences during the trip. Any smell that may arise in the car (the smell of gasoline, exhaust gases, etc.) can lead not only to nausea, but also severe irritation and even fainting. And not entirely adequate behavior on the road is fraught with bad consequences.
When moving on our roads, a woman, and especially a pregnant woman, can get motion sickness. If before pregnancy a woman was prone to this condition, then it is better to postpone driving a car.
Blood pressure that rises or falls sharply in pregnant women can contribute to fainting. If the pressure constantly fluctuates, then driving is not recommended.
When pain occurs in the lower abdomen or contractions appear, you do not need to drive the car yourself. It is better to stay at home and call for help from there.
If you are taking medications that induce sleep, sedatives, or painkillers, it is safer not to drive yourself.
It is worth considering the duration of pregnancy. It is best to avoid independent car travel in recent weeks. After all, in this case, anything can happen and completely suddenly. But if it happens that there is simply no other option for traveling, then at least you need to carry with you all the documents and things that may be required.

If your car doesn't have air conditioning and it's hot outside, your health can worsen. Airbags are a separate issue. Of course, in case of an accident they are necessary. But they can also work in a small emergency situation. And this can lead to the death of the fetus. Therefore, airbags are often turned off.

Safety rules for pregnant women

This point must be taken very seriously. When getting behind the wheel, you need to take into account all aspects, because the expectant mother is responsible not only for her own health. Various types of situations that arise while driving a car can provoke an inadequate reaction and stress. It is best to postpone trips that require long periods of driving.

Safety belt

Many ladies wonder how to fasten a seat belt for pregnant women in a car and whether it is necessary to do it at all? So, you must wear a seat belt in the car! There are no exceptions in this case. It is a misconception that a belt can put too much pressure on your stomach. How to buckle up so that it is comfortable? To do this, one part of the belt must be carefully placed under the stomach, and the second part of the belt under the chest. This fastening option cannot cause harm or inconvenience.

How to behave while traveling?

A pregnant woman will feel as comfortable as possible behind the wheel if the car is in good working order and the lady herself is in an excellent mood. It is best to avoid driving long distances, but you should also try not to drive in bad weather, for example, rain, snow, or ice. There is no need to risk yourself and your child.

It is best to travel in such a way that the road is good. The route must be chosen in advance. If a woman does not want to get seasick, then she should avoid routes with poor road surfaces. When driving, be sure to carefully follow all posted signs. There is no need to enter into conflicts, showing your confidence and rightness. Once again, it is better to give way on your own without causing additional stress.

You shouldn’t risk showing your independence and go to the maternity hospital on your own. Relatives and friends can take you there, you can also use a taxi or call an ambulance. You can give many more arguments and examples that confirm that in the last stages of pregnancy you do not need to drive a car. Safety must be paramount in this case.

If you still have to travel a long distance, you need to be well prepared:

You need to adjust the seat so that you can sit as comfortably as possible. An orthopedic pillow can be useful, which should be placed under the lower back. The steering wheel should be positioned so that it is comfortable to drive the car, so that the stomach does not interfere.
You should make stops along the way, preferably every hour or hour and a half. When you stop, you need to warm up and get some air. Therefore, it is better to plan your trip so that you have enough time.
You need to choose the route that is most convenient and least crowded with cars.
You need to warn your family about the upcoming trip, and be sure to take a mobile phone so that you can call in case of an emergency.

If you follow the rules, any route and driving will be a joy.

Traffic police exam during pregnancy

Whatever the stage of pregnancy, it is best to refuse to study and take exams. Hormones have a fairly large influence on a woman’s condition. A woman’s body is being rebuilt, so some of the knowledge gained during training may “pass by.” The same applies to passing the exam. During an exam, an ordinary person experiences stress, and a pregnant lady even more so. Why expose yourself to additional experiences? Of course, no one can prohibit taking an exam and undergoing training. But it is recommended to take into account the characteristics of each woman individually.

It happens that a woman has already started studying, but she will have to take the exam while she is pregnant. What to do in this case? Here you need to think: will passing the exam be beneficial or not? If a woman is absent-minded and inattentive, then it is better to postpone this idea. If there are no deviations and you feel excellent, then you can pass the exam at the traffic police.

Conclusion

Pregnant driving is not a death sentence for all other road users. If a woman is in good health, in a normal emotional and psychological state, then driving is not prohibited. Of course, you should avoid stress and strain. A pregnant woman most often does not stop doing everything she did before pregnancy: she continues to go to work, to the store, etc. This means that she does not limit herself to using a car.

Another situation is when the health condition is not very good, a lot of side effects occur. In this case, it is best to give up driving, use a taxi or the services of family and friends.

If you prepare for all possible situations in advance and think through everything, then traveling by car will be comfortable and safe. If there is even the slightest doubt about whether to go or not, to get behind the wheel or not, then it is better to abandon this idea. There is no need to risk your baby, your health and your future.

Driving and pregnancy

Driving a car has long ceased to be an exclusively male activity. According to statistics, every fifth car on Russian roads is driven by a woman.

If you have been driving for more than a year, then whether or not to drive while expecting a child is your personal choice. It is not known where more negative consequences await you - from a stressful trip on public transport or from nervous tension associated with driving a car.

Advantages of a personal car during pregnancy:

you will be spared long waits for public transport at bus stops (this is especially true during the winter cold);
no one will accidentally push or crush you;
the likelihood of contracting various viral diseases decreases;
it is possible to wear light and comfortable clothes even in extreme cold;
you can always stop, rest, relax and even lie down;
at any time you can quench your thirst or even have a snack;
Driving gives a powerful charge and positive emotions.

In addition, driving is a familiar attribute of the “former” life, which means it helps “not to fall out of the picture” and to avoid the feeling of being isolated from the previous way of life, style of behavior, and social status.

You should not drive:

if you have felt dizzy or fainted;
if you have severe toxicosis;
if you react sharply to any odors. In this case, the smells of gasoline vapors and exhaust fumes can cause you severe headaches, dizziness and even fainting;
if you feel that you have become overly excitable and irritable. Inappropriate driving behavior is dangerous;
if you start having contractions. At this moment, do not even try to get to the maternity hospital on your own; it is better to call your loved ones for help or call an ambulance. Even if this is not the first birth and the contractions are not strong, still do not take risks.

The most important thing is that driving a car gives you comfort and peace of mind.

What a pregnant woman needs to remember while driving

During pregnancy, women's reactions slow down and they become more self-absorbed. This means that no matter how much driving experience you have, for these nine months you need to become the most careful and attentive driver on the road. Try to think through your maneuvers carefully and not take risks.

In order to feel safe and comfortable, we recommend that you follow a few basic rules.

Position the driver's seat comfortably

A pose with a straight back and bent knees is unlikely to be comfortable for you now. Move the driver's seat back so that there is at least 10 centimeters of free space between your stomach and the steering wheel, and tilt the backrest slightly. But this should not impair visibility. If the steering wheel in your car is adjustable, set it lower.

For back pain, a massage cover on a car seat can help, or you can also place a small pillow under your back. If desired, you can also install an armrest.

Monitor your well-being

Try to stop and rest periodically. Get out of the car, walk around a little, stretch - in general, do everything to relax and relieve stress. Don't forget your eyes. From a long drive, and especially in the dark, they quickly get tired. As soon as you feel unwell, stop and do not continue driving. Sometimes it is even better to leave the car and get home by public transport or taxi.

Always have juice and mineral water in the salon. When you go on a trip, take fruit or something light to eat so that during a long stay in a traffic jam you can always have a snack.

If you have to make long trips, including outside the city, then, just in case of an emergency, carry warm clothes, a flashlight and a supply of non-perishable food in the trunk of your car (preferably in a travel refrigerator).

When leaving home, always tell your family where you are going, what route you are taking and when you plan to return, so that in case of a long delay, they know where to look for you.

Leave car maintenance to others

Ask your husband or close relative to refuel your car during pregnancy - there is no need for you to stand in line at a gas station and inhale its “aromas”.

Prepare in advance for possible breakdowns and accidents. Always keep your mobile phone with you. Find out and write down the telephone numbers of car services that can send technicians in the event of a breakdown.

Do not perform heavy physical work on your own, even if it seems elementary. You may simply overestimate your strength.

Do not hesitate to ask strangers or traffic police officers for help. In winter, do not try to dig the snow out of your car yourself. Either leave it in the parking lot or have someone help you clear the car.

Consider winter driving conditions

At this time of year, the roads are either icy or an incomprehensible mess of mud, snow and salt. In such conditions, even an experienced driver often begins to get nervous and creates emergency situations, but what can we say about a pregnant woman. True, there is also ice and huge snowdrifts on the pedestrian sidewalks. So it is unknown who is better to be in winter, a driver or a pedestrian.

If in winter, every time you get behind the wheel, you feel that you cannot cope with the car, you are nervous and very tired, then it is better not to take risks. And if driving in winter has become a habit for you and you easily overcome all difficulties, then you should not give it up. Moreover, you can make your life much easier during the cold winter months, as you feel confident behind the wheel in extreme conditions.

There are several special rules of behavior on the road in icy conditions that will help you minimize the risk of accidents:

do not forget to “change” the car to winter tires (naturally, calling your husband or friends for help);
avoid driving in neutral gear so as not to lose control of the car on slippery roads;
do not use emergency braking. The consequences of sudden, thoughtless braking in winter can be sad;
be prepared to skid. Practice in a deserted place and develop the correct tactics for skidding. Please note that no one is immune from skidding, even if you drive much slower than the speed limit allowed by the rules and only in the far right lane.

Be prepared for the unexpected

Always carry your passport, medical insurance and exchange card with you. Include a piece of paper in the documents indicating the coordinates of your loved ones. Even if the expected day of birth is still far away, you never know what can happen.

Of course, childbirth, and especially the first one, is rarely rapid. When the first warning signs appear, do not worry or panic. Most likely, you will have time to safely get home, get ready and calmly go to the maternity hospital you have chosen in advance.

Pregnancy and driving. Pros and cons

Pregnant women can drive a car, because according to psychologists, the fact that the usual way of life does not change brings a lot of positive emotions. In addition, traveling in comfort in a personal car is not comparable to the hustle and bustle of public transport and the metro.

IMPORTANT: follow a few simple rules.

1. Pregnant women should always wear a seat belt properly when driving. The seat belt must lie correctly: the stomach must be located strictly between the straps. Under no circumstances should the belt lie directly on the stomach - this can be dangerous for the child’s life. But an airbag is good protection for the mother and does not endanger the baby’s life.

2. It is necessary to stop every two hours of driving and, with the help of light exercises in the fresh air, restore blood circulation and eliminate “back pain”.

However, there is also an opinion “against”. Pregnant women should not drive a car because:

1. Toxicosis. For most women, pregnancy is accompanied by nausea, fainting, and weakness. A sensible woman should not drive as there is a possibility of losing consciousness while driving.

2. During this period, many women experience hypotension (low blood pressure - from 80/50 to 100/50) or anemia (dizziness). On the contrary, there may be high blood pressure (from 130/80 to 150/100). Any such phenomena are a contraindication for driving a car.

3. It is almost impossible to avoid traffic jams. And this is stress. Plus the ecological atmosphere on the roads - not every car is equipped with a system for purifying the air entering the cabin (otherwise poisoning will occur in traffic jams in large cities), which negatively affects the development of the fetus.

In general, opinions are divided. During my pregnancy, which was very easy, there were no contraindications to driving a car, but I developed a terrible fear of driving) I just couldn’t pull myself together and drive, so I moved into the passenger seat... in the back seat, fastened with seat belts

What do you think? Can someone tell me about their experience?

Pregnant driving: 7 safety rules

While waiting for a baby, many expectant mothers, out of necessity or for their own comfort of movement, have to get behind the wheel of a car. But in order not to harm your health and the health of your baby, you need to remember about the safety of a pregnant woman in a car, which concerns not only traffic rules.

Elena Kurbatova
General practitioner, Voronezh

During a period of increasing pace of life, many doctors, however, are against a pregnant woman driving a car, or are wary of it, and this is explained by the following reasons:

when driving a car, the movement of the legs when pressing the pedals stimulates excess blood flow to the pelvis, which can cause tension in the uterus and create a threat of miscarriage;
On the road, situations often arise that cause negative emotions, which can lead, for example, to increased blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, increased uterine tone, and deterioration of blood flow in the placenta. And this, in turn, can negatively affect the course of pregnancy;
moving a pregnant woman while driving a car is a forced, often long-term sitting position, which is also fraught with a deterioration in the blood supply to the pelvic organs, including the uterus. While waiting for a baby, this is especially harmful, since the blood carries nutrients and oxygen. If the blood supply to the uterus deteriorates, it means that fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen and nutrients) may develop; accordingly, the formation and maturation of the growing organism suffers. As a result, the child may be born with insufficient body weight, underdevelopment of certain organs, or be born prematurely. In the presence of hypoxia, the baby will move with increased movement and declare that something is wrong. Also, when sitting for a long time, the pregnant uterus presses the rectum to the pelvic floor and the vessels are compressed, which provokes the development and exacerbation of hemorrhoids and varicose veins of the legs;
the spine of a pregnant woman experiences a heavy load while driving, which can lead to pain in the back, neck or exacerbation of chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system (for example, osteochondrosis, glenohumeral periarthritis, etc.);
Driving a car is associated with increased attention, which leads to overstrain of the eyes and nervous system. This concentration of attention leads to rapid fatigue, dizziness, and headaches, which the expectant mother experiences faster than before pregnancy;
also, pregnant women often have an increased sensitivity to their sense of smell, so strong odors in the car, including gasoline, exhaust gases, car freshener, glass cleaners or something else, can provoke an exacerbation of toxicosis, cause an attack of nausea, headaches, or even fainting.
While you are expecting a baby, you should not take driving courses, as fatigue increases, reaction speed becomes dull, a woman’s emotional state changes, she perceives failures more acutely, becomes irritable or even aggressive, which is not conducive to quality learning. If, nevertheless, a woman in an interesting position decides to get behind the wheel, it is advisable that she has at least a year of driving experience (during this time the necessary driving skills are acquired), and she should follow the basic rules that will help preserve the health of the mother and baby and relieve many troubles.

RULE 1. A pregnant woman should not drive if she is feeling unwell.

This also applies to problems during pregnancy. For example, toxicosis with frequent nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, high or low blood pressure, or other problems. Vibration and tension can cause nausea, vomiting and blurred vision, and blood pressure can drop even lower. Increased sensitivity to various odors and motion sickness also often lead to dizziness, nausea or fainting. If the expectant mother simply did not get enough sleep or is in a bad mood, then you should also not get behind the wheel. If a pregnant woman feels unwell, she is less concentrated on driving and the road, her reaction is slower, and this can lead to an accident. It should be said that if the day before the expectant mother was bothered by cramps in the calf muscles (one of the symptoms of varicose veins of the lower extremities), it is better to refuse to drive a car for the moment. If the trip is urgent, it is better to call a taxi or ask someone close to help you get to the right place.

RULE 2. A pregnant woman's seat belt is required.

A pregnant woman should definitely use a seat belt. For many pregnant women, the seat belt creates inconvenience and the question arises: does it put too much pressure on the stomach and harm the baby? The seat belt will definitely not harm the baby, since it is protected by the abdominal muscles, amniotic fluid and the uterus. But no one is immune from an emergency, which can really harm both mother and child. In order for a pregnant woman’s seat belt to cause less inconvenience and provide maximum protection, one part of it should be placed under the chest, and the second part in the lower abdomen. In addition, it is advisable to adjust the belt in advance, taking into account the physique of the expectant mother (it should not be too tight or hang loose). In addition, there are special seat belts for pregnant women. This belt has not three, but four attachment points and is much more elastic, so it practically does not cause any discomfort from pressure on the stomach and provides maximum protection from possible impacts and injuries. Such a comfortable and modern safety device can be purchased at car dealerships or stores for expectant mothers.

A little should be said about the driver's seat. The driver's position with a straight back and bent legs often becomes uncomfortable for expectant mothers. To solve this problem, you should move the driver's seat back so that there is at least 10 cm of free space between the stomach and the steering wheel, and tilt the back slightly back. But such manipulation should not impair visibility, as this can lead to emergency situations. If you experience back pain when sitting for a long time behind the wheel of a car, then massage covers on the seats (made of wooden balls or canvas with an air layer) or a regular comfortable pillow placed under your back will help a lot.

RULE 3. The car must be in good working order

To avoid unforeseen situations on the road, the car must always be in good working order. But sometimes breakdowns occur suddenly. Therefore, it is advisable to always have a tow truck number and a mobile phone with you in order to quickly call for help. It should be said that the expectant mother should not do heavy physical work on her own, even if it seems that it is not very difficult (for example, digging a car out of a snowdrift, etc.), it is better to turn to someone for help.

RULE 4. You need to keep a first aid kit, water and a snack in your car.

During the journey, a woman in an interesting position may feel unwell, even if everything was fine when she got behind the wheel. In this case, it is better to park as soon as possible or, if absolutely necessary, to stop right on the roadway and turn on the emergency lights. When setting out on a journey, it is better to take everything you need in advance: drinking water, a light snack (nuts, banana, apple, dried fruits, crackers or cookies, mints), napkins (both wet and moistened with some essential oil, for example, lemon) .

Also in the car of the expectant mother there should be a first aid kit, which, in addition to bandages, iodine, brilliant green and cooling packs, should also contain antacids, antispasmodics, herbal-based sedatives (motherwort or valerian extract tablets), ammonia and other drugs that the expectant mother uses it if she suffers from chronic diseases, for example, blood pressure-lowering medications, insulin, etc. During attacks of hunger, dizziness, weakness, which often occurs against the background of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), the expectant mother may feel better by eating a light snack . Peppermint candies and essential oil wipes will help with motion sickness and nausea. Ammonia will ease the condition of severe lightheadedness. If a pregnant woman feels extremely unwell in the car (severe pain in the lower abdomen, sudden headache, blurred vision, repeated vomiting, etc.), then it is better to call an ambulance or call her husband, mother, girlfriend or other loved ones. And most importantly, you should not try to get to the maternity hospital on your own during contractions, even if this is not the first birth, the contractions are not strong and the expectant mother is an experienced driver. During the journey, the most unexpected can happen, harming the health of mother and baby.

RULE 5. You need to plan your route in advance

A pregnant woman driving should carefully think through her route to avoid unnecessary traffic jams and avoid spending a long time behind the wheel. It is recommended that you avoid all non-essential travel that can be rescheduled or canceled in the interests of the pregnancy. It is advisable not to drive a car while pregnant for more than 40 minutes at a time. If a longer journey is ahead, it should be interrupted by 5-10 minute stops, during which you should get out of the car, stretch and rest. If possible, try to leave before the bulk of motorists rushing to work or home. It is advisable to think through the route in advance: it should be simple, short and safe. It is better to drive on well-lit and familiar roads with controlled intersections.

When making a maneuver, change into the appropriate lane in advance, taking into account the behavior and braking of the car on the road in the cold season or bad weather, you should pay attention to road signs and choose a lane of the road with the best view of traffic (do not park behind public transport, stay away from heavy vehicles and large vehicles). Such planning will protect the expectant mother from unnecessary worries and negative emotions during the journey. There are various applications for your phone or tablet that help you avoid traffic jams, and as a result, possible accidents, etc. It is also useful, if necessary (especially in unfamiliar areas), to resort to using a navigator. Just don’t forget to update its maps in a timely manner to avoid failures in its operation and, accordingly, unnecessary worries and troubles on the road.

RULE 6. Features of driving in the cold season or bad weather

In extreme cold or bad weather, it is better to stay at home and avoid traveling altogether, but it is clear that, unfortunately, this is not always possible. A pregnant woman driving her own car will, of course, be much more comfortable at such a time than in public transport, but there are also many dangers and troubles on the road in unfavorable weather conditions, such as ice, snowfall or wet roads. Before the trip, remove external dirt that interferes with your view (snow, rain stains, road dirt, fallen leaves, etc.), check the operation of the windshield wipers, the presence of windshield cleaning fluid, a scraper for cleaning the glass from ice and snow, etc. Important Do not forget to replace tires with winter ones in time.

RULE 7. A pregnant woman in a car should be prepared for the unexpected.

When getting ready to travel, a pregnant woman needs to have a full set of documents with her: passport, medical insurance, exchange card and documents for the car. Also include a piece of paper in the documents indicating the coordinates of your loved ones and their phone numbers. No one is safe from surprises on the road. This could be the beginning of labor (without the necessary documents, it is more difficult for a doctor to conduct childbirth without the information specified in the exchange card), or an accident. After any accident on the road, even if you feel good, it is necessary to visit a doctor who is monitoring the pregnancy to eliminate the possibility of a hidden threat to both mother and baby. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe additional tests and examinations. After experiencing stress, especially if there are manifestations of it (sleep disturbances, changes in the emotional sphere, fear, anxiety, etc.), it is recommended not to drive for several days and take herbal-based sedatives on your own or consult a doctor additionally.

Every expectant mother will have to decide for herself whether to drive or not. If you experience a lot of positive emotions from driving, keep driving! A comfortable state of mind ensures a good pregnancy. You just need to be prudent and responsible - both for your own health and well-being, and for the health of the little person.