Advice To Pregnant Drivers

Awkward but necessary, driving while pregnant can be an uncomfortable experience. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) advises mothers-to-be on how to drive safely and comfortably.

Peter Rodger, IAM Chief Examiner, said: "It seems obvious, but we do urge pregnant women to keep wearing their seatbelts while driving.

"The steering wheel hitting the abdomen is the main danger for pregnant drivers in a collision, and the seatbelt is the only thing stopping the driver flying forward."

Mr Rodger added: "A lot of women don’t like the way belts feel and, without realising the danger, let the shoulder strap or the lap belt ride up into the middle of the abdomen."

The law requires you to wear a seatbelt, even if you’re pregnant, and wearing a seatbelt while pregnant will not harm your baby - in fact the risk of injury could be reduced by up to 70% if you are involved in a crash.

Professor Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), said: "The RCOG supports the advice set out in the NICE Antenatal Care Guideline on the use of seatbelts in pregnancy.

"Correct use of seatbelts by pregnant women is important, as incorrect use can cause harm to the fetus and fail to protect the woman in the case of an accident. Pregnant women should use three-point seatbelts above and below the bump, not over it."

(PR/GK)