Pregnant women often feel anxious and their condition requires a whole series of precautions that obviously concern all those who get behind the wheel. For this reason, we are going to give you some advice for expecting moms. Here are some tips for safe driving during pregnancy to make sure you and your unborn kid are secure when on the road.
Driving During Pregnancy: 7 Safety Recommendations
At the start of pregnancy, many women feel nauseous and tired. These symptoms can affect your concentration while driving. Also, if you do not feel well in the morning, we recommend that you take RTA public transport to get around the city.
If you decide to take your own vehicle to get around, here are a few things to consider:
Always Use the Seat Belt Correctly
You can follow these steps to fasten the seatbelt:
- You should not place the horizontal part on the stomach. To avoid any pressure, you must pass it under your stomach. The top band should go across your chest.
- To ensure proper positioning and unsurpassed safety, moms-to-be can use a pregnant woman’s belt adapter in the car. The design of these seat belts for pregnant women actually protect the baby in the event of an accident. This adapter usually has a hook or structure that attaches securely to the car seat and holds the belt firmly in place, without any dangerous slipping or loosening.
You can find maternity support seatbelts and other car seat accessories for sale in the UAE from dubizzle.
- Cost: The cost of maternity safety seat belts in the UAE starts from AED 40
Do Not Deactivate the Airbags
Pregnant or not – never switch off your car airbags while driving. Some cars are equipped with airbag deactivation switches. Doctors recommend that pregnant women always leave their airbags on.
This safety device, together with the proper use of the seat belt, can protect a pregnant mother and her unborn child against impact inside the vehicle. You can also check the car airbags to ensure further safety.
Avoid Abrupt Manoeuvres
Mommies-to-be must avoid sudden acceleration or braking while driving during pregnancy. If you are going to be a mother driver, you need to take into consideration not only your driving but that of other drivers as well. Also, driving fast while pregnant is highly discouraged for your and your unborn kid.
Maintain a Proper Gap
Always adjust your driving seat correctly. For safe driving during pregnancy, it is recommended that you should sit at least 25 cm away from the steering wheel and ensure that the steering wheel is tilted towards the breastbone rather than towards the abdomen.
Also, the driver’s seat should be in a comfortable upright position, leaving as much space as possible between the steering wheel and the stomach. While still allowing access to the steering wheel and pedals. It is also recommended that mothers-to-be move their seats back as far as possible when taking a seat in the passenger seat.
Take Rest and Listen to Your Body
Whenever possible, mothers-to-be are advised to avoid driving, especially as their pregnancy progresses. Pregnancy is a time when women especially need to listen to their bodies and know their limits. Never attempt to drive if any of the following conditions are true: your doctor advises against it, you feel dizzy, tired or nauseous, or you think you are in labour. You can also take car motion sickness prevention to overcome the mentioned symptoms.
Always consult a specialist doctor. It is not advisable to drive when you feel contractions, disturbances in your pregnancy or the risk of premature labour.
Take Breaks
Women should avoid driving long distances while pregnant; for instance, longer than three consecutive hours. They can make stops every hour to stretch their legs, hydrate and go to the bathroom.
Driving While Pregnant: The Mini-Checklist
- A water bottle
- A mobile phone; not to be used while driving of course
- Comfortable, flat shoes that are neither too loose nor too tight
- A light snack (fresh fruit or some dried fruit)
With these tips for safer driving during pregnancy, we conclude our guide here. We strongly advise you not to drive during the last period of your pregnancy or to make your journeys by car. However, in case you are looking for a comfortable ride, check out this huge collection of used cars for sale in the UAE. Once you buy a car make sure you have the UAE driving licence with you before taking a vehicle out on the road.
Besides, several options are also available for women transportation in the UAE, you can opt for a safe commute.
For more auto-related information, stay tuned to the UAE’s leading car blog.
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