There’s no reason not to travel by car when you’re pregnant, but you will need plenty of stops for the toilet and to stretch your legs. If sitting in the car gives you backache, try putting a cushion, foam wedge or rolled up sweater in the small of your back.
As your pregnancy progresses and your bump gets bigger, you may prefer to let someone else drive. Your bump can get uncomfortably close to the steering wheel and you may find driving too much like hard work.
Sitting anywhere for long periods of time can make your feet and ankles swell and your legs cramp. Take a break from driving at least every 90 minutes, although you may need to stop even more often for the toilet!
To prevent cramps, find somewhere safe to walk around and do some simple stretches. If you’re sitting or standing, extend your leg, heel first, and gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. When you’re sitting, rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.
Make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks and drinks with you to nibble on the journey. A hand-held water spray can be useful to cool your face.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes too. You don’t need a waistband or tight armholes digging in when you’re travelling.
You should always wear a seat belt when you’re travelling in a car, whether you’re pregnant or not. It’s something we all have to do by law. This applies to both front and back seats. If you wear the belt correctly, it will help protect you and your baby from harm if you stop suddenly or have an accident.
It is always safer to use a three-point seat belt with a lap belt and diagonal strap. While a lap belt is better than no seat belt at all, a three-point seat belt is much safer for you and your unborn baby if you are involved in a collision.
Wear the lap portion so that it fits across your thighs and hips, and under your bump, not across the middle of it. If the lap portion is positioned across your belly, pressure from it could cause problems with the placenta and could hurt your baby. The diagonal shoulder portion of the belt should sit over your collarbone and between your breasts. Make sure you wear your seat belt as tight as possible.
A seat belt can be awkward when you’re pregnant. But it’s worth spending time getting comfortable. If the belt cuts across your neck, try repositioning your seat so it fits better, or get a seat belt pad.
Yes, an air bag will protect you and your baby if you’re in an accident. Air bags are designed to work with a seat belt and you should be safe as long as you are wearing a seat belt properly.
If you are in a collision, your seat belt will help restrain your upper chest and keep you away from the steering wheel. The airbag helps spread out the force of the crash, acting as an instant cushion for you and your bump.
If you’re the driver and the steering wheel is adjustable, tilt it downward so it’s further away from your tummy. If it’s hard to reach the steering wheel or pedals when the seat is back, try a cushion to raise yourself higher in the seat.
It pays to be extra prepared for breakdowns and other emergencies. Changing a flat tyre can be tricky at any time, let alone when you have a large bump!
If your car do break down on the motorway, follow these steps:
•Pull on to the road side (hard shoulder) as far as possible.
•Point your wheels to the right.
•Put on your hazard and headlights.
•Phone for help and make sure you know where you are.
•Try to use the emergency telephone rather than a mobile to ring for help, this helps the breakdown company find you. There are reference numbers on emergency telephones and marker posts.
•If you are too far from the phone or you’re worried about walking the distance, try to remember the last exit you passed.
•Leave your car via the right-hand door and wait on the far side of your car, away from the motorway traffic.
•If you feel vulnerable, sit in the right-hand side of your car.
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