The bigger the belly, the more difficult driving becomes. In this blog, we'll take you through how to make your car ride as safe and comfortable as possible and when it's not recommended to drive. Pregnancy comes with many ailments, including some that can affect your concentration behind the wheel. So don't get in the driving seat if you're not feeling well or fit. Driving while pregnant is certainly possible, but be sensible and listen to your body.
Safe and comfortable driving
Driving a car while pregnant is not a problem, as long as it is done safely and comfortably. It's not just about your safety and that of your baby, but also the safety of others on the road. The amniotic fluid protects your baby and cushions any blows, even outside the car. Wear a seatbelt at all times and place the hip section under your baby's belly(s). Make sure there is about 25 cm between your belly and the steering wheel.
Also pay attention to this
Sitting in the same position for a long time is strongly discouraged. Stop more often on the way to stretch your legs to keep your circulation going. In this way, the risk of varicose veins and thrombosis is greatly reduced. Do you notice that your back and/or pelvis are bothering you while driving? If possible, take a seat in the passenger seat and put it in the reclining position. This will give your body a rest and take the pressure off certain body parts (Allianz Direct, z.d.-a).
The flight case
Are you travelling a lot during the last weeks of your pregnancy? Then it is handy to always have an escape suitcase with you. An escape suitcase is a bag or suitcase with items that are handy to have with you for when you give birth. If labour starts, you can drive straight to the hospital (Kraamzorg de Waarden, s.d.). Just in case!
Don't drive when...
Pregnancy-related complaints are at their worst in the first trimester of pregnancy. Headaches, nausea, and dizziness, among other things, can significantly affect your concentration when driving. In the second trimester, the symptoms are often much less severe or even gone. As a result, confidence increases and many women can get behind the wheel again. Be sure to take plenty of breaks during long drives. Are you in the last month of your pregnancy? Then try to drive as little as possible. Because the amniotic fluid decreases, your baby is less protected in case of an accident. It can also happen that contractions suddenly appear, in which case you do not want to get behind the wheel. Definitely something to take into account (Kraamzorg.nl, z.d.).
Insurance
Of course we hope no accidents happen during your pregnancy. But to be on the safe side, we advise you to take a good look at your car insurance. Should an unpleasant situation arise, you are fully insured as a passenger and all expenses will be reimbursed (Allianz Direct, s.d.-b).
Safe driving starts with you
Even after you are pregnant, it is important to get behind the wheel with confidence. Listen to your body, because accidents can happen. And it's this corner we'd like to skip. We're talking about your safety, the safety of your baby and everyone else on the road.
Sources:
Allianz Direct. (s.d.-a). Driving and pregnancy | Allsecur now Allianz Direct. https://www.allianzdirect.nl. Accessed June 10, 2021, from https://www.allianzdirect.nl/autoverzekering/autorijden-zwangerschap/
Allianz Direct. (s.d.-b). Passenger insurance | Allsecur now Allianz Direct. https://www.allianzdirect.nl. Accessed June 10, 2021, from https://www.allianzdirect.nl/autoverzekering/inzittendenverzekering/
Kraamzorg de Waarden. (s.d.). Flight case. Consulted on June 10, 2021, from https://www.kraamzorgdewaarden.nl/vluchtkoffer
Kraamzorg.nl. (s.d.). Kraamzorg.nl - knowledge platform with independent maternity care professionals - Driving. Consulted on June 10, 2021, from https://www.kraamzorg.nl/alles-over-je-zwangerschap/Autorijden_en_zwanger/