Seatbelts and pregnancy
| Published: 19th September 2006 12:36 |
Pregnancy is an exciting time of change for you. But don't change your habit of wearing a seatbelt - buckling up now is just as important.
Wearing a seatbelt saves lives. Did you know that wearing a seatbelt reduces the injury risk to your unborn baby by up to 70 per cent?
Wearing a seatbelt may not always be comfortable, but the law does require you to wear one, even while pregnant. This is to protect you and your baby - and other adults and children travelling with you.
Wearing a seatbelt while pregnant will not, on its own, harm your baby. If you have a crash, it will improve your safety and will help to protect you and your unborn baby. If you are worried about how to wear it, simply follow these steps:
1. Wear the diagonal strap between your breasts, moving the strap around the side of your bump.
2. Make sure the lap strap sits comfortably under your bump. If it is over your belly button then it is too high. It should go from hip bone to hip bone, as low as possible
As your bump grows you'll need to adjust your car so its is more comfortable for you to drive:
When you push the seat back your view out of the mirrors will shift. Always check your mirrors when you adjust the seat or the height of the wheel.
Make sure you aren't stretching to reach the clutch, brake and accelerator as you move your seat away from the wheel; it could affect your reaction times
Once baby is on board
Never carry your baby on your lap. If you crash there is a risk of crushing the baby as your weight is thrown against it with the force of the impact
A well fitted baby seat is essential and for children under three you have to have one by law.
Rear facing baby seats provide a good level of protection. But, if your car has air bags never use a rear facing baby seat in the front of the car.
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