If you decide to take your own vehicle to get around, here are a few things to consider:
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 in UAE.
DO NOT DEACTIVATE THE AIRBAGS
Pregnant or not – never switch off your car airbagswhile 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.
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
Keep a water bottle to hydrate yourself when needed
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
