It’s perfectly safe to drive your car while pregnant unless your doctor tells you not to. If they say that driving could be risky for you and your baby, listen to their advice and don’t get behind the wheel. It would be safer to let someone else drive you wherever you need or want to.
If you can safely get behind the wheel, you will need to be well-prepared before going on a road trip. There are ways to make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Here are seven tips for driving long distance while pregnant:
Tip #1: Plan your long distance driving during your second trimester
Even if your doctor says it’s safe for you to drive while pregnant, it’s not a good idea to get behind the wheel, especially for a long-distance drive, when you are feeling nauseous or very tired.
If you want to go on a long road trip, try to plan it for the second trimester of your pregnancy, where you are more likely to be feeling good.
When you feel healthy and energized, you have time off from work, pack your bags, prepare a fun itinerary, make sure your car and car tires are in good condition and get on the road.
Tip #2: Adjust your seat properly
You will need to adjust your seat properly to be comfortable, so your baby will be safe. Adjust your seat, so your baby bump is about 10 inches away from the steering wheel. This should leave plenty of distance between your belly and the wheel while allowing you to be comfortable while you drive.
You might also want to tilt your steering wheel upwards, so it will not be pointing directly at your baby if ever you get involved in an accident.
Tip #3: Always wear your seat belt
Adjusting your seat, so there are at least 10 inches between the steering wheel, and your belly will also help keep your baby safe if your car’s airbags deploy during a crash.
But you should never rely solely on your airbags. Some people might tell you that wearing a seat belt while you are pregnant could be dangerous, but the truth is that wearing your seat belt will always be safer than not wearing it.
Just make sure the belt is positioned under your belly and that the shoulder belt sits in the middle of your chest.
Tip #4: Bring plenty of water and snacks
No one should even think about driving long distances without bringing snacks, but drinking plenty of water and regularly eating snacks is even more important when pregnant.
Getting dehydrated would not be good for you and your baby. And if your blood sugar dips while driving, you will be more likely to get involved in an accident.
So make sure you always have access to water and various snacks while behind the wheel and stop somewhere to eat a full meal whenever you feel hungry.
Tip #5: Don’t forget to take breaks
Taking frequent bathroom breaks is necessary when you are pregnant. But even if you don’t feel like using the bathroom, be sure to take many breaks.
Ideally, you should stop at least once every two hours, get out of your car, and stretch your legs. This will get your blood flowing, good for your health and your baby. Stretching your legs regularly will also help you avoid leg cramps or deep vein thrombosis.
Plus, taking breaks should help make your road trip more pleasant and memorable since you might take a moment to walk around and discover different locations.
Tip #6: Try not to drive when visibility is bad
Driving safely is always important, but you should be more careful than usual now that a baby is growing in your belly. This means you should try to avoid driving whenever visibility is bad.
Driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the day. Visibility is reduced and you could encounter drunk drivers driving carelessly. If you must drive at light, ensure your automotive lighting works properly.
Driving during a snowstorm, when there is fog, or while it’s raining heavily should also be avoided.
Tip #7: See a doctor if ever you get involved in an accident
Despite your precautions, you could still get involved in a car accident. After all, even if you are a very careful driver, you can’t control how the people you share the road with are driving.
Even if you only get involved in a minor collision, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. They will check on you and your baby to make sure everything is fine, so you can keep your peace of mind.
