Driving and safety at home in pregnancy: seat belts and preventing falls

A growing belly slowly changes your balance, your reflexes and the way you sit. That makes everyday safety a small but meaningful topic in pregnancy. The good news: a few simple habits reduce most risks easily.

Seat belts in the car

Wearing a seat belt is one of the most effective ways to protect both you and your baby. Putting it on correctly matters:

• The lap belt goes under your belly, across your hip bones, never over the bump.
• The shoulder belt goes between your breasts, to the side of your belly, and should not rub against your neck.
• Keep the belt untwisted; take out any slack but do not pull it too tight.
• Do not leave the belt off. If your car has an airbag, do not switch it off; simply move the seat as far back from the steering wheel as you comfortably can, leaving enough space between your chest and the wheel.

Driving

For most people, driving is fine throughout pregnancy. As the belly nears the steering wheel, move the seat back and support your back. On long trips, stopping every hour or two to walk eases circulation in the legs and lowers the chance of cramps. If you feel tired, dizzy or nauseous, do not drive, or stop somewhere safe. Talk about long-distance travel plans with your doctor.

After a minor accident

Even after a light bump and even if you feel well, it is worth telling your doctor. If there was a blow to the abdomen, bleeding or a change in baby movements, do not lose time.

Preventing falls at home

In pregnancy your centre of gravity shifts forward and the joints loosen a little, so the risk of falling can rise. At home these help:

• Use non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen, and dry wet floors right away.
• Fix the edges of rugs and tidy away cables.
• Hold the handrail on stairs, and do not carry things that block your view.
• Do not climb stools or ladders to reach high shelves; ask for help.
• Leave a small night light on along your path at night.
• Wear flat shoes with firm soles instead of narrow or high-heeled ones.

Heat, cleaning and other home precautions

Very hot baths and saunas can raise body temperature too much; a lukewarm shower is a better choice. When using strong cleaning products, open a window, wear gloves and never mix different products. Handing over painting and strong-smelling solvents to someone else is a good idea. If you can, pass cat litter duty to someone else, or wear gloves and wash your hands right after. Check that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work.

When to contact your doctor

• After a fall, a blow to the abdomen or a car accident, even if you feel fine.
• If you have vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking, regular and increasing abdominal pain or tightenings.
• If baby movements clearly decrease.
• After a serious accident, loss of consciousness, severe abdominal pain or bleeding, call 112.

This article is for information only; your doctor's and midwife's advice for your personal situation always comes first.