In modern society, the mother-to-be simply can’t stay at home and wait around for nine months. It is important for our pregnant road users to know that unless they suffer from a special condition, they can live normal lives without too many changes. As long as it is comfortable they can get in a car right up until the end of pregnancy. It would, however, be wise for pregnant women to avoid driving in conditions that might increase stress, such as driving in bad weather conditions, rain, wind or icy weather.
1. Minimize Your Driving
When your pregnancy has become really advanced, especially when it is in the third trimester, it is important to minimize the need to drive yourself. This is especially at the point when your belly has gotten too close to the steering wheel. If you must drive long distances, arrange to have periodic stoppages for toilet breaks and to stretch your legs.
2. Keep Sufficient Space Between You and the Car Ahead of You
Avoid tailgating. Tailgating is when one drives too close behind the car ahead of him or her.
One reason why this is important is that in the event that the car ahead of you halts suddenly, this will prevent you from stepping on your brake suddenly, and bumping your Tommy unto the steering wheel.
3. Take Periodic Breaks
To keep healthy circulation, especially in your leg, it is important to schedule periodic breaks from driving, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes, so you can stretch your legs.
4. In the Event of a Collision
If you are involved in a collision with another vehicle, no matter how minor, visit the hospital to have the baby’s heartbeat checked and to verify that no harm has come the way of the baby. Even if you do not feel you have been hurt, research suggests that pregnant women in crashes without documented injuries are at greater risk of premature labour caused by placental abruption.
5. Reduce Driving At Night
Generally, driving is riskier at night. Night driving reduces visibility, increases the chance of encountering a drunk driver and increases fatigue. So, to avoid putting yourself and the baby at risk, minimize driving at night.
6. Fill Up Before you Start Driving
Drinking plenty of water is an important habit during pregnancy. Ensure to always have bottled water and fruits when travelling. It is also imperative to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level, and that you avoid eating unhealthy food. By eating before you leave the house, and packing some healthy snacks for the road, you can keep your blood sugar in check and eat healthily.
8. Be Ready For Emergencies
Expectant mothers should prepare for emergencies when driving. For instance, before driving pack a traveling pillow, toiletries, fully-charged mobile phone, and additional clothes. If you are far gone into your pregnancy, you could find these items particularly handy if birth comes earlier than expected.
9. Consider Stopping Driving Around 30 weeks Into Your Pregnancy
When your pregnancy approaches its due date, it is often advised that you reduce or totally quit driving. Though driving at that period poises no direct risk, however, your reaction during emergencies could through up some risk.
10. Consider Using Public Transport
At the later point of your pregnancy, rather than drive, it is sometimes advised that you opt for a public transport vehicle, for example, Yellow Cab, Uber, Taxify, etc.
11. Always Wear your Seat-belt
Wearing seat belts does not endanger the baby. Instead, it protects you and the baby. However, in your pregnant state, place the waist strap below the bump, somewhere around your Hipbones. The sash part of the seat-belt should be placed between the breasts.
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SOURCE: NAIRALAND / ARRIVE ALIVE