Road trips are perfectly safe during a healthy pregnancy; as a matter of fact, a road trip can be the ideal way to take a vacation if flying is off the table. Although it’s OK to keep driving right up until the end of pregnancy, there are a few measures parents can take to maximize comfort and safety.
In the first trimester, a mother may experience tiredness or sickness, making it harder to concentrate. Therefore, it’s vital to take regular breaks, both as the driver and if traveling as a passenger.
In terms of comfort, the ideal time to undertake a longer road trip is generally thought to be in the middle of pregnancy, around weeks 14-18.
Later in the pregnancy, back or pelvic pain, along with swelling of the lower limbs, may become an issue and compromise the parent’s comfort. The size of the bump may also cause logistical problems depending on the individual or the type of car – later in this article, we will explain the safety measures parents can take regarding the use of seatbelts and airbags.
This post will explain what to expect when taking a road trip during pregnancy and offer tips on comfort and safety.
What’s the safest way to wear a seatbelt when you’re pregnant?
Wearing a seatbelt is always essential, but even more so when pregnant, as when worn properly, it protects both the parent and unborn child in the event of an accident.
Guidance is unambiguous regarding the appropriate measures to wear a seat belt in the safest possible way:
- Wear both the shoulder and lap belt.
- Fasten the lap belt under your bump, across your hips.
- Run the shoulder strap across the center of your chest and then to the side of your bump.
- Do not remove your arm from the shoulder strap or wear it off your shoulder.
- If possible, adjust the straps to fit snug to the body.
- If wearing a heavy coat, remove this before fastening the seat belt to ensure a correct fit.
If your car is fitted with airbags, don’t switch these off as they still offer essential protection; in fact, they are specifically designed to work in conjunction with a properly fitted seat belt.
The seatbelt works to restrain the upper body, while the airbag acts as a cushion to protect both the passenger and baby. This is why it’s vital to wear the seatbelt in the correct position.
If you’re still concerned about the airbag, move your seat back from the dashboard and, if your seat allows, tilt the steering wheel towards your chest area rather than the stomach.
How often should you stop on a road trip while pregnant?
For your general comfort and safety, it’s advisable to limit any road trip to 5/6 hours driving per day. During pregnancy, it’s recommended that ‘stretch breaks’ are taken every 90 minutes or whenever there is discomfort.
- Sitting for long periods can become uncomfortable for anyone – for pregnant drivers or passengers, being seated for too long can cause feet and legs to swell or develop painful leg cramps.
- Frequent breaks are necessary to stretch your body and improve blood flow to the lower part of your body, minimizing the risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), which pregnant women are at a slightly higher risk of developing.
- A short walk, when possible, will increase blood flow and aid comfort; if this isn’t possible, stretching your lower limbs by flexing and rotating the ankles will increase circulation. Support stockings may be advisable if swelling is an issue to provide relief.
- Staying hydrated and consuming regular healthy snacks on your journey will improve energy levels and concentration.
- Back or pelvic pain may become an issue on longer journeys as pregnancy progresses. If this is the case, a rolled-up towel, cushion, or pregnancy pillow placed in the lower back hollow can alleviate some of the pressure.
- As your bump becomes bigger, drivers may find that they need to push the seat further back or adjust their steering wheel in order to remain comfortable. Be sure to check your mirrors and make sure you can still perform all driving functions and reach the necessary controls before setting off.
8 Safety tips for traveling when you are pregnant
We have compiled some tips to help you plan a safe and comfortable road trip when pregnant
1. Consult your health provider before your road trip.
It is advisable to consult your health provider as part of your road trip planning process. Your doctor will be able to answer any specific questions regarding your individual pregnancy and offer medical advice.
2. Take your maternity notes with you.
It is vital to carry your maternity notes with you when taking a road trip to ensure continuity of care if required. It is also advisable to look into hospital/clinic options along your travel route and at your destination.
3. Follow these recommended car safety tips.
Before departing on your road trip, ensure you have your vehicle safety checked – this is always a good idea when undertaking a long journey, but even more so when pregnant. Put together an emergency supply kit in case you run into any difficulties and have to wait for assistance, including items such as:
- A Blanket
- First aid kit
- Torch
- Nutritious snacks/protein bars
- Fresh water
- Cash
- Warm clothes
4. Choose your route carefully
When planning a road trip, consider your end destination and any stops along the way. Will the temperature be comfortable for your stage in pregnancy? Are there medical options if required? If you are traveling to areas of high altitude or remote destinations, plan ahead and speak to your medical practitioner before traveling if you have any concerns.
5. Get a Good Insurance
Ensure that your insurance policies cover all eventualities connected to your pregnancy and road trip; this is particularly important if you’re traveling out of the country. Check your policy or speak to your provider to ensure both your medical and vehicle needs are protected.
6. Take a pregnancy travel pack
A pregnancy travel pack contains all the things you may need specifically for your pregnancy in an easy-to-access place. First and foremost, this should include your medical records and any critical contact information. Other things to consider putting in your travel pack include heartburn medication, pain relief, support stockings, a pregnancy pillow/support, healthy snacks, water, fiber supplements, and antenatal vitamins. Be sure to check the labels on any supplements to ensure they are suitable for pregnancy.
7. Try to relax when traveling
Whether you’re traveling for a vacation or other reasons, try to relax as much as possible. Plan your stops and give yourself plenty of time to make the journey as comfortable as possible. Use a suitcase with wheels to ensure you don’t have to do any heavy lifting, alternate sightseeing with time to rest and eat healthily to maintain your energy levels.
8. Wear your seatbelt.
As we have already discussed, wearing a seatbelt during pregnancy is not dangerous; in fact, it protects both the parent and child. Follow the guidance above to ensure the seatbelt is fastened correctly and keep airbags switched on.
You may also like: Why road trips are better than flying? (Answered!)
Conclusion
Taking a road trip during pregnancy is an excellent way to travel; by following the recommendations and suggestions in this article, you can make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible.
Follow the guidance above regarding wearing a seatbelt in the most effective and safe way, leave airbags fully functional, consider your route and plan for regular stops approximately every 90 minutes, and always consult your doctor before undertaking a long road trip during pregnancy for any personalized advice.
If you want to learn more about road tripping while pregnant, Tiny Acorn shares her story in this amazing video Vlog
Enjoy your trip!
