We always talk about the safest way to carry babies in the car, but what about pregnant moms? In all cases they must travel with their seatbelts on!
There are many women who believe that it is not necessary to wear a belt during pregnancy, they even think that it is harmful because it can harm the fetus. Nothing is further from reality. If a pregnant woman were to have an accident without a seat belt or half-placed, she has a much higher risk of losing the baby. So it is VERY IMPORTANT to know how to put on your seat belt when you are pregnant.
What does the law require regarding the safety belt in pregnant women?
The law requires pregnant moms to wear a car seat belt just like any other passenger. Doctors also agree with this standard, especially in some moments when special care must be taken, for example:
- In the first three months because the amount of amniotic fluid is low and a frontal blow can cause bleeding in the uterus due to placental abruption.
- In the last quarter because of the dimensions of the abdomen the belt can be very annoying and moms tend to stop using it. At this time, any blow to the abdomen can lead to a fatal outcome.
- In case of sudden braking or accident, If the belt is not properly attached, delivery can be delayed or the baby can be injured if the head hits the bones of the mother's pelvis.
Maybe it's a good gift for a pregnant mom who usually drives a car. One of the star gifts when a couple decides to have a baby is a child restraint, but perhaps that is so personal that it is better to leave it to them for later. On the other hand, a belt for her is easier to hit and it is also important to think that you must also ensure her safety even though she was not born. But for this, it is necessary that the pregnant woman correctly puts on the seat belt.
How do you put a seat belt in the car?
For the seat belt to fulfill its main function it must be correctly placed:
- It must be carried in both the front and rear seats.
- The bands should not be allowed to press on the belly.
- We must place the upper band between the breasts (never in front of the abdomen) passing over the clavicle and the lower band under the abdomen on the thighs and adjust it as much as possible on the hips, tightening the pelvis.
- Take advantage of the height adjustment that comes standard on cars, to make traveling more comfortable.
- Of course, the chest strap should never be worn behind the back or under the arm or armpit.
- There are cars that have a sensor that sounds, insistently, until you put your seatbelt on. You never feel about the upper nothingness in order to silence it, you will only have a serious problem in the event of an accident.
- Avoid placing cushions on the seat or between it and the back.
- Three-point belts are more recommended as they hold better than two-point belts. The three seat belt anchor device divides the probability that the fetus will sustain serious injury with the risk of death by six.
Belts for pregnant women that can make the trip more comfortable and safe.
To avoid all the problems we have discussed above, special adapters have been designed for pregnant women. Its function is to move the lower belt strap below the abdomen without losing its effectiveness in the event of an accident.
There are three modalities:
- Adjustable belt adapter to vehicles without isofix
- Vehicle adjustable belt adapter with Isofix
- Vest adaptable to the seat belt
It is important to circulate safe, even, before birth 😉
