{"id":28732,"date":"2024-11-11T02:08:51","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T10:08:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getjerry.com\/wp-site\/?p=28732"},"modified":"2024-11-11T02:08:53","modified_gmt":"2024-11-11T10:08:53","slug":"can-pregnant-women-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/state-laws\/can-pregnant-women-drive\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Pregnant Women Drive?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Question:<\/strong> I was planning to begin driving lessons this month but I just found out I\u2019m six weeks pregnant. Is it safe for pregnant women to drive, or should I wait until after my baby is born?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Answer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Congratulations! Pregnancy comes with a long list of dos and don\u2019ts, so it\u2019s natural that you wonder whether you can drive when you\u2019re expecting. Generally, it\u2019s considered safe for pregnant women to drive through the third trimester as long as they can comfortably operate the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But even if it\u2019s safe to drive when you\u2019re pregnant, you may want to take a few precautions before you hit the road:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talk to your doctor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every pregnancy is different, and talking to your doctor about what\u2019s safe for you is important. In some cases, your doctor may advise that it\u2019s not safe for you to drive due to specific medical conditions, like a history of seizures or high blood pressure. It\u2019s also important to be aware of potential risks, such as fatigue and decreased reaction time, which may affect your driving ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NEED TO KNOW:<\/strong> Your doctor may recommend you avoid long-distance travel during your third trimester. If you need medical care, you\u2019ll be close to your medical team, support system, and preferred hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wear your seatbelt low across your waist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keep yourself and your unborn baby safe by wearing a seat belt every time you ride in a car, whether you\u2019re the driver or passenger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)<\/a> recommends that if you\u2019re pregnant, you should wear the shoulder belt of your seatbelt across the center of your chest, away from your neck. The lap belt should sit across your hips\u2014don\u2019t wear it across your belly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NEED TO KNOW:<\/strong> Do not turn off the airbags in your vehicle\u2014if you get into an accident, the seat belt and airbags will work together to keep you safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjust your seat for safety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may find it challenging to find the right position behind the wheel as your belly grows. According to the NHTSA, these tips will help keep you comfortable and safe while you\u2019re driving:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Position your seat so you\u2019re upright and comfortable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Avoid reclining your seat too far\u2014it will create a gap between your shoulder and the seat belt, and you may not be fully protected in an accident.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Don\u2019t let your belly touch the steering wheel. You may need to push the seat back or adjust the steering wheel. Just make sure you can still reach the steering wheel and pedals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    If your belly comes within ten inches of the steering wheel, it may not be safe for you to continue driving during your pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Get medical help after any accident<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Even in the case of a minor fender bender where you don\u2019t think you were injured, it\u2019s important to call your doctor or visit the nearest hospital for a check-up. If there are any accident-related complications, it\u2019s best to catch them early\u2014and if everything\u2019s fine, you\u2019ll likely have better peace of mind knowing so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Expert-driven. Built for you.<\/div>\n\n
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