Pregnancy Car Safety

Protect yourself -- and your baby -- with these tips from Susan Ferguson, senior vice president of research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

By the editors of Parents magazine from Parents Magazine

Always wear your seat belt.
According to a recent study, pregnant women who don't wear seat belts are twice as likely to suffer from excessive bleeding after a crash than mothers-to-be who wear them.

Buckle in correctly.
The lap belt should be positioned below your abdomen, resting across your hips. The shoulder strap should fall between your breasts. Make sure the belt is snug -- it should never be slack.

Move your seat back when you drive.
Your breastbone should be at least ten inches away from the steering wheel to reduce the risk of injury from the air bag. Reclining the back of your seat slightly can also help.

Be a passenger if you can.
That way, you'll be able to push your seat back as far as possible from the air bag. Or ride in the backseat; that's the safest spot in the car.

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.