There are a lot of things to think about while you’re pregnant. When performing ordinary duties, it’s often essential to use additional caution. Driving a car, for example, is something that many of us do regularly.
However, when a person is pregnant, these safety rules become even more critical. Since a person’s body is altered during pregnancy, a few changes need to be made to the car to make it as safe as possible.
Safety Tips for Pregnant Women Concerning seat belts
1. Make Sure Seat Belts Are the Right Size
When a person is pregnant, the circumference of the body front can increase, depending on the length of pregnancy. You should adjust the seat belt to fit their waist, not their abdomen. The belt should also be as snug as possible.
2. Position the Lap Belt Appropriately
The lap belt should fit across the hips and be level with the belly button. Never place it over the belly because this puts unnecessary pressure on the baby’s head. In addition, don’t mistake hooking the belt with the buckle over your stomach. The clasp should always be over the hips.
In addition, While wearing the lap belt under your belly is common, it increases the risk of abdominal injury.
3. Use the Latch System
Using the latch system can be tricky, but it is a significant safety measure. The latch system is designed to hold the car seat in place so that it doesn’t slide around while the car is in motion. This means it will be less likely to collide with the steering wheel, windshield, or even you.
When testing the latch system, make sure it latches to the seat and not the car frame. It will be easier to click shut when you line it up properly.
Possible Injuries a Pregnant Woman Can Get with Inappropriate Seat Belt Position
1. Sacroiliac Injuries
This will happen if the seat belt cuts across the abdomen or hits the pelvic region at an angle. An improperly worn belt can also cause you to slump, putting additional pressure on this area.
2. Bruised Abdominal Muscles
The abdominal muscles are usually firm, but they can become relatively lax when you’re pregnant. This can make them weaker and easier to injure. When the belt is positioned over the abdomen, it can cause bruising.
In addition, placing the belt over the abdomen can further impair correct posture. This makes a pregnant woman even more likely to fall, especially in the later stages of the pregnancy.
3. Causes Decline in Posture
The body needs to be aligned correctly to optimize the baby’s health. Placing the seat belt over the abdomen means that the driver is not sitting straight, which contributes to the mother’s discomfort.
Conclusion
For many of us, driving is a part of life. We don’t often think about how it affects us, but it is essential. Therefore, safety is always a priority because accidents can still happen to anyone, even when we take precautions and adjust our daily routine.
Even though there are a lot of restrictions during the final months of pregnancy, there is still a lot more than you can do to keep yourself and your baby safe on the road. When wearing your seat belt, make sure that it is positioned correctly. If you’re not sure how to adjust your seat belt, you should ask someone who knows.
Safety Restore is here for you if you have problems and need a seat belt repair! We are the world’s leader in restorations specializing in seat belt repairs and airbag modules. Contact us now!
