Correct use of safety restraints recommended for pregnant women

There’s a common misperception that it’s dangerous to wear a seatbelt when driving while pregnant, that in the event of a collision a seatbelt could harm a pregnant belly and the little life growing inside.

But, there is no evidence that the use of safety belts increases the chances of foetal or uterine injury and pregnant women are urged to wear a seatbelt whenever they travel by car – whether as a passenger or driver.

“The best way to protect the baby growing in your belly while you’re in the car is to protect yourself by wearing a seatbelt. Failing to wear a seatbelt is not only dangerous, but it is also a violation of South Africa’s road traffic laws. Make sure you wear one whenever you are in a vehicle, for your safety and the safety of your baby,” encourages Robyn Farrell, director of 1st for Women Insurance Brokers.

She points out however that the seatbelt must be worn correctly to avoid any pressure on or damage to the stomach – especially in the event of a crash.

“To avoid hurting yourself or injuring your baby, you must be sure to wear your seat belt properly. The lap belt should be secured below your belly, fitting low and snug against your hip bones. Never wear the belt across or above your belly.

“The shoulder belt should also be worn at all times. Studies by the Royal Society for the Prevent of Accidents found that it can actually be just as hazardous to wear only the lap belt as it is to have no seatbelt protection at all.

“Fit the shoulder strap across your chest so that it rests securely between your breasts. Never put the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back if it feels uncomfortable or to avoid having it dig into your neck. Instead, you should reposition your seat or the belt so that it fits better. Both your lap belt and shoulder strap should be worn as tight as possible so that the forces applied in a sudden impact can be absorbed by your body rather than your stomach,” recommends Farrell.

She adds that pregnant women should adjust their seat so that it is positioned as faraway from the steering wheel as possible – while at the same time allowing them to reach the pedals comfortably.

As front-seat passengers, pregnant women should move their seats far back from the dashboard and airbag.

“It is not recommended that airbags be deactivated because they offer additional protection in a crash. Instead, pregnant women, and any front-seat passenger for that matter, should maximise the distance between their chest and the dashboard by moving their seat backwards and tilting it slightly. Passengers should sit back against their seats with little slack in their seatbelts so as to minimise forward movement in a crash and to allow the airbag to deploy and operate properly,” explains Farrell.

She concludes: “Research shows that wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of injury to a growing foetus by 70%. Wearing a seatbelt might seem like just another unnecessary cause for discomfort while you are pregnant. But, it could save your life and the life of your unborn baby. Don’t take the chance.”