Things You Should Know Before Driving While Pregnant

No specific regulations from the DGT prohibit driving during pregnancy. Generally, it is permissible to drive while pregnant, provided the pregnancy is uncomplicated and the woman feels comfortable and safe behind the wheel.

However, there are several important recommendations and precautions to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. The key lies in comfort, safety, and listening to one's own body signals.

According to recommendations for pregnant drivers and passengers compiled by Alquiber experts, these are particularly crucial during the early weeks of pregnancy when everything is more delicate, and from the third trimester onwards, as the mother has to manage a prominent belly due to the baby's size. During this period, the general advice is to avoid driving.

Firstly, pay attention to your driving style, ensuring it is smooth, relaxed, and safe. This is a universal recommendation, as implementing it can prevent accidents, injuries, and scares for everyone. However, if you are pregnant or travelling with a pregnant passenger, it is even more important to maximise safety measures.

One of the best ways to adapt a car journey for a pregnant woman is to find the perfect balance between her safety and comfort. Wearing non-restrictive clothing, comfortable shoes, and even using a lumbar cushion can make the difference between a pleasant drive and a nightmare.

The seatbelt, an essential element for all occupants, must be adjusted to the pregnant woman's body, depending on the gestation week and the size of her abdomen. Typically, this balance between comfort and safety is achieved by placing the lower belt band below the abdomen and adjusting it to the bony part of the hips, while the diagonal band is positioned between the breasts without resting on them. Additionally, it is important to ensure the bands are not loose. Furthermore, when the belly is very large, special seatbelts that attach to the car's hooks are available for greater comfort and safety.

Regarding posture, the pregnant driver should move the seat back as far as possible to prevent the belly from touching the steering wheel. She should also sit as far away as possible from the front airbag, which could impact her in case of deployment.

If the car journey is a long trip, Alquiber experts also have specific recommendations. If the pregnant woman is the driver, it is advisable for her to be accompanied by someone who can take over the wheel periodically or in case of any eventuality.

During a long journey, it is also crucial to regularly consume liquids to avoid low blood pressure, hypoglycemia, and dehydration.

Nevertheless, it is advisable to stop every two hours, choosing suitable places before setting off, to relieve strained lower back muscles, walk, stretch, and move legs and ankles, as the risk of venous thrombosis increases during pregnancy.

Additionally, remember that we aim for a safe journey, so it is more important to avoid routes with many curves and roads with uneven or poorly paved surfaces, even if it means opting for a route that ultimately makes the journey slightly longer.

It is very important to remember that all these recommendations are only indicated if the doctor does not advise against the pregnant woman driving or travelling by car. Moreover, it is not advisable to drive if any of these cannot be implemented, for example, if a comfortable driving position cannot be found or if the mother's belly is too close to the steering wheel.