Driving for two: driving safely when you’re pregnant

May is when Mothers’ Day is celebrated, and since I am pregnant with kids No. 4 and 5 (Yup, I’m having twins), let us put our attention on “moms to be” who, after bouts of morning sickness, will need to drive around the motoring inferno we call Edsa.

A good number of pregnant women do drive, and they represent a healthy number of drivers on the road that can get into accidents (That big tummy does not work as an airbag, unlike a beer belly).

In the United States alone, according to ABC7.com, about 170,000 accidents per year involve a pregnant woman. Below are the basics on how to safely drive when you are driving for two (In my case, for three).

How to get seated

Because of our growing belly, we would need to recline the chair more than normal to comfortably sit at the driver’s seat. Compensate for this by pulling the seat forward while providing ample space between your abdomen and your belly. Also, make sure that you still have the 90-degree bend in your arm while holding the wheel at the “9 and 3” position.

Most cars now have telescopic steering wheels, where you can fix the angle and height of the steering wheel. Do this so that the wheel is tilted toward your breastbone, not your belly.

How to wear a seatbelt properly

If you think because you are pregnant, you are exempted from wearing the seatbelt, you are dead wrong. The seatbelt works in conjunction with the airbag, and proper use of the belt can spell the difference between life and death.

Wear the crossbody belt in between your breast and the lap belt under your bump, not on it, but on your lap. Make sure that the belt is snug so that it will hold you in place when a collision takes place, and so that your belly does not hit the wheel. This will also enable the airbag to work properly.

Plan your breaks

Pregnant women are blessed with frequent everything—frequent eating, frequent bathroom breaks, etc. So if you know you will be driving long distances, plan your breaks ahead of time. You would need this to stretch your legs, replenish your nutrients and heed the call of nature. This will also keep you more aware and alert.

If driving alone, write an emergency plan

If we get into an accident, we might not be conscious to talk to those giving emergency treatment.  Thus, on two  pieces of paper, write the following data:

•name

•emergency contact and number

•doctor’s name and number

•blood type

•food and drug allergy

•special instructions

Laminate them and put one copy in your wallet and the other on the glove or center console.  This can save precious time.

Know up to when it is safe to drive

According to Makati Medical OB-gyn Dr. Theresa Lopez, there are no solid rules about when you can and cannot drive. It will depend on the condition of your pregnancy. Your doctor will be the best person to tell.

During the last trimester of your pregnancy, you should either travel with another adult or, if possible, have someone drive you instead. Some people are able to drive until the end of  their pregnancy while some cannot. Also, during the last two months when you are a walking time bomb, try not to drive on the highways or do long drives.

Be more aware of possible red flags

If you are suffering from morning sickness or have other conditions that can make you sick without any warning, it would be best that you either slow down or wait for a better time to drive. Going 100 kph on the Skyway while feeling like you want to throw up your lunch is not a good way to go. Besides, it would be hell cleaning the upholstery.

Find the car that has the best ride

If your car has 20-inch mag wheels and has low-profile tires, this might not be the best ride to drive while pregnant. Certain cars have better rides due to their tires, wheels and suspension; with the conditions of our road, these will be your best friends on the road. Look for cars that are designed for comfort. Remember that off-roading and pregnancy don’t mix.

Nothing brings more joy than a baby on the way. Although this brings such a big change in your life, you should also not make it an excuse to stop doing other important things. You just need to prioritize the well-being of your little one in whatever you do. Whether this is your first pregnancy or your fourth, safety for both the mother and the baby should always be your priority. Happy pregnant driving.

For comments and suggestions, e-mail us at jnt@chicdriven.com or follow   our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicdriven.