Seat Belt Use In Pregnant Women
It is proven that the use of a seat belt reduces, by a large percentage, the risk of death in accidents. However, this has been generating doubts about the use of seat belts in pregnant women, due to the damage it could cause to the fetus.
In Spain the use of the seat belt is compulsory ; since 1975 in the front seats, and since 1992 also in the rear seats of cars, for in 2006, it became completely mandatory for pregnant women.
Different studies have shown that its use reduces the risk of death and injury to the mother and the fetus.
In practice, doctors endorse the use of seat belts in pregnant women, as long as certain precautions are taken. The habit of paying more attention to driving during pregnancy is one of them, and perhaps the most important.
Precaution of the use of the seat belt in pregnant women
Many pregnant women think about whether or not to wear a seat belt in the car. There are two times during pregnancy when you should be especially careful when driving: the first and last trimesters.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, amniotic fluid is scarce, so the fetus is less protected. If you have a frontal blow it can originate uterine hemorrhages due to detachment of the placenta, causing lack of oxygen to the fetus.
From the beginning of the third trimester, it is important to further reinforce driving care. The size of the abdomen can cause discomfort when wearing the belt.
In the event of a sudden stop or accident , labor can be brought forward or cause trauma to the child ; the risk for the little one is that his head hits the bones of the mother’s pelvis.
Sometimes pregnancy may lead to reduced visual ability. Therefore, it is important to take this factor into account, especially if the pregnant woman has previous vision problems.
Correct use of the seat belt
It is important to wear a seat belt properly. In this way, security is greater and comfort as well; the law says that it should be located between the breasts and on the hips of the pregnant woman, as low as possible.
The horizontal band of the belt should be below the abdomen, ensuring that it fits the hips and does not rise towards the belly. The diagonal band should fit over the shoulder and sternum, without rubbing the neck; both bands should fit the body without slack.
The misuse of seat belts in pregnant women can cause multiple injuries. Hematomas, placental abruption, trauma, rupture of the uterus, injuries to the liver, are some of them.
Special belts for pregnant women
There is a certain tendency for the belt to shift to the abdomen, causing discomfort for both mother and baby. To avoid these risks, several companies have developed restraint systems for pregnant women that can be more comfortable.
A clear example is the Norwegian company HTS; has created and introduced to the market a special seat belt for pregnant women. This device is called ‘BeSafe Pregnant’.
The function of this modern protection belt is to keep the lower band below the matrix, without diminishing the effectiveness of the standard belt; the ideal position can be facilitated by means of a cushion adaptable to the car seat.
Other recommendations for pregnant women who drive
In addition to the use of the seat belt in pregnant women, there are other specifications to take into account during their gestation months.
During this period, the pregnant woman suffers from disorders typical of her condition, such as nausea, swollen legs. These physical and mood changes can negatively affect your driving ability.
Another recommendation is to take short trips, drive in a relaxed manner and do not brake abruptly. In addition, the seat should be adjusted and the distance behind the wheel increased according to the progress of the pregnancy.
Under no circumstances should the front seat airbag be disconnected. And from the thirtieth week of pregnancy, it is advisable for the pregnant woman to always travel with someone.
