Pregnancy is a very critical period and one should ensure the safety of both mother and the child. According to the law, it is advisable to wear your seat belt every time you are in your car. Pregnancy does not give the privilege to be exempted from this law. Learn to tie your seat belts in a proper manner and keep yourself and your baby safe from any kind of accidents.
Is it safe to wear seat belt during pregnancy?
Wearing seat belts for pregnant women is absolutely safe and highly recommended. This is important as a minor jerk can be hazardous for the health of your baby. Moreover, women seating in the back seat are also advised to wear a seat belt.
How to wear seat belt during pregnancy?
In order to be completely safe during your journey, you need to learn the safest way of wearing your seat belt. There are two types of belts in a car; the lap belt and the torso belt. Both these belts have to be tied in a proper manner to ensure complete safety.
a. Tips to wear the lap belt
1. First position yourself properly on the seat.
2. Pull the lap belt tightly over your thighs.
3. The belt should be below your abdomen on the hipbone.
4. Take care not to tie the belt on the abdomen. It can be dangerous. During an accident, the belt can tighten around your belly and tear the placenta that protects your baby.
5. Tighten the belt as much as possible.
b. Tips to wear the torso belt
1. Pull the torso or the shoulder belt across your chest, passing in between your breasts.
2. This belt should rest on your shoulder and not on your neck. It should also not pass under your arms or behind the back, as it can be dangerous for you and your baby.
3. Tighten the belt properly.
Things to consider
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Wear light clothing so that the seat belt fastens and fits properly around you.
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During winters, make your car comfortably warm to avoid wearing layers of clothing .Too many clothes will not let the seat belt to snuggle around your body.
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If you are pregnant and driving the car, position your seat in such a way that it remains far away from the steering wheel and also the dashboard. However, you should be able to reach the pedals comfortably.
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You can also use the air bag for your protection. You have to compulsorily tie your seat belt if you have switched on your air bag. Ignoring the seat belt can be very unsafe because if the air bag opens suddenly, it can hurt you and your baby.
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Even in the case of minor accidents or shocks, it is always safe to check with the doctor to confirm the well-being of your baby.
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It is necessary to wear both the belts. Lap-only belts can be even more dangerous. So, whenever in the vehicle, take care to tie both the belts.
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Do not keep your belts loose. Tighten the belts as much as possible, so that you are not displaced by a sudden collision.
