Full Circle Blog:
Parenting, The Childbearing Year

Is It More Dangerous to Drive During Your Second Trimester?

Is it true that women are more likely to get in a car crash during their second trimester?

In this recent Canadian Medical Association Journal study, a group of doctors concluded that the second trimester is associated with a substantial risk of a serious motor vehicle crash – a risk that, they say, merits the attention of prenatal caregivers.

In cases like this, we think it’s important to point out that pregnant women know to exercise common sense, and that recommendations should always be individualized. No two women are the same. As such, no two women are affected by pregnancy in the same way.

Are there inherent risks to driving during your second trimester of pregnancy? We do not believe so. To give you peace of mind, however, we have compiled the following list of tips to optimize your comfort, and help you remain at your most alert while on the road. Just remember that many of these tips should apply even when not pregnant:

1. Always wear a three point seat belt

For optimum comfort and safety:

  • Remove bulky clothes in order to allow your safety belt to come as close to your body as possible
  • Pull your lap belt flat under your belly, lying over your thigh, rather than pressing against your stomach
  • Position the torso belt between your breasts, and make sure that it is pulled tight. It should feel snug without cutting into your shoulder or your neck. As tempting as it may be, remember never to tuck it under your arm or behind your back

2. Minimize the need to drive

As your pregnancy progresses and your belly gets closer and closer to the steering wheel, you should seek to drive as little as possible. Instead, ask your partner or a friend to drive you – particularly as you enter your third trimester.

3. Put your comfort first

Driving, especially for long distances, can become uncomfortable while pregnant. A few tips for ensuring you are feeling your best:

  • Plan a route that allows you to take regular breaks, in case you should need to use the toilet or stretch your legs
  • Carry water with you, so as to remain hydrated
  • Eat regularly and carry snacks to keep your blood sugar level up. Sudden dips can cause symptoms such as lightheadedness, confusion, and disorientation
  • If you’re suffering from a backache, try using a pillow in the small of your back
  • Always be aware of your own safety and comfort when entering and loading things into your vehicle
  • Move your feet in a circular motion to help prevent and ease swelling

4. Use the Three Point Rule

Remember that your body has been doing some major shifting over the past several months, and you may not respond to quick shifts in your surroundings the same way.

Notice: What’s coming up ahead? What is behind you? When it comes to lane changing, it can be helpful to use the “three second rule,” in which you watch the car in front pass a certain point in the road and then count three seconds – if you get there before three, you’re driving too close.

5. Exercise More Caution 

Part of becoming a new parent is taking fewer risks, and allowing for extra caution. After all, you have some very precious cargo in tow!

During pregnancy, consider doing so in the following ways:

  • If you feel tired, wait to drive. If you’re already en route, and start to feel exhausted, simply pull over and take a short break to rest. 
  • Think twice about driving in poor weather conditions.
  • Avoid distractions, such as using your phone or changing the radio. If you need to call someone, ensure that you are using a blue tooth or hands free advice

Have further tips that have helped you maintain safety on the road while pregnant?

We’d love to hear from you in the comments below, or via Facebook and Twitter.