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Driving Tips - Guerin
Pregnancy seatbelt: the precautions to take
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For first-time parents, doubts are just around the corner. Many questions arise on a wide variety of topics, often accompanied by myths that have spread. And one of them is about wearing a pregnancy seatbelt. After all, should you wear one or not? Read on and find out the answer.
Peace of mind when travelling: the importance of pregnancy seatbelts
Since 2006, the law has obliged all pregnant women to wear seatbelts when travelling by car. And the reason is quite simple. Shall we find out? Even during pregnancy, the seat belt fulfils its function: to protect. In the event of an accident, and if the mother is the driver, not wearing a seatbelt can lead to the steering wheel impacting directly on her belly, which can lead to the placenta detaching or even uterine rupture.
It's said that wearing a pregnancy seatbelt can be harmful to the child. But is that true? No. This accessory is still essential for the mum-to-be's safety, not to mention the fact that it halves possible fetal injuries in the event of an accident. Once your child is born, you'll have other tips on travelling with a baby to consult.
When can a woman not wear a pregnancy seatbelt?
For medical reasons, there are exceptions to the rule. Not wearing a pregnancy seatbelt is provided for in the Regulation on the Use of Safety Accessories, Ministerial Order no. 311-A/2005, of 24 March (Article 5), for cases of high-risk pregnancy and by sending the certificate to the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT).
How should women wear their pregnancy seatbelts?
A pregnancy seatbelt may not be the most comfortable accessory to wear when travelling, we know that. However, there are several tips that allow you to improve the tension it exerts without losing safety. To begin with, you should use a three-point seat belt, then follow these steps.
- Place the lap belt on your lower belly so that, in the event of braking, it doesn't put pressure on your belly directly, but on your hips.
- The diagonal strap should cross the chest and rest on the shoulder. In this way, the pregnant woman's seat belt goes across the middle of her chest and doesn't press on her belly.
Driving during pregnancy: yes, or no?
Driving can continue, but with extra care. This is because, in the first three months, pregnant women may feel more sleepy, tired and even nauseous, which can affect the speed of their reflexes. Ideally, you should always travel accompanied.
If you choose to continue driving during your pregnancy, then there are some precautions you should take when driving.
Keep the Airbag active
The airbag, like the pregnancy seatbelt, helps protect the fetus in the event of an impact.
Adapt the seat position correctly
Adjust the seat as your belly grows. The back of the seat should remain straight.
Increase the distance from the steering wheel
You should always keep 25 centimetres from your stomach to avoid possible injuries in the event of a shock.
Make frequent stops
Whether it's to go to the toilet or to eat, you should stop frequently, especially if you're travelling a long way. This way you can also walk around a bit and improve your blood circulation.
Travel comfortably
In the last few months, rely on a pelvic band to make your journey more comfortable, and you should always choose clothes and shoes that are as comfortable as possible.
If you don't drive, where should a pregnant woman sit?
Just as there are baby seats and it is recommended that they be placed in the back seat, pregnant women should also be seated in the back. In the event of sudden braking or accidents, they are safer and take fewer risks.
Guerin: safety and comfort for mum and baby
Guerin offers a complete fleet of rented cars to suit your family's needs for comfort and growth. And it's getting easier and easier to get one of our cars. After all, the entire management of your rental goes through a 100% digital rental process, which saves you time in queues, reduces paperwork and gives you more free time with the ones you love. Enjoy your trip as a mum. At every stage of your baby's growth, we'll be here to accompany you, exploring the best kid-friendly travel destinations and for all the other family memories that will arise.
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