8 Tips for driving safely during pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most cherished experiences in a woman’s life. However, there are several do’s and don’ts that you need to follow when you are expecting. Driving or car rides are always a topic of contention among expectant moms. How far along should you drive? What are some of the safety measures that you can take while driving when pregnant? Here’s a handy guide to help you make the right choices while driving or travelling by car during your pregnancy.

1. Discuss with your doctor

The general consensus is that it is safe to drive throughout your pregnancy, especially if you take appropriate safety measures. However, the closer you are to your due date, the less you should drive. Since every pregnancy is different, the best advice about driving and transportation choices comes from your obstetrician/gynaecologist. In case there are specific instructions you need to follow while driving or riding in a car, your doctor will be the best person to guide you.

2. Fasten your seat belts

It goes without saying that you should always wear your seatbelt. But especially so when you are pregnant. Wear the seatbelt correctly to avoid hurting yourself and your baby in case of an accident. Keep the lap portion of the belt under your belly as much as possible and not over it. You can even use a seatbelt positioner during pregnancy.

3. Adjust the car seats

You need to adjust your car seats to be in the most comfortable position. For instance, the driver’s seat should be away from the steering wheel while maintaining access to stuff like brakes, gear shifts and headlights. Adjust the steering wheel such that the bottom edge of the wheel is not parallel to your stomach. MG Hector comes with extremely flexible and power-adjustable seats offering the most comfortable driving experience. 

4. Keep your partner/doctor on speed dial

Do not forget to add the most important people on speed dial, such as your partner or the doctor. In case of an emergency, you need to reach them as quickly as possible. MG Hector’s voice assistance dial comes in handy; you keep your eyes on the road and dial a number instantly and hassle-free.

5. Keep your hospital bag ready

If you have frequent bouts of nausea, it is advisable to avoid driving. However, even if you haven’t suffered from nausea, carrying an emergency supplies bag ready in your car with medicines, mints and barf bags is useful. It is also useful to carry travel pillows, toiletries, a battery pack and other essentials. If you are far along in your pregnancy, consider carrying a hospital bag with your delivery essentials.

6. Stay aware and alert

Keep all forms of distraction away so that you can focus on driving. If you feel sleepy or fatigued after a long day, it is best to pull over at a safe spot and take a power nap before you resume driving. Many modern cars are equipped with additional safety features to ensure your security. For instance, the MG Gloster is designed with safety features such as adaptive cruise control, Anti-Braking System (ABS), a 360-degree around-view camera, blind-spot detection, lane keep assist and autonomous Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system.

7. Stock up on snacks and water

Longer trips need a great deal of planning, especially if you are pregnant. Carry snacks, mints, water and your vitamins with you. The MG Hector’s cooled glove box will keep your drinks and snacks safe even hours into the drive. Remember to take frequent breaks during the drive to freshen up and relax your muscles.

8. Choose to be the passenger

It’s sometimes fun to give up the driving seat and choose the comfort of being a passenger. In the third trimester, as your baby grows more, it might not be a very comfortable experience to take the steering wheel. Even as a passenger, avoid bumpy roads and driving in rough weather at all costs. Your MG Hector can provide you with accurate weather updates, so you can plan and prepare better.

Final thoughts

As you draw closer to your due date, it’s a sensible idea to reduce driving and travel. Take a back seat for the safety of your own self and your child. Also, speak to your doctor to find out when you can resume driving again after childbirth.