Time and again, women with a growing baby bump ask me how they can drive "properly" when pregnant. Do pregnant women really have to buckle up? Are they allowed to put themselves in the Clinic drive? What applies to longer car journeys? I would like to give you an overview of these and other aspects so that you can reach your destination as safely as possible in other circumstances.
Act responsibly
From a legal point of view, pregnancy is generally not an obstacle to getting behind the wheel. However, traffic law requires every person who drives a motor vehicle to be physically and mentally fit to do so.
This already answers the question of whether you can drive yourself to the clinic or birthing centre for the birth: Of course not! Because you may be busy breathing out contractions during the journey. In this situation, hands off the wheel! Because it's not just your own health that's at stake, but also that of your baby and other road users. If you don't have anyone who can take you to the hospital, then take a taxi or call an ambulance.
However, the question of fitness to drive is not just about the time of the approaching birth, but about the entire period of pregnancy. Generally speaking, it always depends on how responsible it would still be to drive in certain situations as a pregnant woman. You should definitely be honest with yourself and listen to how you are feeling at the moment. After all, it is perfectly normal for expectant mothers to be less resilient and to become tired or unfocussed more quickly. So even if you "only" feel tired or have trouble concentrating at the moment: If in doubt, get a lift or stay at home. After all, you don't want to put yourself and your baby at unnecessary risk. And if you're driving and notice that your concentration is waning and/or you're fighting fatigue, don't hesitate to take a break immediately or stop driving altogether.
From many conversations with pregnant women, I know that some find it difficult to do without their mobile four-wheeled vehicle for a while. Especially if they already have children who need to be driven here or there, it's easy to think: "Oh, this little journey will be fine." Please don't! Think about who you could ask to do the journey for you. Or you could cancel the appointment for your child and have a nice afternoon with them yourself. If toddler gymnastics is cancelled, nobody will be harmed.
Even if health problems or certain illnesses occur during your pregnancy: Please be sure to discuss with your midwife or gynaecologist whether there are any risks or reasons why you should not drive a car on your own.
Please fasten your seat belt when driving during pregnancy!
Of course, seat belts are compulsory when driving during pregnancy. It is therefore a misconception that women do not have to wear a seatbelt during pregnancy. And not wearing a seatbelt while driving is dangerous!
When buckling up with a normal three-point harness, make sure that the shoulder belt runs between your breasts. The lap belt must fit snugly against your pelvis deep below your baby's tummy. This will give you and your baby the best possible protection.
Special additional belt guidance systems for pregnant women are often advertised on the internet, often in conjunction with special seat cushions. However, the ADAC expressly warns against this: these belt systems are generally not officially approved and can even jeopardise safety. For example, a seat cushion can slip or collapse in the event of a collision and thus increase the risk of injury. If you decide to use one of these belt systems anyway, make sure you check the approval when buying and get detailed advice.
In certain individual cases, the Road Traffic Act grants an exemption from the obligation to wear a seatbelt with a corresponding expert opinion as a valid justification. However, "being pregnant" is generally no justification for an exemption. So buckle up properly every time you drive to protect yourself and your baby as much as possible. If you drive without a seatbelt, you also risk losing your insurance cover or full compensation claims in the event of an accident.
Please take a seat When driving during pregnancy!
As an expectant mother and independent driver, you should push the driver's seat back as far as possible so that the airbag does not endanger you. However, you must still be able to reach the steering wheel and pedals easily and safely. Under no circumstances should the airbag be deactivated! A collision with the steering wheel column harbours much greater dangers for you and your child. It is best to set the backrest upright in a position that suits you.
For pregnant passengers in the front seat, the ADAC recommends a distance of at least 30 cm from the dashboard.
If longer journeys cannot be avoided, be sure to take a break after two hours at the latest. This is because sitting in a bent position for a long time reduces the blood supply to the pelvis and therefore also impairs the baby's oxygen supply. There is also an increased risk of thrombosis if a vein in the hollow of the knee is kinked. You may also consider wearing support or compression stockings for longer journeys.
When you take a break: make sure you get some exercise. Perhaps there is an opportunity for a short walk. Rocking and stretching exercises for your feet and legs are also helpful now. You can do this by lifting your toes and alternating heels several times in a row. This tenses and relaxes your calves (known as the calf pump). This exercise is also excellent if you are stuck in a traffic jam.
And don't forget to drink plenty during a long car journey, preferably water.
Please note!
If you are involved in an accident, please visit a doctor's surgery immediately! Make sure you have everything checked to see if you and your child are okay or if there are any irregularities - no matter how trivial the accident may have been.
