Driving While Pregnant? It's Okay, Here Are the Tips
Traveling and driving are activities that many people often engage in. Even some pregnant women still drive cars. In fact, it is perfectly fine to do so, as long as one remains vigilant and careful. Here, we have prepared some tips for driving a car during pregnancy that are worth trying.
Driving a car cannot be done carelessly, especially during pregnancy. This is because the condition of pregnant women is more at risk and vulnerable to accidents compared to when they are not pregnant. There are many things to consider, such as comfort in movement and car maneuvers that need to be adjusted so as not to disturb the pregnancy.
Here are Safe Driving Tips for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women can drive as long as they feel comfortable and free to move while driving. It is important to note that even though they may be strong enough to drive, pregnancy can make pregnant women easily fatigued and prone to excessive drowsiness.
This, of course, also depends on each individual's physical condition. To enhance comfort and safety while driving, here are tips for driving a car during pregnancy that you need to know:
1. Prepare healthy snacks and enough drinking water
When driving for too long, pregnant women may easily feel hungry, so it is necessary to bring healthy snacks. Provide snacks that are good for digestive health and the baby.
Also, prepare enough drinking water for your journey. Do not let yourself become dehydrated, as it can have adverse effects on pregnant women.
2. Ensure you are in good condition and have a companion
Before driving, make sure you are in good condition and not feeling unwell. Try to minimize trips that require driving a car as much as possible.
Also, try to have someone accompany you while driving. So if something unexpected happens, there is someone who can help you immediately and inform your family.
3. Pay attention to your driving position
For pregnant women who are driving, avoid a body position that is too far forward while sitting. To increase comfort, you can move the seat back so you can move more freely.
While driving, also pay attention to the safe distance between your belly and the steering wheel, which should be at least 25 cm. Additionally, align your sitting position with the steering wheel with your sternum and not directed towards your belly.
4. Always wear a seatbelt
Seatbelts must be worn by every car driver, especially pregnant women. But also pay attention to the position of your seatbelt.
The correct position for the seatbelt is on the upper part of the collarbone, between the upper arm and neck. Avoid placing the seatbelt directly over your belly.
5. Avoid sitting for too long
Sitting for too long can pose risks that may cause back pain and health issues for pregnant women. Try not to undertake long journeys for hours, for your comfort and health.
Once you reach your destination, pregnant women are advised to take a leisurely walk for about 1 minute to relax tense legs, especially if they are already in the third trimester or beyond.
6. Prepare a cushion or support
Sometimes a constant sitting position can cause back pain. Especially if the journey is somewhat long, it can feel uncomfortable.
To address this, you can prepare a cushion or other soft support before the trip. Then use it and adjust your sitting position for greater comfort.
Pregnant women can drive cars, as long as they remain careful and prioritize comfort and safety. Hopefully, these safe driving tips for pregnant women from Daihatsu are beneficial, and always stay alert while driving.
And don't forget to always use Daihatsu cars, which are super comfortable for pregnant women. This way, unwanted incidents while driving during pregnancy can be minimized.
