By Jenilee Matz, M.P.H., Staff Writer, myOptumHealth
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Car accidents are the leading cause of death for pregnant women and the leading cause of trauma-related hospital stays during pregnancy in the U.S. Buckling up is the best way for mom to prevent injury and death from a motor vehicle accident.
Is buckling up safe for my unborn baby?
Research shows that unborn babies have the best chance of surviving car accidents when mom uses her seat belt properly. There is no evidence that suggests seat belts can harm unborn babies.
Seat belts greatly reduce mom's risk of injury in a car accident. If mom stays unharmed, there is a good chance her unborn baby will, too. But if mom is hurt in an accident, her unborn baby could also suffer. Maternal injury during a car crash is linked with:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Placenta abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus before birth)
- Distress of the unborn baby
- Death of the fetus
Studies show that seat belt use reduces the risk of injuries and these poor outcomes.
How to wear your seat belt
Proper buckling is the key to keeping you and your unborn baby safe. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends buckling up using the three-point restraint system. This gives the maximum protection to both you and your unborn baby. To buckle up using the three-point restraint system:
- Place the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly and across your upper thighs.
- Place the shoulder portion of the seat belt between your breasts.
- Make sure there is no excessive slack anywhere on the seat belt.
If seat belts are not worn correctly, women are at increased risk for abdominal injuries and uterine rupture. Check your seat belt to make sure it's not too loose or too high.
Pregnant women should also follow these seat belt safety tips:
- Always wear the lap and shoulder portion of the seat belt.
- Never take the shoulder part of the seat belt off and place it behind you.
- Do not place the lap portion of the seat belt across your abdomen.
More car safety tips for pregnant women
These tips will help pregnant women stay safe and comfortable while traveling by car:
- Keep the airbags turned on at all times. Experts say the benefits of an air bag outweigh any risks to a pregnant woman and her baby.
- Adjust your seat. Keep your seat as far back from the dashboard as you can - at least 10 inches if possible.
- Keep trips in the car brief. Limit time spent in the car to five to six hours at most each day. Get up and walk around at least every two hours. Stretch your legs and wiggle your toes often. This helps lower the risk for blood clots and eases swelling in your ankles and feet.
- Call your doctor right away if you are involved in a car crash, even if it's minor.
View the original Buckle up! Seat belt safety tips for pregnant women article on myOptumHealth.com
SOURCES:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Travel during pregnancy. Accessed: 05/27/2009
- Morrison LJ. General approach to the pregnant patient. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, Adams JG, eds. Marx: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th edition. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. Accessed: 05/27/2009
- Sirin H, Weiss HB, Sauber-Schatz EK. Seat belt use, counseling and motor-vehicle injury during pregnancy: results from a multi-state population-based survey. Maternal and Child Health Journal. 2007;11:505-510.
- Klinich KD, FLannagan CAC, Rupp JD, Sochor M, Schneider LW, Pearlman MD. Fetal outcome in motor-vehicle crashes: effects of crash characteristics and maternal restraint. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008;198(4):450.e1-9. Accessed: 05/27/2009
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Car safety for you and your baby. Accessed: 05/27/2009
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Should pregnant women wear seat belts? Accessed: 05/27/2009
