Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with excitement and anticipation. Yet, staying safe on the road is crucial for both you and your little one. Wearing a seatbelt might seem like second nature, but during pregnancy, it requires a few extra precautions to ensure comfort and safety.

Your growing baby is well-protected within your womb, but that doesn’t make you immune to the risks of a car accident. In fact, motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of injury among pregnant women.

Seatbelts are designed to distribute the force of a collision across the strongest parts of your body, like your pelvis and rib cage, reducing the impact on your abdomen. According to Arash Law, a prominent injury law firm in Sacramento, properly wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of injury to both you and your baby. It’s not just about following the law; it’s about taking a simple step to protect two lives.

Common Seatbelt Myths During Pregnancy

There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about seatbelt safety during pregnancy. Let’s clear up a couple of them:

MYTH: “Seatbelts can harm the baby.”

TRUTH: When worn correctly, seatbelts protect both you and your baby by keeping you secure during a crash.

MYTH: “It’s safer to ride without a seatbelt in the third trimester.”

TRUTH: The bigger your belly, the more you need the support.

How to Wear a Seatbelt Safely During Pregnancy

According to UCHealth, only 23% of pregnant women wear seatbelts correctly. As your pregnancy progresses, each trimester presents unique challenges and adjustments for comfort and safety. Here’s how to buckle up the right way at every stage:

First Trimester

In the early stages of pregnancy, your body might not have changed drastically, but safety is still a priority. Position the lap belt low across your hips, beneath your baby bump, to avoid unnecessary pressure on your abdomen. The shoulder strap should go over your shoulder and lie between your breasts, comfortably crossing your chest. This ensures that the force from any sudden stop is distributed across the strongest parts of your body.

When buckling up, make sure the lap belt touches your thighs, not your stomach. This minimizes the risk of injury to your uterus if an accident occurs.

Second Trimester

As your belly grows, you’ll need to make some adjustments for both comfort and safety. Keep the lap belt snug under the bump and across your pelvis — never over the belly. Adjust the shoulder strap to rest comfortably between your breasts and avoid it pressing directly on your belly.

If the shoulder strap feels tight, consider adjusting the height of the seatbelt where it connects to your car. Most vehicles allow you to raise or lower this point for a better fit.

Third Trimester

By the third trimester, your baby bump is significantly larger, and comfort becomes more challenging. Specially designed pregnancy seatbelt adjusters can help position the lap belt below your bump while keeping it snug and secure. You may also need to recline your seat slightly for added comfort while maintaining visibility and control of the vehicle.

If you find the lap belt digging into your thighs, a seatbelt pad can add cushioning. Just make sure it doesn’t interfere with the correct positioning of the belt.

Remember: Never place the lap belt over your belly—it can cause more harm than protection. Always ensure the belt sits snugly below the baby bump, resting on your hips and pelvis, which are better equipped to handle impact forces.

Tips To Make Driving Comfortable and Safe for Expecting Moms

Driving while pregnant comes with unique challenges, but a few simple adjustments can make your time behind the wheel safer and more comfortable.

Optimize Your Seating Position

Adjust Your Seat: Move your seat back to create more space between your belly and the steering wheel while ensuring you can still comfortably reach the pedals. A slight recline in the backrest can help relieve pressure on your abdomen without obstructing your view of the road.

Use Cushions and Seatbelt Pads: Adding cushioning around your seatbelt — especially the shoulder strap and lap belt — can prevent irritation and reduce pressure on sensitive areas, making long drives more bearable.

Take Regular Breaks

If you're traveling long distances, plan to stop every hour or two. Walking around for a few minutes helps boost circulation and prevents swelling. This is especially important since pregnant women are more prone to blood clots.

Choose a Car with Modern Safety Features

Opt for a vehicle with advanced safety systems like lane departure warnings, automatic braking, and collision avoidance technology. These features provide an extra layer of protection for both you and your baby.

Know When to Let Someone Else Drive

Fatigue, nausea, and dizziness can make driving unsafe, especially if you’re traveling long distances. If you're not feeling your best, it’s better to hand over the keys to a trusted driver.

Practice Defensive Driving

Pregnancy can heighten your sensitivity to distractions, so stay focused. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, follow speed limits, and avoid using your phone while driving.

Seatbelt Safety For Expecting Moms

Driving safely during pregnancy is about more than just buckling up. It’s about making thoughtful adjustments to protect both you and your baby. By understanding the importance of proper seatbelt use, dispelling myths, and making comfort adjustments as needed, you can confidently navigate the roads throughout your pregnancy journey. After all, the safety of your little one starts long before their first ride home.