In this article:
Why Do Bumpy Rides Feel Worse During Pregnancy?
Your body changes a lot when you are pregnant, and that can make you feel a little wobbly. Some factors that may be at play are:- Relaxed Joints: During pregnancy, your joints often relax due to hormones like relaxin. This loosening up prepares your body for labour. This can make you somewhat clumsy and more likely to sustain minor injuries if you move too fast.
- Change in Balance: As your baby bump gets bigger, your balance changes because your centre of gravity moves. This means you might stagger more during sharp turns or when you hit a bump.
- Feeling Tired: Being pregnant often leaves you feeling more exhausted. Even a quick ride may wear you out.
Can Bumpy Rides Affect Your Baby?
A quick and careful auto-rickshaw ride probably won’t hurt your baby if you’re having a normal pregnancy. However, prolonged rough travel or extreme jolts could pose risks:- Intense jolts may cause minor stress on the placenta, particularly in cases of placenta previa
- If you're at risk of premature delivery, constant bumps may trigger uterine contractions
- Conditions like bleeding, high blood pressure, or a history of miscarriage make bumpy rides more concerning
What Discomforts Might You Encounter?
During or after a rough ride, you might start feeling:- A pain in your abdomen
- Lower back or pelvic pain
- Leg or ankle swelling
- Nausea or dizziness
- Tiredness or headaches due to tension
How Can You Have a Safe Auto-Rickshaw Ride?
You don't have to completely avoid auto-rickshaws. Instead, use practical strategies to minimise risk and discomfort:- For better balance and support, sit on the side facing forward. Try to avoid sitting or standing with your back to others.
- Bring a small pillow to maintain a good posture
- To avoid falling, hold on tightly to the rickshaw's stable parts
- Keep rides short, especially on bumpy roads
- Less traffic reduces sudden jolts and braking
- Avoid heels or slippery shoes, as they reduce stability
When Should You Be More Careful?
Bumpy rides deserve additional attention if you have any of the following:- History of premature delivery
- Placental abnormalities
- High-risk pregnancy
- High blood pressure or preeclampsia
- Extreme dizziness or morning sickness
How To Look Out For Warning Signs During A Ride?
Keep an eye out for:- Bleeding or unusual discharge from your vagina
- Abdominal pain or cramping out of nowhere
- Extremely sharp pain in your back or around your pelvis
- Extreme dizziness or fainting
Simple Tips to Make Your Daily Commute Easier:
- Plan your routes carefully and avoid roads that are bumpy or have potholes
- Travel light; heavy bags increase discomfort and disrupt your balance
- Make sure you’re drinking enough water. Feeling dehydrated can increase your tiredness or dizziness when you’re travelling.
- While travelling long distances, take short intervals to stretch and relax your muscles
- Pay attention to your body. If you are in pain, feeling cramped, or extremely worn out, step away from what you are doing and take a break.
Social & Emotional Factors to Consider
Travel stress can affect your mood and lead to mood swings. Feeling tense or anxious during commutes is normal. Talk to your friends, family, or partner about what’s bothering you. They can accompany you or comfort you. Reducing anxiety improves your overall health and keeps your pregnancy journey comfortable.Bumpy auto-rickshaw rides might seem harmless, but they can impact your body and, in certain situations, your safety during pregnancy. Paying attention to your body, understanding the risks, and applying practical safety measures can help you travel confidently. If you need a hand, ask for it, and just do a few things to keep yourself safe when you’re travelling. That way, you and your baby will be fine.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on How Bumpy Auto-Rickshaw Rides Affect Pregnancy Comfort and Safety
- Is taking an auto-rickshaw ride for a short distance risky when you’re expecting?
Usually, short commutes are safe during pregnancy if you follow safety measures. Long or very rough routes can be minimised. - Can pregnancy belts or support cushions help during bumpy rides?
Yes. When you travel, try using a small cushion or an abdominal support belt. It might help you feel more comfy and stable. - What are some safer alternatives to commuting daily other than taking an auto-rickshaw?
Think about taking taxis, your own car, or getting a ride from your family, especially if the road is bumpy or you have a high-risk pregnancy.
