How should I wear a seat belt during pregnancy?

Place the lap belt low across your hips and pelvic bones, underneath your bump. The shoulder belt should run across your chest and between your breasts, then over your shoulder. Never place the lap belt across your abdomen or the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back.

Should I switch off the airbag while pregnant?

No. Airbags should remain switched on during pregnancy. They are designed to work together with seat belts to provide better protection during a collision.

How to Wear a Seat Belt Safely During Pregnancy

As pregnancy progresses, a growing bump can make a familiar car seat belt feel uncomfortable or awkward. However, pregnancy is not a reason to stop wearing a seat belt. Correct positioning helps the restraint work as intended while reducing pressure on the abdomen during a collision. We spoke to Dr Nivedita Singh, Senior Consultant – Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Jalandhar, to understand better.

How to Position a Seat Belt During Pregnancy

According to Dr Nivedita Singh, Senior Consultant – Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Jalandhar, “Wearing a seat belt is especially important during pregnancy. Never stop wearing a seat belt because you are pregnant.”

The lap belt should sit low across your hips and underneath your belly, resting on your pelvic bones. It should never pass directly across your abdomen.Dr Nivedita Singh, Senior Consultant – Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals

The NHTSA also recommends wearing the lap belt low across the hips and pelvic bones, below the belly, rather than across the abdomen. The shoulder belt should sit across the chest and between the breasts, continuing over the shoulder.

How to safely wear a seatbelt during pregnancy

Adjusting the Seat and Using Airbags

Drivers should adjust the seat so the pedals and steering wheel can be reached comfortably while maintaining as much distance as practical between the abdomen and steering wheel. An upright, comfortable seating position is preferable to excessive reclining.

Dr Singh advises, “Seat belts and airbags are designed to work together to provide better protection during a collision.”

What If There Is a Car Accident?

After a collision during pregnancy, medical assessment is recommended even when there are no obvious injuries. Dr Singh says, “If you are involved in a car accident during pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider for assessment even if you feel well.”

Pregnancy seat belt safety comes down to correct positioning and consistent use. Keeping the lap belt below the bump, placing the shoulder strap across the chest, maintaining a safe driving position and leaving airbags activated can provide important protection throughout pregnancy.

FAQs on Wearing A Seatbelt During Pregnancy

How should I wear a seat belt during pregnancy?
Place the lap belt low across your hips and pelvic bones, underneath your bump. The shoulder belt should run across your chest and between your breasts, then over your shoulder. Never place the lap belt across your abdomen or the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back.
Should I switch off the airbag while pregnant?
No. Airbags should remain switched on during pregnancy. They are designed to work together with seat belts to provide better protection during a collision.