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Driving, or travelling to distant places also won’t be as easy as getting into the car and going anymore. You may want to get away from everything for a bit, and just take some time out, but before you do, you need to make sure that you will be not be risking your (or your unborn child’s) health and comfort in doing so.
Arrive Alive has provided this handy guide to help pregnant drivers.
Remember to always consult your doctor first. Once you have received the all clear, Arrive Alive has the following advice on driving throughout your pregnancy:
• Travel during pregnancy can be tiring and frustrating, but if your pregnancy is normal, you should be able to travel during the first and second trimesters without too many adjustments.
• Between 14 and 28 weeks, you might feel better and be more confident about your pregnancy and plans to travel.
• If you're experiencing difficulties such as bleeding or cramping, don't travel.
• If your pregnancy is considered high risk, a long trip might not be a good idea.
• Don't plan a trip during your last month of pregnancy unless your physician has given you the go ahead to travel during your third trimester.
• Get someone else to drive so you can sit back and enjoy being driven.
• If you planned a trip before you knew you were expecting, discuss with your doctor the date you are booked to go, how long you will be away, what modes of transport you plan to use, and whether or not you need any vaccinations.
• Always wear your seatbelt. Even if it’s uncomfortable. Wearing a seatbelt reduces the injury risk to your unborn baby by up to 70%.
• If you suffer from back pain, placing massage seat nets, and wooden or tarpaulin balls between yourself and the seat will help.
• During a long trip, remember to stop and rest - leave the car, walk for a while, stretch, and relax.
• Swelling in the feet and ankles can be worsened by sitting still for too long. If you’re a passenger, gently move your feet around, rotating your ankles and wiggling your toes during the journey.
