Why is it important to wear a seat belt when I travel during pregnancy?

Although your fetus is protected inside your body, you should wear a lap and shoulder belt every time you travel while you are pregnant for the best protection—even in the final weeks of pregnancy. You and your fetus are much more likely to survive a car crash if you are buckled in.

How should I wear a seat belt while I am pregnant?

When wearing a seat belt, follow these rules:

  1. Buckle the lap belt below your belly so that it fits snugly across your hips and pelvic bone.
  2. Place the shoulder belt across your chest (between your breasts) and over the mid-portion of your collar bone (away from your neck).
  3. Never place the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back.
  4. Pull any slack (looseness) out of the belt.
  5. If you are in an accident, seek medical attention right away, even if you are not injured.

What should I know about air bags when I travel in a car?

Follow these tips if your car has air bags:

  1. Keep 10 inches between the steering wheel and your breastbone.
  2. If the car has an airbag “on/off” switch, check to be sure it is turned to “on.”
  3. As your belly grows, you may not be able to keep as much space between you and the steering wheel. If the car has a tilt steering wheel, make sure it is angled toward your breastbone, not your belly or head.