Driving

[PrincessPeanut]

Does anyone know what the law is when it comes to pregnant women and seatbelts?

The reason I'm asking is because I'm finding it really uncomfortable wearing my seat belt so I've been dropping it down below my arm. I used to do this all the time before I lost weight because of the size of my boobs but when I lost them it didn't hurt anymore. Now they're back with avengence its starting to hurt again. I always ywear my seatbelt, I used to before it was even the law.

I remember hearing pregnant women had special,dispensation? Anyone know? I really don't want to be pulled by the police xxx

 

[i.love]

I believe I read in the NHS book that you should still wear a seatbelt. I don't know if they were talking about the official rules or just giving advice though.

 

[Sarah13]

Think you still have to wear it. I did a lot of driving last time I was pregnant, its gets really uncomfortable driving later on, well it did for me, dreading that again!

 

[Sleepy sue]

You can buy clips to move the pressure from your bump, and in the event of a accident they also limit injury to your bump x

 

[jomc]

I remember the midwife saying to me its still the law that you have to wear a seatbelt but you place it below your bump instead of across or above it. As sleepy sue said, you can get clips as well.

 

[HeppiBean]

I got a lift from a police officer last weekend cause it was late and I was really struggling (nice man ) and as I went to put my seat belt on he told me "don't bother, pregnant women are exempt" xx

 

[Joo]

I think you're only exempt if your doctor gives you an exemption certificate. Don't think it applies across the board : http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Roadsafetyadvice/DG_4022064

 

[HeppiBean]

I'm just goin on what that man said... I didnt think that was the case, thought you still had to wear it but.......... xx

 

[Piglet10]

i asked this , and i was told,

pregnant women CAN get an exemtion from their GP but it is HIGHLY NOT recommeded as moving the position of the seatbelt puts baby at risk, basically braking hard could be fatal for baby :/ i suffered the uncomfiness mrs xxx

 

[Princess81]

The only way you can get away with it is with an exemption certificate from your docs. Having seen first hand what happens in a crash when u dont wear a seatbelt I personally wouldn't take the risk it's not worth it x

 

[Princess81]

I got a lift from a police officer last weekend cause it was late and I was really struggling (nice man ) and as I went to put my seat belt on he told me "don't bother, pregnant women are exempt" xx

He has no idea what he's on about, that's not true - sorry!! X

 

[BabysMomma]

I'm learning to drive at mo (test VERY close) and you have to wear your seatbelt. Got this off DSA website... http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Roadsafetyadvice/DG_4022064

Wearing a seat belt while pregnant

In an accident, a seat belt reduces the risk of injury to your unborn child by up to 70 per cent.

You must wear a seat belt if you're pregnant, unless your doctor certifies that you're exempt on medical grounds.

You’ll need to take extra care adjusting your seat belt. You'll be safer and more comfortable if you wear the:

• diagonal strap between your breasts, moving it around the side of your bump
• lap strap as low as possible across your hips and under your bump – if it goes over your belly button, it's too high

If you’re driving and need to make room for your bump, don’t put your seat where you can’t reach the clutch, brake and accelerator. This could affect your reaction times when driving. Check your mirrors are still in the right place as you move the seat.

I still have to do an emergency stop on my test! I was hoping not to. x

 

[PrincessPeanut]

Thanks for all your replies girlies.
I wasn't planning on completely taking off seatbelt. I think it's too much of a habit to not put it on when I get in the car. But it's just so uncomfortable at times and I know it's only gonna get worse. Start maternity next week so I'm hoping I'll be ditching the car and walking a bit more so won't have a problem xx