Seat belts for pregnant women: important points to know

According to the highway code, wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for pregnant women sitting in the front or back seat of a vehicle. Crucially, according to data provided by road safety authorities, 80% of women who do not wear their seatbelts risk losing their baby in an accident. This same study also indicates that even at low speeds (around 30 km/h), in 70% of cases, a collision could result in serious injury to the mother and her unborn child. Is a standard seatbelt dangerous for a pregnant woman? To fasten her seatbelt before a car journey, a pregnant woman must properly adjust it around her pelvis. It is extremely important that if the seatbelt is fastened hastily, both the mother and the fetus are at risk. Indeed, just like the absence of a baby headrest for a car seat, a poorly negotiated turn or a sudden stop could cause violent strangulation of the mother’s abdomen. Is there a seatbelt specifically designed for pregnant women? Because of this risk during pregnancy, many women avoid wearing their seatbelts. However, this is strongly discouraged. To fasten safely, there are now devices called “seatbelt adjusters.” Quite innovative, instead of wrapping around the abdomen or pelvis, it goes over the thighs. Very easy to install, in addition to offering greater safety, it also provides comfort for the mother. Available on the market, when you buy a seatbelt adjuster, make sure the product is marked “CE certified.” Ideally, it is even recommended to make your purchase in a store specializing in car accessories. When should a pregnant woman wear a seatbelt adjuster? Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to wait until the sixth month of pregnancy to use this device. According to road safety specialists, it is recommended to use it from the eighth week of pregnancy.

Some other tips to ensure the safety of a pregnant woman in a car: Besides a properly adjusted seatbelt, it is also recommended that a pregnant woman always sit in the back seat instead of next to the driver. Also, to maximize the chances in case of an accident, a woman carrying a baby should never travel in a vehicle that does not have airbags.