How to wear your seat belt during pregnancy

Why is it important to wear a seatbelt correctly during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body changes in shape and size, which means you need to adjust how you use your seatbelt. The seatbelt is one of the most important safety features in a car, and using it correctly ensures that both you and your baby are properly protected. Incorrect use can mean the belt doesn’t offer adequate protection in a crash.

How to wear a seatbelt when you're pregnant

To get the best possible protection and ensure that both you and your baby are safe in the car, follow these simple steps as your bump grows:

1. Position the belt below your bump

As your bump gets bigger, the seatbelt should lie below it, across your hips. Tighten the belt so it doesn’t ride up or become loose. This prevents the belt from sitting across your belly, which could pose a risk to both you and your baby.

2. Place the belt to the side of your bump

The diagonal part of the seatbelt should run to the side of your bump, between your breasts and over your shoulder. This offers good protection for your upper body and ensures the belt doesn’t press against your bump.

3. Adjust the distance if you're driving

If you’re driving, make sure there’s enough distance between your bump and the steering wheel. Sit as far back from the wheel as is comfortable to reduce the risk in the event of a collision. If it feels too cramped, consider sitting in the passenger seat and letting someone else drive.

Common mistakes pregnant women make when wearing a seatbelt

Although most people know that seatbelts are vital for safety, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common errors pregnant women make when using a seatbelt:

• Wearing the belt too high across the bump: The belt should never sit directly across your bump. It should always lie below the bump, across the hips.

• Diagonal belt too close to the bump: Make sure the diagonal strap goes between your breasts and over your shoulder — not directly over your belly.

• Sitting too close to the steering wheel: It’s important to maintain a safe distance between your bump and the steering wheel to ensure the best protection in case of a crash.