Pregnant women understandably want to do absolutely everything they can to protect their unborn child. Spotting hazards and removing them becomes second nature. While most dangers are obvious to see, there is one common, everyday device that leaves many pregnant women wondering if it is to be trusted: the seatbelt.
You may have heard a rumor that wearing a seatbelt is dangerous for pregnant women, but, rest assured, this is not true. Everyone should wear a seatbelt whenever seated in an automobile. Seatbelts save lives in accidents – there is no arguing this fact.
However, pregnant women do need to be mindful as to how their seatbelts are fitted and positioned. Wearing the wrong kind of seatbelt or placing it incorrectly over their stomachs could be slightly dangerous. It will not be more dangerous than not wearing a seatbelt at all, though.
Here are some quick tips regarding seatbelt safety for pregnant women:
- Use a seatbelt that has both a lap strap and a shoulder strap.
- The lap strap of your seatbelt needs to be positioned below your belly so that it rests against your hips.
- You should never position the lap strap of your seatbelt on, across, or above your belly, especially if you are in the later stages of pregnancy.
- If it is safe to do so due to weather conditions, remove all jackets or coats when seated in an automobile to ensure your seatbelt is snug against you and positioned properly.
- The shoulder strap of your seatbelt should be positioned between the breasts and slide immediately to the side of your belly. It should not be placed directly over your belly at any time the vehicle is in motion.
- Shoulder straps of seatbelts should not be looped under an arm or flipped behind your back if it causes discomfort. Remember that wearing it is for your safety and that of your unborn child.
- While driving a vehicle, follow the same seatbelt safety standards aforementioned but also position the steering wheel so it points upwards. In case of a collision, this will reduce the chance of your belly hitting the steering wheel, or the airbag inflating into your belly and causing harm.
- If you have a choice of seats in an automobile, choose the backseat. Passengers in the back of vehicles, statistically, suffer less injuries than those in the front.
Legal Assistance After a Car Accident
If you are in an auto accident of any nature or severity, it is crucial that you see your trusted physician right away. You might feel fine but your child could have been jostled or injured. Pregnant women requiring medical care also often accrue steeper medical bills than others who suffer similar injuries. It could be costly to get the treatment you need.
Lawton Law Firm and our Mt. Pleasant personal injury attorney assist clients throughout Charleston County and Georgetown County seek financial compensation for their damages following accidents caused by a third party. If you were hurt in a car accident, let us know and we can use a free initial consultation to discuss your legal options. Contact us online now to begin.