You don’t have to hit the brakes on your travel plans just because you're expecting - many drivers and passengers continue to travel in a car during pregnancy for both work and pleasure.
That being said, with car accidents accounting for 50% of all pregnancy-related traumatic injuries and 82% of trauma-related fetal fatalities1, safety is paramount during this precious time.
So, how can you protect yourself and your bump while on the road?
We’re here to help. From minimising the risk of impact on your unborn baby to maximising comfort as your belly grows, we explain must-know car travel tips for mums-to-be.
Keep reading to learn what precautions you should take to make it to your destination safely and comfortably.
The information presented in this article is not intended as medical advice. To be safe, please consult your doctor before travelling in a car while pregnant.
Is it safe to travel during pregnancy by car?
In most cases, yes—if you're healthy, it's generally safe to travel by car until the last month of pregnancy.
The second trimester (14 to 28 weeks) is usually the sweet spot for car travel.2 By this point, most mums-to-be have moved past the morning sickness phase and have regained their energy. Your belly, though growing, hasn't reached the point where it becomes a challenge to get comfortable in tight spaces like car seats.
During the first trimester, the risk of miscarriage is higher, and in the third trimester—especially after 28 weeks—the risk of premature labour increases. While hitting the road doesn’t necessarily raise those risks, staying closer to home during those times might give you peace of mind.
If you already experience complications with pregnancy, it’s best to check with your doctor or midwife before travelling. Their advice, based on your unique circumstances, can help you make the best decision for you and your baby.
8 tips for travelling by car during pregnancy
If you plan to travel in a car during pregnancy, make sure to follow the below best practices.
1. Strap in properly
Improper seatbelt use is one of the top causes of trauma-related fetal injury during car accidents.1 To minimise this risk, you need to wear the right type of seatbelt correctly at all times throughout your pregnancy.
Every time you get in a car, wear a three-point seatbelt with both a lap and diagonal strap.
To keep you and your baby safe, make sure the lap belt sits snugly across your hips and below your belly, while the shoulder strap should be positioned above your bump and between your breasts.
Avoid letting the lap belt rest on your bump—a sudden jolt could risk serious injury, such as the placenta detaching from the uterus.
Learn more about seatbelts and pregnancy
2. Protect your bump with a pregnancy seatbelt positioner
Wearing a regular seatbelt alone does not provide the strongest protection for you and your unborn baby. That’s because a seatbelt is:
- Not specifically designed for pregnant women
- Often uncomfortable, especially in the later stages of pregnancy
- Difficult to position correctly under the belly
- Prone to shifting or riding up while driving
For both your comfort and your future child’s safety, we strongly recommend using Tummy Shield - the world’s only crash-tested and ADR-compliant pregnancy seatbelt positioner for motor vehicles.
This life-saving positioner secures a seatbelt below your belly and helps to redirect its force in the event of an accident or sudden stop, shielding your bump from impact. This invaluable protection can significantly reduce the risk of perinatal complications.
Plus, the soft, extendable design takes pressure off your abdomen, keeping you comfortable as your pregnancy progresses.
3. Adjust your seat
When you're pregnant, your seat position isn't just about comfort—it's a key part of keeping you safe on the road.
If you're in the front passenger seat, push your seat back as far as possible from the dashboard to reduce the impact of the airbag in case of a collision.
For those behind the wheel, aim to position your seat at a safe distance from the steering wheel, giving your belly room while still being able to drive comfortably. Tilting the steering wheel towards your chest can also help direct the airbag away from your abdomen for extra peace of mind.
Whether you’re the driver or passenger, review your seat position regularly and tweak it as needed. Ensure the headrest is properly aligned to support your spine, and if your car has lumbar support, adjust it to cradle your back as it changes during pregnancy.
4. Choose smooth routes
Avoiding sudden acceleration, harsh braking, and bumpy roads can make a world of difference for you and your unborn baby. A jerky, rough drive can lead to discomfort, backaches, and unnecessary strain on your body, which is already working overtime.
Plan your route ahead of time and stick to highways or well-paved roads to minimise any unexpected bumps and jolts. If you find yourself on a less-than-ideal road, take it slow and steady. Gentle turns, smooth stops, and gradual accelerations not only make the ride more comfortable but also help you avoid any unnecessary strain on your belly and lower back.
5. Take regular breaks
Long drives in the car can be tough when you're pregnant—swollen feet, leg cramps, heartburn, and even the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)3 can creep in. Combat these by embracing the "stop and revive" strategy.
That means planning frequent breaks to stretch, use the bathroom, and take a quick stroll to keep your circulation moving.
When you stretch, lead with your heel and flex your foot to target those calf muscles. You can also wiggle your toes and give your ankles a gentle roll.
If possible, also try and avoid travelling during peak hours to limit the time you are in the car.
6. Curb motion sickness
If you're dealing with morning sickness, car rides can make it much worse.
Sound all too familiar? Keep the air conditioning on and try to avoid activities like reading or using your phone while the car is moving. Sipping ginger tea or sucking on lemon slices can also ease nausea.
If you think you might need medication for motion sickness, be sure to consult your doctor to find pregnancy-safe options.
7. Stay hydrated
Make sure to stock up on drinks and food for the road. Sip plenty of water and enjoy wholesome, energising snacks to keep the belly rumbles at bay.
8. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor
If you’re involved in an accident, be sure to reach out to your doctor or midwife, even if you feel okay. It’s always a good idea to get a medical check-up to ensure everything is as it should be.
A sudden impact could potentially lead to pregnancy complications, such as a partially detached placenta, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
How late in pregnancy can you travel by car?
If you’re feeling healthy, you can continue travelling by car until about the last month of pregnancy. While there’s no legal cutoff for when you need to stop, your changing body will make it clear.
As your belly grows and space in front of the car seat shrinks, driving and even riding as a passenger can become a challenge. If it gets tricky to turn, reach the pedals, or simply sit comfortably, it may be time to take a break from the car until you give birth.
More ways to travel during pregnancy
Prefer to travel by train, bus, plane or boat? Below, we share some travel tips during pregnancy.
By train or bus
Public transport is another popular way for pregnant women to travel. Generally speaking, neither a bus nor a train’s movement will trigger labour.
That said, prepare yourself for their compact and often uncomfortable spaces. Buses tend to have narrow aisles and tiny restrooms, and while trains offer more room to move, restroom facilities may still be small.
By boat
With wave after wave bringing the risk of seasickness and unsteady movements, travelling by sea isn’t the best option for pregnant women.
However, if it’s necessary, be sure to check with the cruise line regarding their policies for pregnant passengers. It’s also a good idea to confirm whether they have medical staff, such as a doctor or nurse, available on board.
You should also discuss safe medications to help manage nausea with your healthcare provider before your trip.
Protect your future, wherever the road takes you
From seatbelts and airbags to pit stops and motion sickness, there’s a lot to consider when you travel in a car during pregnancy. Thankfully, Tummy Shield makes any car ride safer and more comfortable.
Snug, ADR-compliant and crash-tested to withstand impact, this pregnancy seatbelt positioner keeps a seatbelt below your belly and redirects its force during collisions, jerks and sudden stops. As well as relieving pressure on your abdomen, it curbs the risk of harm to your unborn baby’s well-being.
Contact us now or order online and get from A to B with peace of mind throughout your pregnancy.
*IMPORTANT WARNINGS:
- The Tummy Shield should only be used as directed.
- The Tummy Shield product is designed for temporary use during pregnancy or after major abdominal surgeries.
- In the event of a severe accident, using the Tummy Shield product can help prevent fatal abdominal injuries. However, bruising to the thighs and a small risk of femur fracture may still occur.
*DISCLAIMER:
The Tummy Shield is intended to reduce injury risk but cannot eliminate all risks in the event of a crash. Injuries can still occur depending on the circumstances of a crash.
References
- Krywko DM, Toy FK, Mahan ME, et al. Pregnancy Trauma. [Updated 2022 Sep 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430926/
- The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Travelling during pregnancy. [Internet]. Mi-tec Medical Publishing; 2003 Aug 20. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/deep-vein-thrombosis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Blood clots and travel: what you need to know. [Internet]. 2022. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/blood-clots/risk-factors/travel.html