Churchill magazine

Should you drive while pregnant?

Updated on: 23 September 2020

driving while pregnant

Are you unsure if it's safe to drive when you're pregnant? Read on to get some handy pregnancy driving advice.

It's only natural to worry about whether being pregnant could affect your usual routines. One of the most commonly asked questions is, ‘Can I drive when pregnant?'

The good news is that, as long as you're feeling fine, being pregnant shouldn't stop you driving your usual car for the majority of your pregnancy. Being safe in the car is important at all times, and especially so during pregnancy.

By taking note of pregnancy driving advice, you should be able to stay on the road, driving safely and comfortably.

Seat belts, airbags and pregnancy

Although it may feel uncomfortable wearing a seatbelt over your bump, it's crucial for safety reasons to always wear one. Try and adjust the shoulder belt so that it goes over the top of your bump, rather than across it.

Another worry for women seeking pregnancy driving advice is whether it's safe to sit near an airbag. It is safe, although you may need to move your seat further back – especially when your bump is big!

Driving when pregnant

If you're suffering from swollen ankles or cramp in your legs, then avoid long drives without stops. When you do stop, wiggle your ankles and flex your legs to boost circulation. Keep your car well maintained too, so that you don't have any unexpected breakdowns.

Towards the end of pregnancy, you may feel more tired than usual and your large bump may feel uncomfortable. Take note of how you're feeling and avoid your usual car drive if you don't feel up to it.

If your car is involved in an accident when you're pregnant, then always ensure you get checked out by a doctor, even if you feel fine.

And finally, as with any accident, remember to let your insurance provider know.

Related articles

lower car insurance
Motor

How can you lower your car insurance premium?

There are several ways to reduce your monthly insurance premium, and we've put together a list to make things a bit more affordable.
Invalidate car insurance
Motor

What can invalidate your car insurance policy?


Don't invalidate your car insurance policy. Find out the most common ways drivers invalidate their car insurance.
car insurance glossary
Motor

Car insurance glossary

Do you know all the car insurance lingo? Get to know these terms to make reading your policy documents a bit easier.