Are seat belts compulsory in pregnancy?

Safety belts in pregnancy: yes or no? Many mothers-to-be do not wear them because they fear that they may "crush" the baby or harm him. Others, on the other hand, feel discomfort and a sense of oppression in the belly and prefer to avoid it if they have to stay in the car for a short time, convinced that there are no dangers. Wrong. On the contrary, it has been proven that the use of protective devices can reduce the risk of trauma and injury to the mother and child in an accident by as much as 70%.

The important thing is to always use them and wear them correctly.

Based on a special certification issued by the attending physician which demonstrates the presence of particular risk conditions (a document to keep in the car and show in case of checks), the Highway Code allows you to do without seat belts during pregnancy.

During the nine months.

In all other cases (the majority), specialists recommend always wearing it, from the beginning to the end of the journey or movement, even for very short journeys. It should be worn like this: the lower part of the belt, the horizontal one, must be passed under the belly, over the legs, while the upper one must pass over one shoulder and cross the chest diagonally between the two breasts. The seat belt during pregnancy must not wrap too much the belly, because in the event of an impact or a violent impact the belt, exerting a strong traction on the abdominal area, could damage the uterine wall.

For greater comfort

You can use the normal safety belts during pregnancy or the special devices designed for pregnant women, which ensure effective protection without causing discomfort to the mother. For example, the adapter, positioned on the seat, allows the belt to pass through the legs, leaving the belly free, giving greater comfort and relief to the woman. Then the belt is fastened normally and fixed with a strap placed at the height of the crotch.