Safety for moms-to-be is an important topic – from avoiding too much caffeine, cat litter, certain foods and hazards in the home - expectant mothers need to know how to stay safe behind the wheel. Read more at http://www.belletire.com/blog

1. Driving Safety Tips for Expecting Moms July 2011

2. Staying Safe Safety for moms-to-be is an important topic – from avoiding too much caffeine, cat litter, certain foods and hazards in the home - expectant mothers need to know how to stay safe behind the wheel.

3. Awaiting a Bundle of Joy With all of the excitement surrounding the arrival of a new bundle-of-joy, worrying about driving safely during pregnancy is not always a comfortable situation. However, ask yourself the following questions when getting behind the wheel and remember these tips to stay comfortable and safe.

4. How can I keep myself and my baby safe on the road? Image credit: corsakti (Flickr)

5. Pregnancy Driving Tip # 1 Even though it can be tight, buckle up correctly. Make sure the shoulder strap runs across your chest and don't put the lap belt above or on your belly. Keep the safety belt snug and never place it behind your arm or your back.

6. Pregnancy Driving Tip # 2 With as little slack in your safety belt as possible, sit back against the seat and avoid leaning forward. This will minimize your forward movement in a crash and let the air bag operate correctly.

7. Pregnancy Driving Tip # 3 Be a passenger and don't drive (when possible.) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that it is safest when the pregnant occupant rides in the car's passenger seat while wearing a three-point belt and utilizing the frontal airbag when appropriate. As your pregnancy progresses, your uterus gets closer to the steering wheel and will eventually be in a position where it could be crushed in a crash.

8. Pregnancy Driving Tip # 4 When you have to be the driver, move away from the steering wheel. Position your seat as far back as can be, in a comfortable position. Try to position yourself at least 10 inches from the steering wheel and make sure it is tilted toward your breastbone rather than your abdomen.

9. Pregnancy Driving Tip # 5 Avoid driving in any hazardous conditions or bad weather. There is no harm in being extra-cautious during these important nine months. If at any point during your pregnancy you feel uncomfortable behind the wheel, let others drive or opt for alternative means of transportation. You can always resume your normal driving schedule post-pregnancy.

10. What should I do in case I’m in an accident? Call your doctor right away, even if you have been in a minor accident. They may recommend that you come in just to be on the safe side. Even if you feel that you have not been hurt, you may be at risk. According to the CDC, pregnant women in crashes are at risk for pre-term labor. For example, it is possible to have a separated placenta, which could cause you to have your baby prematurely.

12. Check battery terminals, engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid and transmission fluids.

13. Test signal and light functions to ensure they are active.

14. Keep at least a half tank of gas in your car at all times, especially towards the end of the pregnancy. You don't want to be stranded on the side of the road at 3am after labor starts because with all of the excitement on the way to the hospital the gas tank did not get filled.

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