How important or necessary is it for pregnant women to use the seat belt during travel?


Whether by air or road, using seat belts and shoulder harness are important safety measures you shouldn't take lightly. By using these safety harnesses even when driving a short distance, you lower the chances of bringing harm to yourself and your baby should there be an accident. Without these restraints an expecting mum can sustain serious injuries and hurt her baby. Contrary to misguided thinking that a safety belt can harm the fetus, these belts protect both mother and baby against life-threatening situations. As it were the fetus receives protection inside the uterus from the amniotic fluid and the muscles and pelvic bones but wearing the lap/shoulder harness protects both the mother and baby so buckle up.



In the plane, buckle the belt low below the bulge similar to the way you would secure the lap belt in a car. Additionally in the car there is a shoulder harness which you should fasten across your shoulder to rest on the collarbone without cutting into your neck and lie low on your hips. Both the shoulder and lap belts should be comfortably strapped but snug in its fit.