Nearly Half Of Pregnant Women May Be Putting Their Baby At Risk By Wearing A Seatbelt Incorrectly | HuffPost Life

The RCM share how pregnant women should wear their seatbelt.

By

Life editor at HuffPost UK

The importance of wearing a seatbelt correctly when pregnant has been highlighted by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), after a survey revealed nearly half of women expecting a baby didn’t know.

Research commissioned by UK child safety group Clippasafe of 500 mums found that 45.9% didn’t know the correct way to wear a seatbelt. It also found that almost a fifth (19.4%) said they sometimes chose not to wear a seatbelt at all during pregnancy because of the discomfort.

And when asked whether they found it uncomfortable to wear a seatbelt during pregnancy 80.49% of the women either answered “often” or “sometimes”.

“The results of this research have been combined with findings from a similar study in 2014, and the RCM welcomes the role of this type of research in highlighting the importance of wearing a seatbelt correctly in pregnancy,” said Mervi Jokinen, professional advisor at the RCM.

Clippasafe

Pregnant women should wear their seatbelt under their bump.

Jokinen continued: “NHS choices advises women to wear their seatbelt with the cross strap between their breasts and the lap strap across their pelvis under their bump, not across bump and the RCM supports this advice.

“If in any doubt about this women should speak to their midwife who will be able to offer further advice and support.”

Foetal injury or miscarriage are common when pregnant women are involved in even minor vehicle collisions. Dr Karen Joash, a consultant obstetrician who works with patients at the Imperial College NHS Trust explained the dangers of incorrectly positioned seatbelts during pregnancy: “It can lead to a deceleration injury where the strap has contact,” she said. “This is similar to being struck across the bump with extreme force and pressure. Major injuries can lead to the waters breaking too early.

“It can also result in placental injuries leading to bleeding and early placental separation, reducing the oxygen supply and in extreme injuries - unfortunately the death of the unborn baby.”

Dr Joash also advised expectant mothers to take seatbelt wear seriously and said that keeping it in the right position will not only reduce the danger to unborn babies, but will also make it more comfortable.

If you find that your seatbelt keeps riding up over your bump on long journeys Clippasafe sell “bump belts”, which you can sit on and attach to the seatbelt to hold it down.

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

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