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Women have increasingly achieved their freedom and autonomy before the world. That story of weak sex and totally dependent on her husband is over, and with that her independence is included coming and going without depending on anyone too.
With this we see more and more women driving, overcoming their fears and facing traffic to make their lives easier and especially their families’ day-to-day lives, but what about when the woman becomes pregnant? Can pregnant drive?
This is a question of many women who depend entirely on the car to facilitate their day-to-day rush. Working outside, taking and picking up children at school, the market, outings and almost always does not have a second option or someone to help them.
Is Driving Luxury?
Driving will never be a luxury is a matter of necessity ! But as for pregnancy there is no law of the DETRAN (State Department of Traffic) that prohibits driving during pregnancy, but some recommendations for care.
No Pregnant Driving?
Until 1997, the Brazilian traffic code forbade pregnant women to drive after the fifth gestational month, stating that from this gestational time on, the pregnant woman offered risks for herself and for the others because she was closer to delivery. They also justified that in this period the baby is more agitated in the belly, which diverts the woman’s attention, in addition to her reflexes being slower in this phase.
But the law is over and usually the recommendations are given by the obstetrician himself, who in case of risks will recommend to avoid or totally cut off his activities at least momentarily.
Until When to Drive?
For calm and considered pregnancies, the pregnant woman can drive until the eighth gestational month as long as she feels comfortable and has security for that. In the first trimester, the recommendations revolve around how the pregnant woman will be feeling to drive, since nausea, dizziness and uneasiness in this period are common , which can cause traffic accidents if the woman is unable to pull over in time.
Therefore, at any stage of pregnancy, a woman should only take the car if she is feeling well-disposed. In the case of pregnant women with severe dizziness and even fainting, it is better to suspend the driving until the symptoms disappear completely. We know that in these cases the work redoubles since it will depend on third parties or even driving to get around, but safety comes first.
Care For Pregnant Driving
One of the biggest complaints of pregnant women driving is in relation to the use of the seat belt and the height of the steering wheel that is right on the belly, especially when it is already quite large. But the seat belt is an indispensable item to drive, since it provides security for the pregnant woman and not wearing it still implies a fine. But it is good to pay attention to the height adjustment of the belt and where it is holding the belly, as well as the steering wheel. Some cars have the option of adjusting the height too, which makes it much easier during pregnancy.
What to Avoid?
Even though you are feeling perfectly well and ready, avoid taking too long journeys and stop to stretch, pee and even drink water whenever possible. Do not do more than you feel you can do and any discomfort you feel, as light as it is, pull the car over until it gets better and if necessary call someone to pick it up or take a taxi. Driving is necessary not only for yourself, but to prevent the life of others from being put in danger beyond your life and that of your baby.
Another point that tends to worry a lot is related to the pregnant woman’s reflexes, since it is very common to become slower, inattentive especially in the last quarter. The issue of swelling of the feet and legs is also a concern, and the pregnant woman can drive as long as she feels comfortable and is safe when stepping on the pedals.
Cares like these are essential to ensure that nothing happens along the way, as any sudden braking or impact can be highly harmful to the baby’s health, in addition to causing placental detachment, bleeding and even leading to premature birth.
Surveys carried out by transit companies report that 98% of the cases of pregnant women who experience traffic accidents are related to momentary nausea, dizziness and distractions caused by pregnancy discomfort.
Therefore, all care is little and the pregnant woman can drive as long as she feels totally confident and well for that. Keep emergency phones always available, including that of your obstetrician and do not dare to continue the trip if you feel any discomfort.
See also: Pregnant in High Heels – Why Not Use?
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
