Driving During Pregnancy in UAE

From adjusting your seat belt to knowing when to stop driving, all your questions are answered in the article. With month-by-month explanations, helpful advice, and other relevant details, you can follow the guide to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Risks of Driving While Pregnant

Driving while pregnant is one of the everyday activities for many expectant mothers. However, as your body undergoes significant changes, knowing the risks associated with driving during pregnancy is essential. Comprehending the challenges and considerations while driving during pregnancy, like discomfort, fatigue, and changes in reaction time, can help you to safely operate the vehicle.

Some of the general risks associated with driving while pregnant are listed below –

• Driving while pregnant can reduce your ability to react quickly and appropriately. This is because your body may undergo several physical and hormonal changes, such as weight gain, nausea, swollen limbs, increased night-sightedness, and more. These sudden and drastic changes can affect your ability to react, which could increase the risks of accidents while driving.
• Women may feel fatigued during pregnancy, which can affect their ability to focus and makes them more susceptible to accidents.
• You may experience morning sickness, which can cause nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are perilous while driving and can lead to dizziness and impaired vision.
• It is important to wear seatbelts while driving as it ensures the safety of both the mother and the foetus. However, as a woman's belly tends to grow larger in pregnancy, it can be uncomfortable for them to wear a seatbelt, which can impact the safety factor.
• The increased risks are not just limited to pregnant women - the passengers in the said car can also be at a higher risk of injuries from an accident.

Information and Advice According to Your Month of Pregnancy

The section below will provide you with detailed information and advice regarding driving as per your month of pregnancy. 

Note: With the changes due to pregnancy being different in each case, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice and care. 

1. Driving During Pregnancy in the First Trimester

The first trimester of the pregnancy usually lasts until the end of the 13th week of pregnancy. In the first trimester, the fertilised eggs implants in the uterus, and the baby’s organs & structures continue to develop rapidly. The majority of women may experience noticeable symptoms, such as morning sickness, frequent urination, mood swings, nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, and weight gain.

During the two initial months of the trimester, you may face morning sickness, fatigue, heartburn disease, hormone fluctuations, and more - it is advisable to avoid driving during these months. Moreover, the risk of miscarriage is also high in this period, which can make you and your baby more prone to risk.

It is safe to drive during the third or last month of the first trimester, provided you are comfortable. This is because the foetus has grown, which ultimately decreases the chances of miscarriage. However, if your healthcare provider has advised you to avoid driving, it is essential to follow their recommendation to avoid any possible implications.  

2. Driving During Pregnancy in the Second Trimester

The second trimester of pregnancy generally starts from the 13th week and lasts up to the 28th month of pregnancy. During this period, the bay's movement became more coordinated and noticeable. You may start to feel more energetic and less nauseous, but you may also experience intense symptoms, like constipation, heartburn, back pain, or swelling in the feet or ankles.

Driving during pregnancy in the second trimester is usually safe, provided you have taken all precautions and your healthcare provider has no objection. Just make sure to take regular breaks to hydrate, have food, and walk to avoid the feeling of heavy legs and to increase blood circulation. In addition, you can also take naps and relax wherever you can.

3. Driving During Pregnancy in the Third Trimester

The third trimester of pregnancy usually ranges between the 28th to 40th months. It is the last phase of your pregnancy in which your baby's brain and nervous system continue to develop. You may experience more frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions, which can be considered practice contractions that help prepare your body for labour.

In the first month of the third trimester, even though your child is developing and you now have a well-rounded belly, you can drive the vehicle conveniently. Make sure, however, to fasten your seatbelt to avoid any risk and keep in mind the precautions before heading to your destination.

In the last two months of your third trimester, it is advisable to confirm with your doctor whether it is safe to drive during pregnancy. However, it is advisable to avoid driving as labour can start anytime and limit your trips if possible. Another reason you should avoid driving while pregnant in this phase is that you may experience more frequent contractions and other signs of labour like breaking the water sac.

When is Driving Not Safe during Pregnancy?

As discussed, although driving while pregnant is generally safe, it is necessary to be cautious in a few situations –

• If you have a high-risk pregnancy due to a history of preterm labour or any complication like severe dizziness or fainting, driving would be unsafe.
• As approaching your due date can make you feel more uncomfortable, driving in advanced pregnancy is generally not recommended.
• If you are taking medications that may affect your driving capability, you should avoid driving.
• If you are unable to schedule regular breaks along the way to your destination, it is not safe to drive.
• When you have a big grown-up belly and are unable to move your body or check your mirrors from side to side, you should opt out of driving.

What is the Best Way to Sit In and Get Out of a Car during Pregnancy?

It is essential to be careful when getting in and out of a car to prevent falls or injury. We have curated some general tips to sit in and get out of a car during pregnancy – 

When Getting Inside the Vehicle

• Open the car door and stand with your back to the seat.
• Slowly lower yourself onto the seat, keeping your knees together and your feet facing forward.
• Adjust the seat so you can comfortably reach the pedals and the steering wheel.
• Slide your rear side back into the seat, ensuring your back is against the back.
• Adjust the seat belt to fit snugly across your shoulder and below your belly.

When Getting Out of the Car

• Open the car door and swing both legs out together.
• Use your arms and legs to push yourself up and out of the vehicle, keeping your back straight.
• Avoid twisting or turning your body, which can strain your back muscles.
• Use the car door and seat for support as you stand up.

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Things to Avoid When Driving While Pregnant

Though no major evidence shows that driving while pregnant can cause problems, taking precautions before you hit the road is always safe.

Listed below are some precautions you should consider to ensure the safety of yourself and your unborn child -

• Always wear your seat belt while driving. You can wear the lap belt low on the hips and across the pelvis, but not over the belly.
• You should constantly adjust your seat to ensure you are comfortable and can easily reach the pedals. In addition, adjust your steering too to be within your reach.
• Taking breaks during long drives during pregnancy is recommended to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and stay hydrated.
• Avoid hard braking, short turns, or sudden braking. This can jolt your body and may affect the developing foetus.
• You should avoid distractions like texting, eating, or using a mobile phone while driving during pregnancy.
• Wear comfortable clothes so that you can move your limbs comfortably.
• Before stepping out of the house, make sure you carry your mobile phone. Use the Bluetooth device or car's stereo system, so you don't have to look at your phone frequently to attend calls.
• There are always chances that your vehicle may break down, and things may go haywire. Thus, having all the emergency numbers on your phone to tackle a flat tyre or a broken-down car is recommended. The best way to avoid such scenarios is to have appropriate car insurance with roadside assistance coverage.
• Airbags can help reduce the risk of injury in a crash by providing a cushion for the head and upper body, which can help prevent serious head, neck or chest injury. Thus, always buy a car with good airbags or have them installed for a seat that does not have it.
• Opt for smooth and unwrinkled roads while driving during pregnancy.
• Keep all your relevant medical reports in your car, as you may need them in the event of any emergency.
• To get extra support while driving during pregnancy, make use of a separate cushion or a hot-water bag.
• If you feel fatigued, dizzy, or nauseous while driving, it is essential to pull over and rest.

By following these precautions, you can safely drive without putting yourself and your child at risk. Nevertheless, it is recommended to consult your doctor before long road trips to get their opinion.

Role of Car Insurance During Pregnancy

Car insurance can be a great way to get financial protection and the required assistance while driving during pregnancy. Apart from covering third-party liability coverage, car insurance with an appropriate road–assistance cover will help you in cases you have a flat tyre, run out of fuel, or have a mechanical breakdown. 

In the UAE, most insurance companies provide free road assistance coverage offering a plethora of advantages. However, if your standard car insurance policy does include roadside assistance coverage, you can always opt for it and enjoy a range of benefits -

• In case of a breakdown or other emergency, roadside assistance provides quick access to a range of services, including towing, jump-starting a car, and fuel delivery.
• If a minor problem such as a flat tyre occurs, some roadside assistance policies may provide on-site repair services to quickly get you back on the road.
• If your car cannot be repaired on-site, some policies may provide transportation and accommodation assistance to help you reach your destination or find a place to stay until your vehicle can be fixed.
• Most insurers provide 24/7 roadside assistance, meaning that you can get the required aid at any time of the day.

Have a look at the next section of the article and know what others have been asking about driving during pregnancy.

FAQ's