Travelling pregnant by car

When travelling by car plan your journey so that you avoid getting caught up in rush hour traffic if at all possible. Make regular stops at service stations and take the opportunity to get out and stretch your legs. Ensure that you are a member of a reliable breakdown organisation and that you carry membership details with you. You should also take plenty of water and health snacks to nibble on during the journey.

Seat belts

You must use a seat belt by law and this is no different if you are pregnant. Seat belts save lives and there is no evidence that they threaten the baby; in fact they protect the baby by protecting the mother. However there is a right way to position the seat belt - the shoulder strap should sit between your breasts and the lap belt should rest below the bump not over it.

Airbags

The airbag is there to protect your face and chest from horrific injuries that would harm you and your baby in the event of a crash. There is no need to disconnect the airbag whilst pregnant. The airbag on the passenger side is too far away to affect your bump and the driver's airbag inflates to ten inches from the steering wheel so try moving the seat as far back as is comfortable.

Hiring a car when abroad

If you will be driving try and hire a car with power steering. It may be worth paying extra for air-conditioning.