Yes it is mandatory that a pregnant woman wears a seatbelt in the car, whether she is driving or accompanying her. A lot of women they doubt whether or not wearing a seat belt because there is a false belief that it can harm the fetus.
The confusion comes that Until 2016, the General Traffic Regulations did not oblige pregnant women to use a seat belt. To stop using it and not be fined, you had to have a medical certificate stating your pregnancy status and the approximate date of its completion. But today it is no longer like that, and no matter how long you are, you have to wear a seat belt. Furthermore, the fine for not wearing it is 200 euros.
So I am clear. With the law in hand, pregnant women are also required to wear a seat belt in the car like another passenger in the vehicle. But there are oddities, or specific ways to put it on.
Precautions in the use of the belt in pregnant women
Doctors endorse the use of seat belts by pregnant women. There are two moments during pregnancy when you have to have special precaution. One of during the first 3 months and the other in the last months.
At first quarter the amount of amniotic fluid is scarce and a frontal blow can cause hemorrhages in the uterus due to detachment of the placenta. In the last trimester the dimensions of the belly and the use of the seat belt can be incompatible and annoying. In the case of an accident or sudden braking, labor may be advanced or there may be various traumas to the baby.
If you do not use the seat belt, you can suffer, in the event of an accident, no matter how slight, bruises, rupture of the uterus, detachment of the placenta, trauma, injuries to the liver and spleen.
How to put on a seat belt if you are pregnant
Research recommends the use of seat belts, 80% of its use saves lives. It can be prevented up to 50% harm to the fetus if the mother is buckled up during an accident.
But it is very important that you take it from appropriate form, that is, between the breasts, tight over the shoulder and sternum, and as low as possible over the hips. Do not let the abdomen part of the belt go up because it may harm the baby.
And don't ever use cushions to avoid pressure or put on a clothespin. If you do not use the diagonal band, and you only stay with the one below the abdomen, you can spend the underwater effect, this is your body sliding down in the event of an accident.
The General Directorate of Traffic recommends to pregnant women that if they are going to drive adjust the seat and increase the distance from the steering wheel. That you take the necessary breaks, more often than before becoming pregnant and that don't deactivate the airbag from the front seat. They also advise driving accompanied from the 30th week of pregnancy.
Safety belts for pregnant women
The tendency is for the belt to move towards the abdomen, harming the future mother and her baby. To avoid this problem, there is a safety belt for pregnant women on the market under the name of BeSafe Pregnant. With it, the lower strap of the belt is kept below the matrix without diminishing its effectiveness. It consists of an appliqué, or cushion that adapts to the seat of any vehicle.
Among the most recommended belts you can also name the Celyc and Rovtop models.
You can also wear some special vests for pregnant women that help to keep the bands in their correct position, but see that they are homologated and meet the safety requirements. You can take these products with you if you are a driver or companion.