Driving While Pregnant

I was wondering wether there was any restrictions on driving while pregnant as in Not driving after 7 mths?

My mother said I can not drive after 7 mths but I am not sure where she gets that from. Problem is hubby won't let me drive based on what she said.

does anyone know??

I dont see the difference between driving and being a passenger... except of course "my driving" is safer than hubbys... LOL

Hi DD,

I have never heard of such a thing!! I am still driving now and have approx 2 wks to go! There was a thread a while ago about driving when you had a few weeks to go but I think it was just for insurance reasons as it is 'not safe' as you are too big. That's what was said anyway!

I guess as long as you feel comfortable driving then it's fine (unless your Dr advises you otherwise or anything else obvious like that!!)

There really aren't any restrictions for driving while pregnant as far as I am aware. I drove for my entire last pregnancy with no problems. Just make sure your seat belt sits under your tummy and probably give up driving if your big tummy starts touching the steering wheel!

Just check with your car insurance company that you are covered!

I drove all through all 3 of my pregnancies........I was still driving when very overdue with Olivia, and my legs are short and my belly was big, but it still didn't hinder my driving.........

Where did your mother get her info from? Could it be just a dated "old wives tale" that she is repeating do you think?

If you have any pregnancy books, maybe check the index and fluro the bit that says that driving is totally OK, for your DH to read?

I drove up till the end of my pregnancy, I even drove with pre-labour contractions LMAO!

Never heard of this one...

*hugs*
Cailin

No, don't believe there to be any restrictions (definitely not at 7 months). I drove up until i was 40 weeks and then didn't really drive mainly because my DH was home so he could and partly because I was having trouble seeing around corners as I couldn't lean forward far enough to see around, lol. As long as you feel you are safe then I don't believe it to be a problem.

I drove with my belly touching the steering wheel cos I was big & have short legs!! But I still managed up until 2 days before Zander was born.

I never got to 40 weeks or even had a huge tummy, but I asked my gyne out of couriosity - he told me if I can climb a flight of steps, by all means!!!

I drove right throughout the pregnancy. I agree - if you feel safe, can still look around, and aren't worried about the steering wheel, then it should be ok :) I haven't heard any 'official' rules on driving whilst pregnant.

The only thing to be sure of (which has already been stated) is make sure that your belt sits under your belly, low across your hips.

I drove up until 40 weeks with DD, and have no intention of giving it away now.

I drove all my last pregnancy with no worries....

Drove with both of mine up to the day they were born. Never heard of such a thing.

Thanks ladies... I was worried about being housebound when my mother in law comes from overseas for the last 9 weeks. Now I can escape her.. if only to the supermarket....

I drove till the day before with no probs. I didn't drive far though at the end, just down the road to the shops.

I am still driving from home (Riverwood) to work (St Marys) a trip of 45km each way (it takes about 50 mins) and half of it on the motorway! AND as you can tell, I am stil working too! WIth my previous pregnancy, driving after about 34 weeks was a bit uncomfy but we have a much bigger car now (we upgraded from a ford laser to a ford xr6!) and driving isn't at all uncomfortable for me!Just remember to tuck the seatbelt under the belly like the others have said.

I think it might be an old wives tale.

My FIL actually took the wheels off MIL's car when she hit 7 months pregnant so that she couldnt drive.

I am now just over 7 months and had an altercation where a "L" Plater reversed into the front of my car on the weekend while i was in the car.

FIL suggested to DH that maybe he should do the same to my car now that i am at "that" stage of my pregnancy.

I think its a load of bull....

I've been driving around today and I'm nearly 38 weeks and the steering wheel is touching my tummy now :rolleyes: I'm sure if you have no medical problems like dizziness ect then you should be alright to drive. I think most people drive through thei whole pregnancy, good luck with your hubby regarding this, I know how stubborn they can be about things ;)

I was out shopping (drove to and from the centre) when I was in early labour! I think it might one of those things that women used to say back in your Mums day. If you are comfy and can fit your belly behind the steering wheel then go with what you are comfortable with.

It makes me really cross that people try to feed pregnant women such rot, what do they think we are stupid? there's pleanty of people driving around that are way fatter than any pregnant woman would ever be. There are NO restrictions to driving while pregnant, I know people that have driven themselves to the hospital in labour!!! I reakon a pregnant woman is still safer than any male driver so drive on girls!!!!

Thanks for all the replies... belly permitting I will continue to drive...

OK, so what are you supposed to do? Sit at home and gestate for the next two months?

Gad Zooks!!

I drove and drove and drove......... my last moments of just me in the car!!

No, we're meant to go back to the days when you weren't allowed to leave the house as soon as you started showing..........I mean, we're invalids when we're pregnant aren't we, and God forbid that anyone knows that we had sex! :)

Biggest thing about driving or being a passenger is making sure you wear your lap sash part of your belt under your belly not over it. Just because we are about to have a baby doesnt mean we are invalids! The world does keep spinning. A good long walk around the shops in your own thoughts for some could be as good as induction!

You can take away my bladder control, but you'll never take my freedom to drive!!!

HEHE!! Jacqui

I was driving at 42 weeks just fine. It's only getting in and out of the car that's a hassle!