Automobile Travel

When we speak of travel during pregnancy, we most often think of travel by airplane, or perhaps by train or ship.  Car travel, though, is a lot more common during pregnancy.

There is not a lot that needs to be said about this subject, other than to emphasize the importance of seat belts and the prevention of blood clots.

Pregnancy is not a time to give up the use of seat belts.  One of the most common causes of fetal death in car accidents is the death of the mother.  You can only keep your baby healthy if you stay alive yourself.  Wear your seatbelt, therefore.  It should be fastened snugly right below the bulge of your uterus.

If you are involved in an auto accident, the pressure of the seat belt can result in premature labor or premature separation of the placenta.  For that reason, even if the accident seems minor, it is important that you go to a hospital to be examined.  You should also be monitored for at least four hours for the onset of premature labor.

On long car trips, just as with airline travel, there is an increased risk of blood clots forming in your legs and pelvis.  These can then get loose and travel to your lungs with disastrous results.

We advise our pregnant patients, therefore, to not travel more than two hours in a car without at least getting out to walk about.  And if possible, we would advise you limit your car travel to no more than six hours in a day.