Joined: 17 June 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 3870 Gender: Female
Posted: 30 November 2007 at 9:40am | IP Logged
Did any of you stop driving when you were pregnant? With my first pregnancy I drove a Ford Ka and remember stopping later on as I was so big and my bump brushed off the steering wheel.
I didn't stop driving at all with my second pregnancy as I had a really neat wee bump.
This pregnancy, obviously with carrying twins, I'm certainly much bigger, but as I can adjust the steering wheel up and down with this car (Vauxhall Zafira) my bump is an OK distance away. But I feel a wee bit reckless driving at the moment (35 weeks) and I'm wondering, for safety sakes if I should give up.
It'll drive me crazy not having my independence though...
Joined: 15 December 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 4410 Gender: Female
Posted: 30 November 2007 at 9:50am | IP Logged
Aww i wish i could advice on this but i had my girls before i got that far. I did drive right to the end though as i had a tiny bump. The last time i drove was new years day and i had them on the 5th of Jan. The only reason i didn't drive after that was because i stayed at home as i was getting more uncomfortable and i made dp drive if we went any where. xxxx
Joined: 05 July 2006 United Kingdom Posts: 2412 Gender: Female
Posted: 30 November 2007 at 10:24am | IP Logged
Sorry Lynie, i dont drive so couldn't really advise... but if you feel comfortable and safe still driving, then i dont see any reason not too. Personally, i would be too scared to drive with being so far on just for safety reasons (but what would i know about it lol), but if your still confident you can safely perform an emergency stop without hurting yourself or the little one's, then carry on driving. x-x-x
Joined: 19 April 2006 United Kingdom Posts: 558 Gender: Female
Posted: 30 November 2007 at 10:39am | IP Logged
I drove until due date with all 4 of mine and have to confess never thought about not. As long as you can fit behind the wheel with comfort and are that tired that you want to fall asleep i dont see a problem, but if worried as your dr or mw.
Joined: 11 June 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 6098 Gender: Female
Posted: 30 November 2007 at 11:11am | IP Logged
I drove with all of mine until I had them. With Ollie it was very uncomfortable but I didn't have much choice as I had to pick my daughters up or not see them. It's up to you there are no guidelines anywhere. If you don't feel safe then maybe you shouldn't drive or keep trips down to a minimum and just around familiar roads so it's not stressful in anyway. Be careful!!
Joined: 11 September 2007 United Kingdom Posts: 3072 Gender: Female
Posted: 30 November 2007 at 11:17am | IP Logged
Hun
I think the ladies are right above you should be ok as long as there is as big a gap as possible between bump and steering wheel for the air bag.... You can do an emergency stop without swearing too much and pulling your tum.... also you prob do this already just make sure your belt is falt and comfortable and in the correct position.
The only thing you need to also be aware of is braxton hicks, as your now getting close to the end...... you need to make sure you plan your journey and make sure you can pull over safely if needs be.
If you are still unsure i agree check with your consultant or midwife for advice, as they know you and your babies better than we do.
Joined: 07 June 2006 United Kingdom Posts: 4183 Gender: Female
Posted: 30 November 2007 at 11:21am | IP Logged
Erm..i stopped a few weeks before tasja was born...as conflict of interests between bump and steering wheel...plus id decide to go round the corner..and tasja would decide to go swimming in the opposite direction.
With Isla...well joe had the car so didnt really drive when i moved up here..just waddled about to the bus..which was right opposite the house lol.
Think the general rule of thumb is..if your comfy enough then do it..when your not..stop
Joined: 11 June 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 8765 Gender: Female
Posted: 30 November 2007 at 12:55pm | IP Logged
I couldn't drive with the first 2, but living where I do being able to drive is a necessity. I did get to feeling uncomfortable driving with Fred, but I did drive 13 miles down to moms while I was in labour! It's your own choice, but if you aren't happy driving then best to stay home.
Joined: 12 June 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 5857 Gender: Female
Posted: 30 November 2007 at 4:06pm | IP Logged
I drove up to about 34 weeks, but that was because the consultant told me I needed near total rest.
The Dept of Transport recommend that you should make sure that you adjust your seat so that you have clearance between your bump and the steering wheel (particularly if you have an air bag) BUT to make sure that by adjusting the seat you are not having to stretch to use the clutch, foot or hand break. They also say to make sure that you keep wearing your seat belt and position the low strap below your bump.
If you are comfortable in the car and feel that you are in control of the vehicle, then carry on.
Joined: 30 June 2005 United Kingdom Posts: 6877 Gender: Female
Posted: 30 November 2007 at 6:36pm | IP Logged
I think if you reduce driving to when you need it you should be ok. Make sure you tuck the seat belt under your bump, or buy one of the pregnancy seat belt clips! Take your time, be extra cautious, but if you dont feel comfortable or confident to take the trip then dont take it.
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Topic: Driving when pregnant
