Driving

• Even when pregnant, you are required by law to wear your seat belt.
• Wear your seatbelt with the diagonal strap across your body between your breasts and the lap belt over your upper thighs. The straps should lie above and below your ‘bump’, not over it. The belt will protect you and your baby.
• Avoid long trips and avoid jolts (travelling in old cars, or over bumpy ground etc).

• Have lots of breaks
• Airbags. Safety experts recommend that you should move your seat as far away from the steering wheel as possible as this will allow room for the airbag to inflate correctly.
• Be prepared! In case of breakdown, take food, water, blankets, warm clothes and a torch in the car.
• Carry a mobile phone with you at all times.
• Have details of your breakdown recovery service, (or join one if you aren’t a member already)
• Don’t drive yourself to hospital when you are in labour. If you know there won’t be anyone to drive you to hospital when you go into labour, discuss this with your midwife in advance. If you find when the big moment comes, that your partner cannot be there to drive you, use a taxi or call the hospital if it seems that an emergency ambulance is needed.

Travelling by train

The least tiring mode of transport! (in theory, I reckon they are very stressful when really full at rush hour!)

Tips when travelling by train

• Travel with your back to the direction of travel, so any sudden stops will not send you into the table – unless of course travelling this way round makes you feel sick!
• Make sure loos are easily gotten to – when pregnant you will probably make more trips there!
• Check to see if a porter can help you on and off with your luggage
• Make sure you have booked a seat, sit back, sip some bottled water and relax.

Other related articles
Health and beauty in pregnancy – what should I avoid?
Exercising, sports and other activities while pregnant – what should I avoid and why?
Can I fly and go abroad when I’m pregnant?