How to wear seatbelt when pregnant

Seatbelt position while pregnant (Image: AI generated via ChatGPT)

Q: How to wear seatbelt when pregnant?

A: The best way to wear a seatbelt while pregnant is to have the lap belt under your pregnancy bump, ensuring it is low and snug across your hips, and that the shoulder belt sits between your breasts and to the side of your bump, not across it.

How can you ensure you use a seatbelt safely during pregnancy?

By maintaining the correct seatbelt position and checking it often during your trip.

A recent study by Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) that involved 1491 pregnant participants showed that despite 99.1 per cent saying they always wore their seatbelts while driving, only 41.4 per cent were wearing their seatbelts in the correct position!

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The lap belt should sit under your pregnancy bump, across your hips and upper thighs, not your stomach. It should be snug but not tight.

The shoulder belt should go between your breasts and off to the side of your belly, resting across your chest and shoulder - not your neck or arm. Check your states relevant rules on whether a sash guide is allowed.

Never place the lap belt over your belly, and never tuck the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm.

This positioning ensures you get the protection you need in a collision without risking injury to your unborn baby.

Pregnancy seat belt Australia - Imaged sourced from MUARC website.

Why are seatbelts difficult or uncomfortable during pregnancy?

Ah, pregnancy. One of the most glorious and beautiful periods of a woman’s life. It can also be filled with doubt, confusion and unease as you navigate the sheer onslaught of information available. The dos and don’ts, what to buy, what supplements to take, the cravings and the pee breaks during the night which make you feel like an 80-year-old man with a prostate issue.

As your pregnancy progresses, your growing bump can make standard seatbelt placement feel tight, awkward or even painful. The pressure of the lap belt near your belly (and bladder) may cause discomfort and the shoulder belt near your bump or tender breasts might also cause anxiety, especially in the third trimester.

Understanding how to wear a seatbelt when pregnant is essential for protecting yourself (and your baby) in a crash and staying comfortable behind the wheel. Transport NSW says that ‘the main cause of foetal deaths in car crashes is the death of the mother’. So, it’s crucial to buckle up.

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Do you have to wear a seatbelt when pregnant in Australia?

Yes. In Australia, wearing a seatbelt is compulsory for all drivers and passengers, including during pregnancy. Failing to wear one can result in fines and demerit points. More importantly, it significantly increases the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash.

Seatbelt safety pregnancy – always buckle up! Image by senivpetro on Freepik

Are pregnancy seat belts legal in Australia?

Products marketed as pregnancy seat belt adjusters or pregnancy seatbelt adapters sit in a murky area. Technically they can be legal if they do not alter the function of the seatbelt itself, and what that means is they must not affect the seatbelt’s ability to restrain you in a crash.

According to the Australian Design Rules (ADR), aftermarket devices must not compromise seatbelt safety. Some maternity belt accessories are fine if they simply guide the seatbelt into a better position (such as low across the hips), but others may not be compliant. While there are no significant differences in laws between Australian states, always check your local road authority if you're unsure.

It’s also best to choose a product that has been crash-tested and clearly states it meets Australian standards.

To be frank, it would be wise to approach pregnancy belts and adjustors with a degree of caution. Currently, there is only one Australian product on the market which has had any sort of crash-testing applied to it and which has been designed to comply with our ADRs and that’s the Tummy Shield (found here). However, at $899 a pop, it poses a significant investment for the average family.

Tips to ensure seatbelt safety during pregnancy

Sit upright and adjust the seat to keep your back straight and ensure the belt stays in the correct position.

Take breaks on long drives - stop every hour or two to stretch and improve circulation.

Listen to your body. If you're experiencing discomfort, cramping, or dizziness while driving or riding, it's time to pull over and reassess.

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When to stop driving when pregnant

There’s no set time to stop driving, but many women find that in the third trimester, especially after 36 weeks, driving becomes uncomfortable or tiring. If you’re struggling to reach the pedals, experiencing frequent Braxton Hicks, or just feeling off, consider letting someone else take the wheel.

Always talk to your doctor or midwife if you’re unsure.

Where to find more information and products

For more information about seatbelt safety in pregnancy, visit your local road safety authority. Or talk to your healthcare provider.

If you're interested in purchasing a pregnancy seat belt adjuster, look for products from reputable Australian retailers that mention compliance with local safety standards. Brands that focus on maternity belts or pregnancy driving safety often have detailed guidance on usage and safety.