Pregnant and seatbelts... laws?

[AWD Chaser]

I heard that if you are pregnant, you do not have to wear a seatbelt? As my gf is in the last few months of her pregnancy, and getting bigger, she is finding it difficult to wear a belt over her; and under heavy braking, may endanger the unborn baby's life...

So is this true, would a cop let you off with it, or does the law still apply?

[Bucknaked]

Has she tried to put a pillow over her Stomach and then the belt around her. I don't know if this is legal. But it will stop the belt from hurting her.

[Casper]

The law applies.. period.
Also, a seatbelt worn correctly, although uncomfortable, is not going to endanger your babies life in an accident and will probably do a lot more good than harm in a circumstance where it is needed.

[WILDTRAKPX2]

I'm 99% sure all states require the use of seatbelts when pregnant.

Taken from the QLD Transport site:

Pregnancy
Your child needs protection even before birth. It is important that pregnant women wear seat belts correctly. A properly worn seat belt puts little pressure on the stomach or the unborn child.

Pregnant women must wear the seat belt with the lap part sitting over the thighs, across the pelvis and below the unborn child. The sash part should be above the stomach and between the breasts.

[MAGPIE]

Who cares about what the law says.... think of your gf's safety, as in flying through the windscreen if you have an accident.

[rag top]

I got my wife some of those padded belt covers (logo free!) and they made a huge difference in increasing the comfort levels whilst heavily pregnant.

[AWD Chaser]

Originally Posted by '67

I got my wife some of those padded belt covers (logo free!) and they made a huge difference in increasing the comfort levels whilst heavily pregnant.

Yeah, I've done this too. She says it's much better.
After some research, it appears (and obviously), it would be stupid to not wear a belt...

So would it seem that this information (not having to wear a belt), is incorrect?

[LTDHO]

Originally Posted by Casper

The law applies.. period.
Also, a seatbelt worn correctly, although uncomfortable, is not going to endanger your babies life in an accident and will probably do a lot more good than harm in a circumstance where it is needed.

Exactly.

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

Who cares about what the law says.... think of your gf's safety, as in flying through the windscreen if you have an accident.

I'd rather safe mother and baby than both flying through windscreen!

[Feathers]

A pillow between your gf's stomach and the belt will work, as stated.
Thats also the recommendation after open heart surgery as well.

[AU-MUSTD]

My wifes 33 weeks pregnant at the moment and if thats the worst part of your wifes day then she should put the belt on and stop the whining!!!! :

[nobbystang]

Originally Posted by AU-MUSTD

My wifes 33 weeks pregnant at the moment and if thats the worst part of your wifes day then she should put the belt on and stop the whining!!!! :

gotta agree there. our neighbours actually got T boned on way to hospital while she was in labour, luckily she had her belt on and the damage was minimal because of it, would hate to see the result of that belly hitting the dashboard, not nice at all

[XRchic]

I have had 3 kids. My second one was 10 pounds. I drove with all of them right up to the day I had them. I didnt have a problem with the seat belt, that I recall (the most recent being my 3rd child born 9 weeks ag). It is not particularly uncomfortable, even with a very big belly, however there is no way a pillow would have fitted between belly and belt! If someone is uncomfortable, those little cover things mentioned above might be an idea.

There were way worse things in life when 40 weeks pregnant with seatbelts. I actually had trouble getting in and out of the car (BA XR6), getting in and out of anything really!

Good luck with all the impending births around the place!

[Martyvan]

When my wife was Pregnant, I was hesitant to let her drive, as I was unsure of the impact an Airbag would have on our unborn child... We used to drive into Brisbane peak hour traffic every single day. Loads of fools on the road...
After much deliberation, the obstetrician decided it was ok... he said he wasnt sure, but he suggest an airbag in combination with a seatbelt was definitely the safest way to travel.
(Then i told him it was a Toyota, and he immediately recommended selling it to buy a Ford! lol) Sorry had to do it......

[ShallowCrossing]

Originally Posted by Casper

The law applies.. period.

If your gf is finding it is causing her substantial discomfort, her doctor can issue a medical certificate exempting her from the requirement. (This applies in Victoria at least).

[XplosiveR6]

Originally Posted by ShallowCrossing

If your gf is finding it is causing her substantial discomfort, her doctor can issue a medical certificate exempting her from the requirement. (This applies in Victoria at least).

if it is giving too much discomfort then she should'nt be riding in a car, what would you rather a bit of discomfort, or the huge risk of death from not wearing a seatbelt?

[brenx]

Why is your wife driving the car? Pregnant women especially late in the term women shouldn't be driving. What if they go into labour while driving? They can cause an accident.

On a lighter note. If needed? Your doctor can write you a letter stating you can't wear a seat belt due to a medical condition. I don't know if a doctor with write one for a pregnant woman though?

[Bucknaked]

Yeah don't baby the Mrs too much. It will only intensify after the baby is born. :

Just kidding. Just kidding :hihi: