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Pregnancy and Seat Belt Use

Photo of the proper position of the seat belt during pregnancy

When pregnant, wear a seat belt firmly across your lap, just below your abdomen. Position the shoulder belt diagonally between your breasts.

The American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that pregnant women always wear seat belts while traveling. Pregnant women wearing safety restraints while in motor vehicle crashes have lower rates of personal injury, and of fetal injury and fetal death, than women who aren't buckled up when in a crash.1

1 Hyde LK, et al. (2003). Effect of motor vehicle crashes on adverse fetal outcomes. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 102(2): 279–286.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised November 10, 2010

Last Revised: November 10, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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