How to Learn to Drive While You Are Pregnant

If a woman is pregnant, she needs to re-learn how to drive. While not difficult, there are some extra steps and precautions she should take.

1. Step 1
   

   Avoid rushing. While driving to any destination, it is better for you to be late than to rush and cause an accident. Even minor accidents are more risky while you are pregnant.

2. Step 2
   

   Avoid pot holes and bumps. Abrupt movements can cause contractions and cramps to occur. While pregnant, choose roads that are smoother to drive on. If bumpy roads cannot be avoided, slow down while driving. If the person in the car behind you is getting upset, pull over and allow him to pass.

3. Step 3
   

   Wear a seat belt. You may not think wearing a seat belt is a good idea while pregnant. However, it is essential for the safety of you and your unborn baby. Wearing a seat belt is not only safe but it may be the law in your state. The recommended and more comfortable way of wearing your seat belt is below the belly. Place the seat belt low across the pelvic bone.

4. Step 4
   

   Do not disengage the air bag. In an article titled, Driving Safety Tips for Pregnant Women on Michigan.gov's website, they state that, "Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommend that pregnant women wear a three-point safety belt and not disconnect the air bag."

5. Step 5

   Have as much clearance as possible between your belly and the steering wheel. For shorter drivers, a block can be placed on each of the pedals. This gives you the added length needed to reach the gas and brake while keeping your belly the proper distance from the wheel.
6. Step 6

   Choose a time to end your driving. Although it is entirely possible to drive up until the last week of pregnancy, this may not be ideal. Your belly will be much bigger. In addition, contractions are more likely to occur at this time. Make plans to depend upon other people at this highly sensitive time.

How to Stay Awake While Driving

If you have to get up early in the morning and commute to work, you may have experienced road hypnosis. Long commutes can increase the risk of falling asleep while driving. Learn some strategies to stay awake while driving!

1. Step 1

   One effective method to keep you awake while driving is to crank up the volume on the radio! Studies have shown that music with high frequency is the most effective in keeping one stay awake and alert.

2. Step 2

   Try rolling down all of your windows. A cool blast of air might do the trick in keeping you awake while driving. Breathe in all of the fresh air that floods your car. This is a great way to stay energized and awake while driving.

3. Step 3

   Next, pop some powerful mints or candy in your mouth! The intense flavors will help re-energize you and increase your alertness. A good choice of mints are Altoids, which are known to maintain its strong minty taste.

4. Step 4

   If you're having a hard time staying awake, pull over to the next rest area and do a couple of jogs around the parking lot. Once you get your heart pumping, your fatigue will melt away and you'll be alert and ready to hit the road once again!

5. Step 5

   Another useful way in staying awake and alert while driving is to drive coffee! Stop by the nearest Starbucks and order your favorite coffee. It really helps you stay alert and focused on the road while driving.

6. Eat a lot of high protein snacks! When you are driving for a long period of time, it's important to maintain your blood sugar. High protein snacks will help you maintain your blood sugar level and keep you wide awake.

7. Lastly, if you just can't stay awake, pull over and take a quick nap. It's safer to pull over and rest your body rather than risking your life while driving while you're full of fatigue.