Buckle Up for Your Baby

While you might think a seat belt could hurt your baby, it actually helps protect your baby as much as you - if you wear it correctly.

For comfort and safety, buckle your lap belt low on the hipbone, below the belly and never across the stomach. When riding in the passenger seat, push your seat as far back as it will go to protect your abdomen from the impact of the airbag if an accident occurs.

Research has found that lack of a safety restraint during a motor vehicle crash puts a pregnant woman's fetus at risk of serious harm. One Wake Forest University study of pregnant women involved in a car accident found that those who used both a seat belt and airbag had the greatest protection a 57% reduced risk of complications such as fetal loss or early delivery compared to women who used no restraints at all.

Follow the American College Of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendation that seat belts be worn in cars and on airplanes throughout pregnancy.

This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.