What Car? Q&A - I'm pregnant - should I wear a seatbelt?

I am six months’ pregnant and am starting to find my car’ seatbelt uncomfortable to wear. Do I have to wear it as I get bigger?
Keri Simmonds

A: You absolutely must continue to wear your belt. No one is exempt from the law and the seatbelt could save your, and your baby’s, life.

The best way to wear your seatbelt, at any time but particularly during pregnancy, is with the diagonal strap between the breasts and the lap belt on the thighs, underneath your bump. This way the body’s frame, and not the abdomen, will take any impact.

Always make sure the seatbelt is fitted snugly around you – if it is slack it will not be as effective in a crash. Also, don’t try to cushion any possible impact by placing an object between you and the seatbelt; this is dangerous and could also reduce its effect.

If it ever becomes impossible to position the belt correctly, or it become too uncomfortable, you might have to give up travelling by car.