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Is traveling in a car safe in the third trimester?
I’ll be driving to see my parents next month. It’s an 8-hour ride, and I’m seven months pregnant. Is it safe to travel by car that far when I’m in my third trimester?
Rachel Rigolino · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congratulations! Yes, generally speaking, if your pregnancy hasn’t had complications, car travel in your third trimester should be fine. However, even with an uneventful pregnancy, caution should be taken after week 37.
Risk of early labor
Going into labor a few weeks early is not all that uncommon. And as you may already know, most airlines restrict travel in the ninth month. If you are driving a long distance from home late in your pregnancy, take someone with you in case you go into labor.
One of the risks of extended driving is deep vein thrombosis, which causes blood clots. While it is uncommon in pregnancy, sitting in a car for long periods can increase your risk of DVT.
If you decide to travel in a car for an extended period during your third trimester, follow these tips for safety:
- Be sure to take a break every two to four hours. Get out of the car and walk around to increase circulation. This helps to prevent DVT. (You’ll likely need those restroom breaks anyway!)
- Wear loose clothing. Again, loose clothing will help with circulation.
- Wear your seat belt. When you’re in your third trimester, it can be tempting not to put it on—but you still need to.
- If you’re riding in the passenger’s seat, move the seat back so if the airbag deploys, your baby will be less likely to sustain an injury.
- Call 911 immediately if you are in an accident.
Before you and your family head out for your road trip, review your
car insurance
policy to ensure you have the best coverage for extra peace of mind. Try using the number-one-rated car insurance app, Jerry
, to help you find the lowest rates. Jerry shops from more than 50 top providers and delivers the best deals to your phone in minutes for free.Safe travels, and welcome to your new family member!
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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