Driving When Pregnant – Safety, Comfort, and What to Know

Driving When Pregnant – Everything You Need to Know

If you’re pregnant and still getting behind the wheel, you’re not alone — lots of people continue driving right through their pregnancy. And the good news is: you absolutely can. As long as you're feeling well and comfortable, there’s no law against it and nothing to worry about.

That said, your body’s going through a lot — so it’s worth knowing a few tips to keep things safe and as comfy as possible.

Is it safe to drive while pregnant?

Yes, in most cases. If your pregnancy is uncomplicated and you feel well enough, there’s no reason you can’t drive — right up until you're due. But if you have any pregnancy-related complications or concerns, it’s always best to check with your midwife or GP first.

When might it be better to avoid driving?

Every pregnancy is different, but it might be time to skip driving if:

• You're feeling faint, dizzy, or sick behind the wheel

• You're struggling to reach the pedals or steering wheel comfortably

• You have back pain, contractions, or anything that affects how safely you can drive

• You're very close to your due date and worried about going into labour while out and about

Basically, listen to your body. If something feels off, it’s okay to let someone else drive — or take a break altogether.

What are the rules about seatbelts?

In the UK, you must wear a seatbelt while driving when pregnant — unless your doctor gives you an exemption certificate (which is rare and only for serious medical reasons).

Here’s how to wear it properly:

• The lap belt should go under your bump, snug across your hips and pelvis (never across your belly).

• The shoulder belt should go between your breasts and to the side of your bump, not over it.

Don’t put the shoulder strap behind your back — it’s dangerous and can do more harm in a crash.

Tips for staying comfortable behind the wheel

As your pregnancy progresses, comfort becomes a bigger deal. Here are a few things that can really help:

• Adjust your seat – Move it back a little if your bump’s getting close to the steering wheel, but make sure you can still reach everything safely.

• Use a cushion or lumbar support – Helps with lower back pain on longer drives.

• Wear comfy clothes – Anything tight around your waist or bump will get annoying fast.

• Plan regular breaks – If you’re on a longer drive, stop every hour or so to stretch your legs and keep the circulation moving.

• Keep water and snacks in the car – Just in case nausea or light-headedness hits.

Can I drive after giving birth?

There’s no specific rule here — it’s more about how you feel and what kind of birth you’ve had. After a vaginal birth, many people feel fine to drive within a week or two. If you’ve had a C-section, you’ll probably need a bit longer — usually around 6 weeks, or until you feel fully healed and confident.

Check with your doctor if you're unsure, and always be honest with yourself about whether you're physically ready.

Final thoughts

Driving during pregnancy is usually totally fine — and often essential if you’ve got places to be. Just make sure you're comfortable, strapped in properly, and not pushing yourself when you’re feeling off.

If you're heading towards parenthood and thinking about a more practical car or lease upgrade (hello boot space and Isofix seats), the Motorlet team’s here to help. We’ll find something that fits your new lifestyle — without the stress.

You focus on the growing bump — we’ll handle the wheels.