Women in their second trimester of pregnancy appear to be at greater risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident according to a research study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. A doctor-led team of researchers based its findings on the experiences of 500,000 Ontario women over a five-year period. Canadian Medical Association Journal The study found the rate at which car accidents occurred in the study group increased significantly, by almost 42 percent, during the second trimester. The occurrence of collisions dropped to pre-pregnancy rates following this sharp increase midway through the second three months of the pregnancy. Researchers did not offer a reason explaining why pregnant women were more prone to being involved in car accidents, but fatigue, nausea and stress experienced by women during pregnancy were offered by one doctor as possible factors contributing to the occurrence of accidents. 42 percent Women can reduce the risk of having an accident during pregnancy by being attentive to basic safety rules that all drivers should obey, including:
Keep a lookout for other vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists
Obey stop signs and other traffic control devices
Avoid cellphones and other distractions while driving
Wear a seatbelt
Keep a lookout for other vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists Obey stop signs and other traffic control devices Avoid cellphones and other distractions while driving Wear a seatbelt A pregnant woman should ask her doctor to show her the best method for securing her seatbelt to minimize the risk of injury to her unborn child. Airbags should remain activated as they provide the best protection for drivers and passengers in the event of a collision, but experts recommend that women who are pregnant move their car seats as far back from the dashboard or steering wheel as comfortably possible. move their car seats as far back