To ask when you stopped driving in pregnancy?

[drivingquestion]

Name change as asked in my due date groups under real name!

When did you stop driving in pregnancy? I’m 5ft nothing with short legs and finding at nearly 32 weeks that it’s harder to fit behind the steering wheel. I have adjusted my seat and the steering wheel as much as possible. I can’t lower the seat anymore or move further back as I wouldn’t be able to see or reach the pedals.

Attached pic - am I still ok for now? I have about an inch between my bump and the steering wheel. I’m concerned about whether it is safe or if I need to hang up my car keys for a while!

Thanks x

Drove to the hospital in labour with my first, Drove 3 days after my C section with my second.

I didn’t, was driving the school runs up until I was a week over due, then over the half term was praying the baby would come so wouldn’t be out of action for too long. Baby came on the Saturday, was back to it by the Tuesday (not a brag, something that still infuriates me to this day due to useless now ex).

Now I think of it I drove the day I went into labour. I’ve never heard of anyone actively stopping. But you shouldn’t drive if you don’t feel comfortable doing so.

Me too actually. I drove to town, did a load of shopping and walk miles because I was 9 days over due and very fed up. Literally didn’t sit down all day until dinner time, as soon as I did my waters went. I refused to get up until I finished my meal - but this was my third and had an uncomplicated pregnancy every time. I knew I’d done the job, I could at least eat before doing some hard work 🤣.

I drove all the way through, 5ft 3 also. X

Um, never. You are pregnant, not incapacitated.

I drove to my friend's house when I was in early labour

I've never met someone who stopped driving because they were pregnant.

I never stopped driving, even at two weeks overdue.

I wasn't intending on stopping but I got to the point where I couldn't fit behind the steering wheel, and if I adjusted it so I could, I couldn't reach it 🙈.

I have long legs but had a huge bump, so pushing the wheel back meant I could get my legs and bump in but I had to strain to reach the wheel. Didn't feel comfortable or safe (for anyone, not just me).

I think if you can fit and drive comfortably and safely, go for it. If you can't, then stop. It's totally personal to you, do what feels right for you.

I didn’t stop driving and don’t know of anyone who did.

I had to stop at 38 weeks with my first as I didn't fit behind the wheel any more. I assume it depends on the model of car whether it is adjustable enough to accommodate a big bump and short legs! With my second I stopped much earlier as I had bad SPD and driving was very painful.

I didn't drive at all in either pregnancy but I was a very nervous driver back then and I don't think the anxiety would've been good for baby or me.

I'm 35 weeks pregnant, 5 foot 1 and short legs but still driving. Not planning on stopping! It's definitely harder for my legs to reach the pedals now but just about ok

Not very kind. Every woman has a different experience of pregnancy and some can become very uncomfortable or have a very large bump. The op should do whatever makes her comfortable. If I was driving when pregnant with my first I’d have had to stop driving at around 28 weeks. I had such vile SPD I wouldn’t have been able to drive safely.

I didn’t stop. I gave birth whilst driving a manual, pulled over, popped my baby in their car seat and carried on my route to work 🤷‍♀️

😂

Was still driving an hour and a half before I gave birth to DC4
still had to do the school run to the bitter end so had no choice

I’m 36 weeks and no plans to stop driving.

Never stopped driving during any pregnancy or after delivery. Why would you need to?

Well, I stopped driving buses for a living at 8 months as the twelve hour day and six days week finally got too much. I stopped driving with dd1 the day before labour started, and with dd2 the day I was in early labour with ten minutely contractions, I'm batshit though. I started driving within a week post birthday both times as I had a life to get on with.

You don’t know that she isn’t incapacitated. The two aren’t always mutually exclusive.

I’m 5”3 & never stopped driving - 8 days over with my 1st & the morning i had my twins (just over 37 weeks)

Never stopped. I drove home from my parents the evening before I went into labour.

I'm only 5ft 2in and DS was 9lb 6oz so I wasn't exactly small.

I did have quite a big car but still had to be fairly close because of my height.

It was totally fine.

I’m 5’5, drove until 38 weeks exactly and had DC at 38+1, I had to drive for my older DC. I was driving again 2 weeks post partum but I had a smooth delivery and recovery. I was uncomfortable near the end and it was a struggle trying to get in and out the car!