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

I didn’t stop that I remember because I was working with my first up until a few days before so possibly I didnt drive those last few days. If it’s getting difficult though or to the point that you might not be able to control the car then you’ll have no choice but to stop.

It’s not about an illness, it’s about shape! A very petite colleague of mine couldn’t reach the pedals from 7 months, her bump
was huge because of extra fluid and at under 5ft if she put the seat back to fit her bump
in she couldn’t reach the pedals at all.

Another had severe pelvic girdle pain and just couldn’t operate the car from quite early on and ended up on complete bed rest.

So it’s not unheard of, these people weren’t being daft.

I was mucking out horses and lifting bales on the day I went in for induction but I know not everyone is that fortunate.

I was driving the day I gave birth with my first and my 3rd…..never got too big that I didn’t fit behind the wheel

Quite a few posters have explained why they needed to do this. ie they couldn’t physically fit in their car and be able to reach the pedals. This is down to a combination of the pregnant woman’s proportions, and the size/make/model of the car.

Never personally stopped but if you don't feel safe/comfortable then don't drive

Thank you!!

Around 36 weeks, and I had to make a sudden stop and hurt myself and was worried I had hurt the baby.

I'm small too and the wheel was wedged in my bump at that point. By my next pregnancy we had a different car and it wasn't an issue.

I too have never heard of this. I never stopped driving in any of my pregnancies and don’t know anyone who did.

I was 12 days overdue with a 10lb+ baby. I was 17 stone and 5ft 3. I could barely walk at the end let alone drive 🤣

I didn't

I stopped 6 weeks before giving birth both times as I couldn’t sit down comfortably.

I have taught several pregnant women to drive and I always try to get them through their
driving test before they get too big as it’s dangerous if your bump is too close to the steering wheel and another driver goes in to your car. People drive more dangerously around learners so the risk is high .

Only had 1 who waited after the birth to take test.

I was driving to midwife and consultant appointments after my due date. Both were 2 weeks overdue and I needed to drive to get to the hospital! DP drove when I went for induction though.

I picked dd1 up from nursery in labour with dd2, never stopped 😂😂 you've got a bit of space there and you can always put your seat reclined a bit more

I love how you asked a reasonable question and it's become either a competition about who is the best person for not stopping driving or shaming you because you asked. You can't win here, OP.

For me personally at 26 weeks with twins I had pgp and my pelvis locked so I got signed off. My sil was so sick that from 10 weeks she nearly passed out so stopped, and currently I'm 9 weeks again and today I vomited on the wheel. Hate driving at the mo but I think ill be fine for a while

So I'd say when you get to a point where the worry has taken over, do what is best for you. And never feel bad for asking a question. It's horrible why some people rather than being supportive love to mock or compete. Best of luck in your pregnancy

I drove myself to the hospital in the early stages of labour. I'm not suggesting that as a good plan, it was just a very odd day and no other choice.

I have heard some people say they weren't driving at the end but my midwife never mentioned anything about it to me. They all did have enormous bumps though and I can see why you would be concerned if your bump was pressed to the steering wheel - so maybe it's down to your comfort with the situation / necessity.

Another one who didn’t stop. Drove myself to both C-sections because I knew I wouldn’t be able to drive for a fortnight or so after, and I adore driving.

When I was in early labour 😂

Drove home from work the day before I gave birth ( 4 weeks prem though).

So did I. 😊

I didn't. I have not heard of anyone stopping driving. I needed to go places - shops to get food.

I am 5 foot, drove myself to the hospital for 40 week check up on a Friday. They ended up keeping me. Had the baby on Sat morning and drove the car 15 minutes back home on Saturday afternoon. My husband drove himself and our son home

Never stopped. Was still driving at 42weeks when I was induced.

I drove until the day I started with pre eclampsia at 36 weeks, had an emcs at 36+5 & was back driving due to necessity as exh had just been diagnosed with MS 2 weeks afterwards.

I drove right up until my due date and I’m 5 ft 1. I think my bump was fairly small though and I don’t remember it being close to the steering wheel at all.

edit: my husband drove both of us to my induction the next day.

Drove myself to hospital in labour. No choice.