In a report entitled “Challenges of frontal crash protection of pregnant drivers based on anthropometric considerations,” University of Michigan researchers Klinich, Schneider, Rupp, Eby and Pearlman, M.D., describe "uterus-to-wheel overlap" as “the proportion of the pregnant uterus that lies above the bottom of the steering-wheel rim.” This is important for you to remember, Mom, because your soon-to-be born baby's precious little face is sitting a few inches from the steering wheel.
The report also reveals estimates range “between 1,500 and 5,000 fetal losses….each year in the U.S. as a result of maternal involvement in automobile crashes (Dr Pearlman 1997). Additional uncounted adverse fetal outcomes occur as well, such as disabilities resulting from injuries sustained in the utero. The report also reveals that, “the trauma of the crash may lead to an emergency delivery of a premature fetus and complications such as low birth weight and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, which can lead to long-term negative consequences for the child.” (Klinich 1998)
Researchers are concerned that even when the lap-belt is properly placed over the ASIS (point) (anterior superior iliac spine breadth used as a measuring point – approximately equal to the tops of the hip bones),
"the pregnant abdomen will be loaded by the lap belt in a frontal crash, since between 50% and 80% of the uterus lies below the lap-belt centerline…”
In fact, many of the subjects tested during the above mentioned study conducted at the University of Michigan commented that,
“..although they positioned their lap-belt low over the pelvis and underneath their pregnant abdomen in their own vehicles, the belts tended to ride up over the pregnant abdomen as they drove.”
Research like the ongoing studies at the University of Michigan and elsewhere will ultimately help produce improved vehicle interiors and restraint systems to provide Mom and baby with a more comfortable ride -- while continuing to provide optimum safety -- but the best thing you can do besides buckling up properly is to drive carefully so that you ensure never having to find out what it feels like when your pregnant abdomen presses firmly against the lap-belt and/or steering wheel during a frontal impact. |
