Driving when pregnant: can you drive, and when should you stop?

Whether you’re in the early stages of pregnancy or in your third trimester, driving can feel like a non-negotiable. 

But as your bump gets bigger, it’s totally normal to wonder if it’s still safe to drive.

The good news? For most people, driving during pregnancy is absolutely fine. It’s mainly about staying comfortable, staying alert, and knowing when it’s time to let someone else take over.

Provided you have not had any problems with your pregnancy and your GP hasn't advised you to stop, it's usually fine to carry on driving while you're pregnant. 

That said, pregnancy can bring symptoms that make driving feel harder:

• First trimester - nausea, headaches, tiredness. 
• Later pregnancy - less space between bump and steering wheel, getting in/out feels awkward, leg cramps or swelling. 

If you don't feel up to it on a certain day, give yourself permission to skip your usual trips and ask someone else to drive. 

It’s also worth taking a few simple precautions for peace of mind. Keep your mobile phone charged and within reach, and if you’re heading on a longer drive later in pregnancy, take your pregnancy docs with you.

Rule of thumb: If you can't sit comfortably, fully control the pedals, or react quickly, it's time to pause or get someone else to drive. 

Yes. You must wear a seat belt when driving, and you can actually be fined up to £500 if you don't (unless you have a valid medical exemption). 

If you wear your seatbelt properly, it will make it a whole lot more comfortable: 

• Lap strap - Low across your hips and under your bump. 
• Diagonal strap - Between your breasts and to the side of your bump. 

Avoid putting the shoulder strap under your arm or behind your back, we get that it feels less in the way, but it massively reduces protection. 

Where possible, you should avoid travelling in vehicles with ‘lap only belts’ as they have been shown to cause serious injuries to an unborn child in the event the car suddenly brakes.

Vehicle airbags are considered safe for pregnant women to use and will help protect you and your baby in the event of a car accident. In a crash, it is important to reduce the primary risks to your baby.

Airbags work by helping to spread out the force of a collision, minimising your forward movement and acting as an instant cushion for you and your bump. 

We'd recommend: 

• Move your seat back as far as you comfortably can while still reaching the controls. 
• Aim for around 25cm (10 inches) between your chest and steering wheel.
• If your steering wheel adjusts, angle it towards your chest rather than your bump.

Even if it feels like a minor injury, it's sensible to get checked. Tell the emergency services you're pregnant and how many weeks you are. 

If you have pain, bleeding, or reduced movement afterwards, seek urgent medical advice. 

The NHS recommends avoiding long car journeys if possible. If you can't avoid one, the big priorities are: breaks, movement, hydration, and airflow. 

• Stop regularly to stretch and keep circulation going. 
• Flex/rotate your feet and wiggle your toes when you're not driving. 
• Keep water and snacks within reach.
• If you're close to your due date, keep your maternity notes accessible. 

Sitting for long periods of time can be difficult when you're pregnant so it's important to try and make your journey as comfortable as possible. Ensuring you are comfortable before setting off on your drive will help you to fully focus on the road and minimise any distractions.

There’s no fixed week when you have to stop driving during pregnancy. Most people simply pause when driving starts to feel uncomfortable (which is usually around 30 weeks) or they’re no longer able to sit safely behind the wheel.

Here's a few clear signs it's time to stop: 

There isn’t one “perfect” timeframe, because it depends on how you’re recovering and how confident you feel behind the wheel. The main rule is simple: only drive when you feel well enough to do so safely. 

After a natural birth, it's recommended that new mothers rest for several days before carrying out usual daily activities. However, if you feel you're able to do so, then short car journeys shouldn't be a problem. It's recommended you wait a few weeks before making long journeys. 

After a caesarean section it is likely to take a few weeks until you feel well enough to be able to do activities such as driving. The NHS Direct website recommends seeking advice from your midwife if you are unsure whether to drive.

If your car’s feeling a bit dated, or you’re wondering whether it’ll stay comfortable as your bump grows, it’s worth exploring options that make everyday driving easier now, and family life simpler later.

We'd recommend looking for cars with: 

• Adjustable steering wheel & seat height 
• Lumbar support & comfortable seats 
• Parking sensors / reversing camera 
• Wide-opening doors & higher ride height 

• Explore our Family Car Leasing hub - browse comfortable, practical lease options for growing families
• Read our Safest Family Cars guide - compare the latest safety tech and top-rated models
• See the Best Cars for Prams & Babies - find cars with boots that actually fit a buggy without a squeeze