By Jenilee Matz, M.P.H., Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

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Car accidents are the leading cause of death for pregnant women and the leading cause of trauma-related hospital stays during pregnancy in the U.S. Buckling up is the best way for mom to prevent injury and death from a motor vehicle accident.

Is buckling up safe for my unborn baby?
Research shows that unborn babies have the best chance of surviving car accidents when mom uses her seat belt properly. There is no evidence that suggests seat belts can harm unborn babies.

Related link: Don't Leave Them Behind: Kids, Cars and Heatstroke 

Seat belts greatly reduce mom's risk of injury in a car accident. If mom stays unharmed, there is a good chance her unborn baby will, too. But if mom is hurt in an accident, her unborn baby could also suffer. Maternal injury during a car crash is linked with:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Placenta abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus before birth)
• Distress of the unborn baby
• Death of the fetus

Studies show that seat belt use reduces the risk of injuries and these poor outcomes.

Related link: Doulas: Helping Hands for Childbirth 

How to wear your seat belt
Proper buckling is the key to keeping you and your unborn baby safe. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends buckling up using the three-point restraint system. This gives the maximum protection to both you and your unborn baby. To buckle up using the three-point restraint system:

• Place the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly and across your upper thighs.
• Place the shoulder portion of the seat belt between your breasts.
• Make sure there is no excessive slack anywhere on the seat belt.

If seat belts are not worn correctly, women are at increased risk for abdominal injuries and uterine rupture. Check your seat belt to make sure it's not too loose or too high.

Related link: Lifesaving Tips for Drivers 

Pregnant women should also follow these seat belt safety tips:

• Always wear the lap and shoulder portion of the seat belt.
• Never take the shoulder part of the seat belt off and place it behind you.
• Do not place the lap portion of the seat belt across your abdomen.

Related link: Buckle Up for Your Child's Life, Too 

More car safety tips for pregnant women
These tips will help pregnant women stay safe and comfortable while traveling by car:

• Keep the airbags turned on at all times. Experts say the benefits of an air bag outweigh any risks to a pregnant woman and her baby.
• Adjust your seat. Keep your seat as far back from the dashboard as you can - at least 10 inches if possible.
• Keep trips in the car brief. Limit time spent in the car to five to six hours at most each day. Get up and walk around at least every two hours. Stretch your legs and wiggle your toes often. This helps lower the risk for blood clots and eases swelling in your ankles and feet.
• Call your doctor right away if you are involved in a car crash, even if it's minor.

Related link: Kids and Car Seat Safety