Are long car rides safe during pregnancy?

What does the evidence say about long car rides during pregnancy?

1. Sitting still for long stretches, like a long car ride, is one of the known risk factors for a blood clot (DVT), and pregnancy adds to that risk on its own. 1
2. A trip lasting 4 hours or more roughly doubles the chances of a blood clot, whether you're traveling by car, bus, train, or plane. 2
3. Pulling over every couple of hours to walk around and stretch your legs, or flexing your feet and ankles when you're the passenger, keeps blood moving on a long drive. 2
4. Drinking plenty of water, skipping caffeine, and wearing loose clothing on a long ride all help keep your circulation moving too. 1
5. The lap belt belongs low across your hip bones, snug and below your belly, with the shoulder belt run between your breasts and over your collarbone, never under your arm. 3

Is long car rides safe in each trimester?

• First trimester. In the first trimester you're not showing much yet, so the seatbelt sits close to where it always has. Nausea and tiredness can make any ride feel longer, so start the habit of stopping for fresh air and water even on short trips.
• Second trimester. Most people feel their best in the second trimester, with more energy and less nausea, which makes this a good window for a longer drive. Keep stopping every couple of hours to walk around and stretch your legs.
• Third trimester. By the third trimester your belly is at its biggest, so double-check the lap belt rides low underneath it and not on top before every drive. Plan extra stops since swelling and stiffness build up faster now, and keep water and snacks within reach.