The objective of this study was to evaluate current knowledge and practice among pregnant women about the use of car restraint systems during pregnancy. A structured questionnaire on two hundred pregnant women attending for their routine mid-pregnancy anomaly scan, was held at a district hospital antenatal clinic. The women were asked about seat-belt and airbag usage, source of information about restraint systems and the legal requirements and recommendations regarding car safety systems. One hundred fifty-nine women (80%) completed the questionnaire. Ninety-eight percent wore seatbelts in the front, 68% wore seatbelts in the back of a car, 48% correctly identified where to place the seat-belt and 37% had received information on seat-belt use while pregnant. The latter were more likely to correctly position their restraints than those who had received no information (P = 0.03). Thirty-nine percent had an airbag system fitted and one woman had deactivated it. Fifty-eight percent were aware seat-belt use was a legal requirement for driver and passengers when fitted. Many pregnant women are ignorant of the correct usage of seatbelts, their positioning and legal requirements. This puts their own well-being, and that of the foetus, at risk. Women should receive written instructions and advice from well informed health professionals and be encouraged always to wear a correctly positioned seat-belt. Education increases compliance and correct usage. (A)
Abstract