A series of 24 pregnant baboons was impacted under similar conditions. The only major variable was the difference in maternal restraint. The fetal death rate of 8.3% (1/12) among maternal animals impacted with three-point restraint was significantly different from five fetal deaths among 10 maternal animals impacted under lap belt restraint alone (p \ml 0.05). It is concluded that shoulder harness restraint should be recommended for use by pregnant travelers as being significantly more protective of fetal welfare when compared with lap belt restraint alone.
Abstract