My back ground was as a firefighter/paramedic. One thing they taught us in paramedic school was any time there was a pregnant occupant in a car crash, it was an automatic trip to the hospital.
When I was introduced to the Tummy Shield it became crystal clear to me that this product can prevent the injuries from the seat belt that we were so concerned about and required that trip to the hospital.
While we understand that not all injuries or deaths can be prevented, this is a very simple, sturdy product that I believe will help save the lives of moms and pregnancies — at least some of them.
If my wife were pregnant today, we would certainly be using a Tummy Shield because I believe it is a simple device that adds a whole degree of safety that is not there when you are just using the vehicle seat belt.
How to use the Tummy Shield
Tummy Shield is essentially a very heavy steel plate and hook wrapped in a cushion.
The strap and buckle assembly are intended to wrap the vehicle seat to keep the Tummy Shield in place during a crash, especially if the seat in unoccupied. Wrap the vehicle seat with the strap and tighten to snug.
Download our free PDF guide: Safer Driving During Pregnancy
The Tummy Shield comes with an extender to allow adjustment for proper fit.
The little notch should be as close to your crotch as possible without being underneath. The reason the manufacturer made it a notch instead of a mark is since most pregnant can’t look down and see there. So reach between your legs and feel if the notch is right in front of your crotch. If it is back too far that you are sitting on it, you’ll need the extension piece.
If that makes the cushion end in an uncomfortable place for her legs, try putting the extender piece (if you aren’t using it) in front of the Tummy Shield or use a small towel rolled to the same height at the front end to give more cushion under your legs to the edge of the vehicle seat.
Sit down, buckle the seat belt as normal then pull the lap portion into the anchor on the Tummy Shield. Finally pull the seat belt snug.
You can see a pregnant tummy would be very well protected with the belt transferred to the legs and off the tummy.
By Greg Durocher, CEO at Safe Ride 4 Kids and certified CPS Technician Instructor since 2002
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