Three point safety belt more likely to protect fetus in auto accident, study shows

Crash tests are currently being performed with the first pregnant crash test dummy. The purpose of these tests was to determine the effect of various restraint conditions on the unborn fetus. Many pregnant women find seat belts uncomfortable; however, protecting themselves and their unborn child should be the primary focus. The fetus in the pregnant dummy was attached to accelerometers on the head and thorax areas to measure the force imposed on the unborn fetus. This study concluded that a 3-point restraint system appears to reduce the likelihood of injury to the fetus. Pregnant women should be sure that the lap belt is placed under the uterus instead of over the uterus to reduce likelihood of injury.