Comfortable Seatbelts for Pregnant Women with Twins in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study on Seatbelt Usage

Abstract

Optimal seatbelt practices for pregnant women with twins at different gestational ages remain uncertain. To offer recommendations for a comfortable seatbelt system, this cross-sectional observational study explored seatbelt usage and driving habits among women with twins across various pregnancy stages through an online survey that explored driving conditions and comfortable seatbelts at different stages of pregnancy. Women who drove daily before their pregnancy with twins decreased their driving frequency as the pregnancy progressed. Correct seatbelt usage was lower and no seatbelt usage was higher among pregnant women with twins than those with singleton pregnancies. They adapted their seatbelt-wearing techniques to minimise pressure on the chest in the first and third trimesters and the abdomen from the second trimester onwards. The comfortable seatbelts were those that could alleviate belt pressure, featuring waist belts to reduce pressure, wider belts to avoid localised pressure, and shoulder belts resembling a backpack type. When wearing a seatbelt, avoiding pressure on the thorax and abdomen is key for pregnant women with twins. This study suggests that the suitability of driving for pregnant women with twins in their last trimester and the reliability of seatbelts designed for such women should be further examined and validated.