Is it safe to drive in the second trimester of pregnancy?

Pregnant women are definitely at higher risk for driving, regardless of how far along they are in their pregnancy. Driving during the first trimester can be risky due to possible exhaustion and nausea. Driving during the third trimester is difficult due to the size of the child and difficulty getting in and out of the vehicle. What about the second trimester? Can you drive a car in the second trimester of pregnancy?

While you are at higher risk while driving while pregnant, there are times when there is no other alternative. So if you can't get someone to drive you while you're driving, try to keep a few things in mind while driving.

• exhaustion: Fatigue that started in the first trimester worsens in the second trimester. This makes a woman's chances of having a serious accident almost the same as a person with sleep apnea, according to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Women should exercise caution when driving and avoid it unless absolutely necessary.

• Drive with extra careA: If you're like most pregnant moms, you can't just quit driving. However, make sure you drive with extreme caution. Always obey the speed limit (don't speed) and always give yourself extra time when you need to be somewhere.

• Minimizing distractions: Distractions combined with pregnancy-related fatigue can spell disaster. If possible, do not use a mobile phone and do not even talk to passengers. At this time, any distraction can increase, which increases the likelihood of an accident.

• Pay attention: At this stage of pregnancy, your attention may be wandering. Make sure you pay close attention to your surroundings, the road, other drivers and everything else.

The risk for pregnant women driving actually drops in the third trimester, but the second trimester is actually the most dangerous time to drive.