 If
you have concerns about the safety of your unborn child in
the event of a car accident, then you need to read this.
Published articles show that 3% of women will experience
a car crash whilst pregnant and that motor vehicle crashes
are the number one cause of foetal trauma and is a significant
cause of foetal loss. In addition, there is the potential
for injury or loss of the mother herself. The risk to the
foetus is highest if no seat belt is used, but studies also
show that incorrect positioning of the seat is dangerous
to the unborn baby. Using a seat belt correctly significantly
reduces both maternal and foetal morbidity (injury) and
mortality (death) following a motor vehicle accident.
Yet in a recent study in the US, 20% of pregnant women rarely
or never used a seat belt, and 22% were using them incorrectly.
Why are women not protecting themselves and their babies
better?
The problem is three fold.
- Firstly, many women are unsure as to the correct positioning
of the lap portion of the seat belt during pregnancy.
- Those that are aware that it should be placed low down
across the hips find that the natural curve of the pregnant
belly encourages the seat belt to ride up over the belly
directly over the foetus, instead of remaining low over
the hips. Many women report that this position is uncomfortable
or that it creates a feeling of nausea.
- Lastly, there is the concern that many have that the
seat belt will cause harm to the foetus in the event of
an accident. This fear is justified when the seat belt
is allowed to ride up and over the belly, rather than
sitting low across the hips. Studies show that incorrect
positioning may increase the risk of; miscarriage, preterm
labour, premature rupture of membranes and placental abruption,
as well as complications sustained from blood clots, fractures
and internal injuries to vital organs. But choosing to
not wear a seat belt increases the risks to the unborn
baby. Unbelted pregnant women are nearly 3 times more
likely to experience foetal death in a car crash than
belted women in the same crash. She is also over 3 times
more likely to suffer from death herself.
The solution is to always use a seat belt, and to ensure
that it is being used correctly. Up until now, this has
been difficult, but now we have THE MATERNITY SEAT BELT
to solve this problem.
 THE
MATERNITY SEAT BELT is an ingenious design which comfortably
and easily attaches to the normal seat belt ensuring that
it cannot ride up over the belly. A specially designed,
crash tested velcro flap attaches to the normal lap belt
to hold it down low. Once THE MATERNITY SEAT BELT
is installed all you have to do is operate the seat belt
in the usual manner, then simply attach the velcro flap
to the lap portion and close it over to hold the lap portion
of the belt in place on the hips. It is not invasive or
uncomfortable and does not have to be removed when the seat
is used for other drivers/passengers. It will fit most standard
car bucket seats.
 THE
MATERNITY SEAT BELT is the only patented and tested
restraint system which has been designed and built especially
for pregnant women. Testing by the University of Michigan
Transportation research Institute (crash testing centre)
showed that THE MATERNITY SEAT BELT did not "interfere
with the function or effectiveness of the seat belt and
(it) encouraged proper positioning of the lap belt relative
to the occupant."
The LTSA confirms that THE MATERNITY SEAT BELT
complies with New Zealand transport laws
THE MATERNITY SEAT BELT is very quickly and easily
installed. It comes in two parts - the harness and the sleeve.
Always ensure that the seat is in the upright position for
installation.
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Step 1: Place the triangular portion of the Harness
on the car seat. The 'triangle' should point towards
the windscreen and the two small clips should be uppermost.
Place the straps around the backrest of the seat and
attach the large clips behind the seat. Adjust the strap
to firmly tighten the Harness to the backrest. |
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Step 2: Fasten the car seat belt as usual. Open the
Sleeve by pulling the clips out and unfastening the
velcro. Wrap the Sleeve around the lap belt with logo
facing forward. Secure the velcro and push the clips
through the slots provided. The Sleeve should be loose
enough to allow movement along the lap belt. |
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Step 3: Unfasten the car seat belt. Sit in the seat
on the Harness and fasten the car seat belt as usual. |
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Step 4: Attach the two clips on the Sleeve to the
two clips on the Harness between your thighs. Adjust
the elastic straps on the Harness as required to ensure
that the lap belt now fits snugly across your hips,
over upper thighs and below the belly. |
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Step 5: Check that the belt is now held snugly in
the position indicated. For the Maternity Seat Belt
to operate as intended, it is essential that adjustment
of the elastic is made carefully |
You are now ready to enjoy a safe and comfortable ride
for both you and your unborn baby.
 STORK
TO CHALK NOTE
We think that this product is great and when used correctly
it will ensure that you and your baby are protected as much
as possible when sitting within a motor vehicle. However,
use of THE MATERNITY SAFETY BELT can never guarantee
that injury or death will not result if an accident occurs.
Unfortunately, very serious accidents can and do occur from
time to time, and even correct use of a seat belt cannot
prevent injury in these cases. However, there is still a
significant level of foetal and maternal injury and death
than would have been prevented by the proper use of a seat
belt. Use of THE MATERNITY SEAT BELT may well save
a life.
TESTIMONIAL
"The very first day I used it, some-one pulled
out on me and I had to do an emergency stop in the car.
I didn't even notice the bump, so although (it was)
very scary, I think it certainly saved (my) baby from
feeling any pressure. (A) big thumbs up from me, for
both comfort and safety."
Lisa C, Perth, Australia |
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Product Summary:
 THE
MATERNITY SEAT BELT
- keeps tension on the lap portion of the seat belt
at all times ensuring that it does not ride up onto
your belly and making sure that your seat belt remains
in the safest position possible for your baby.
- eliminates the discomfort and nausea normally
experienced when using traditional seat belts alone.
- transforms a three point harness into a four point
harness, and transfers much of the pressure of an
accident down to the pelvic bones rather than the
abdomen.
- installs quickly and easily on almost any driver
or passenger car seats. It takes just a few seconds
after the fastening of your normal belt to secure
it in place and it does not have to be uninstalled
for non-pregnant drivers or passengers.
- is the only patented and tested restraint system
designed and built especially for pregnant women.
- it comes in two pieces, coloured black, ready
for use with full installation instructions.
Price: $65.00
Postage and handling: $5.00
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