Wearing a seatbelt can make the difference between life and death, especially with expecting mothers.

Dallas County Public Health Navigator Ann Cochran recommends buckling up during all stages of pregnancy. Cochran addresses the misconception that wearing a seatbelt can harm the baby, “The risk of being thrown, either forward or side to side in a vehicle accident, far outweighs some of your concerns about putting on a seatbelt while you’re pregnant. The fact is that when mom is secured in the vehicle, so is the baby, and that is essential.”

Cochran says the proper way to wear a seatbelt while pregnant is to secure the lap belt below your stomach, and rest the shoulder belt across your chest. This gives both the mother and baby the best chance of survival during a wreck. It is also state law for any driver of a motor vehicle to wear a seat belt.