Caring for Motherhood: Safety

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Violence Prevention and Safe Gun Storage and Handling

In the United States…

  • There are over 400 unintentional gun deaths that occur each year, mostly among children.
  • Suicides account for most gun deaths.
  • Having access to guns triples the risk of death by suicide.
  • Homicide is the 2nd leading cause of injury-related deaths among pregnant and postpartum women.
  •  Access to firearms increases risk of intimate partner homicide by more than five times compared to no weapon access.

Tips

  • Seek help if you are a domestic violence victim.
  • If you are having thoughts of suicide, seek help from a professional or person that you trust, or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.
  • If you have guns in the home:
    • Store guns out of reach of children.
    • Store guns unloaded in a locked container or safe.
    • Store ammunition locked in a separate location.
    • Use a gun lock.
  • Ask about unsecured guns when spending time in other homes.

Driving and riding safely when pregnant 

Doctors recommend always wearing a seatbelt, including when pregnant. Pregnant women should also leave airbags on. Wearing your seatbelt correctly can help protect both you and your baby from injury. If you’re in a car accident, get medical treatment quickly to make sure you and your baby are okay.

Tips

  • Always wear both the lap belt and the shoulder strap. Make sure they both fit you snugly.
  • Never text while driving and avoid talking on the phone, eating, and other distracting activities.
  • When pregnant:
    • The lap belt should be secured below your belly.
    • The shoulder belt should lie over your chest. Never place the shoulder strap under your arm.
    • Your seat should be adjusted so you can comfortably reach the steering wheel and pedals while placing as much distance as possible between you and your vehicle airbags.
  • Never drive, or drive with someone, impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Resources

  • Be SMART (Secure, Model, Ask, Recognize, Tell)
    • A program to raise awareness that storing guns locked, unloaded and separate from ammunition can save lives.
    • Besmartforkids.org
    • View information and videos under Resources.
    • Ask your health care provider if you need help obtaining a gun lock.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: nhtsa.gov
  • Safe Kids: safekids.org

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