Latest news with #StefanKane
The Australian
10-08-2025
- Automotive
- The Australian
Pregnant drivers warned over dangerous seatbelt mistake
I was heavily pregnant and running late. Then I hit a pothole – hard. For a moment I felt like I was auditioning for Fast & Furious: Prenatal Drift. Cue panic. I pulled over and Googled: 'Driving over pothole pregnancy'. The results? Terrifying. Phrases like 'placental abruption', 'seek immediate care', and 'avoid at all costs', jumped out at me. There is no evidence that going over potholes harms the foetus. MORE: 'Huge threat': Fears over common Temu buy Could one bump in the road, at low speed, really put my baby at risk? Thankfully, no. 'There is no evidence that going over speed bumps or potholes at low, reasonable speeds harms the foetus,' says Associate Professor Stefan Kane, director of maternity services at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne. 'There is no data linking this to miscarriage or preterm labour at normal speeds.' But the real danger lies elsewhere. 'Sadly, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of trauma-related maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality,' says Associate Professor Kane. 'Risk of injury increases during the second and third trimesters … However, proper seatbelt use significantly reduces the risk of the baby dying in crashes.' Yet many pregnant drivers don't wear their seatbelts properly. Many pregnant drivers don't wear their seatbelts properly. Picture: Getty Images. Obstetrician Dr Guy Skinner often sees women pushing the sash belt up high behind them, thinking it's safer or more comfortable for the bump. 'There's no point wearing a seatbelt if it hasn't done its primary thing and that's to slow the human body from hitting the dashboard or seat in front of you,' he says. And those maternity seatbelt adjusters sold online cheaply through businesses like Temu, Ebay and Facebook Marketplace? Remove from cart! The advice is to use a normal seatbelt properly. Experts warn maternity seatbelt adjusters don't help in any way. Picture: AliExpress MORE: Direct threat': Temu hits back over 'fake' claims Associate Professor Sjaan Koppel from the Monash University Accident Research Centre explains the right way to buckle up: 'The lap belt should be placed below the baby bump, snugly across the pelvis and upper thighs. Never across or above the abdomen,' she says. The belt should be placed below the baby bump. Picture: Getty Images. 'The shoulder (sash) belt should run between the breasts and over the collarbone. Not under the arm or behind the back. Ensure the belt is flat and not twisted.' Beyond seatbelts, Dr Skinner says one of the most common questions he gets is: When should I stop driving? Back in the day, it was common advice to stop driving after around 32–34 weeks because steering wheels didn't retract, and bumps didn't fit behind them. Now, if you're carrying a single baby, it's usually safe to drive right up to the end of pregnancy. Multiples? You're more likely to be benched by 32 to 34 weeks, due to spatial logistics. And what about airbags? Contrary to some fears, they're safe and protective, as long as your bump isn't pressed right up against the wheel. Experts say pregnancy can change the way we drive. Picture: Getty Images. MORE: The hybrid delivering more for less Low-speed crashes, such as carpark fender-benders or knocking into poles, are surprisingly common during pregnancy. 'We see them every three to four weeks,' Dr Skinner says. 'It's probably due to some change in concentration in pregnant women.' He claims minor bingles at low speed (under 20 km/h) are unlikely to cause concern. So, while a pothole won't send you into labour, experts say pregnancy can change the way we drive, and not always for the better. If it means easing into the Driving Miss Daisy era a little early? It might be the safest move, for mum and bub.
Herald Sun
08-08-2025
- Health
- Herald Sun
Pregnant drivers warned over dangerous seatbelt mistake
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. I was heavily pregnant and running late. Then I hit a pothole – hard. For a moment I felt like I was auditioning for Fast & Furious: Prenatal Drift. Cue panic. I pulled over and Googled: 'Driving over pothole pregnancy'. The results? Terrifying. Phrases like 'placental abruption', 'seek immediate care', and 'avoid at all costs', jumped out at me. There is no evidence that going over potholes harms the foetus. MORE: 'Huge threat': Fears over common Temu buy Could one bump in the road, at low speed, really put my baby at risk? Thankfully, no. 'There is no evidence that going over speed bumps or potholes at low, reasonable speeds harms the foetus,' says Associate Professor Stefan Kane, director of maternity services at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne. 'There is no data linking this to miscarriage or preterm labour at normal speeds.' But the real danger lies elsewhere. 'Sadly, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of trauma-related maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality,' says Associate Professor Kane. 'Risk of injury increases during the second and third trimesters … However, proper seatbelt use significantly reduces the risk of the baby dying in crashes.' Yet many pregnant drivers don't wear their seatbelts properly. Many pregnant drivers don't wear their seatbelts properly. Picture: Getty Images. Obstetrician Dr Guy Skinner often sees women pushing the sash belt up high behind them, thinking it's safer or more comfortable for the bump. 'There's no point wearing a seatbelt if it hasn't done its primary thing and that's to slow the human body from hitting the dashboard or seat in front of you,' he says. And those maternity seatbelt adjusters sold online cheaply through businesses like Temu, Ebay and Facebook Marketplace? Remove from cart! The advice is to use a normal seatbelt properly. Experts warn maternity seatbelt adjusters don't help in any way. Picture: AliExpress MORE: Direct threat': Temu hits back over 'fake' claims Associate Professor Sjaan Koppel from the Monash University Accident Research Centre explains the right way to buckle up: 'The lap belt should be placed below the baby bump, snugly across the pelvis and upper thighs. Never across or above the abdomen,' she says. The belt should be placed below the baby bump. Picture: Getty Images. 'The shoulder (sash) belt should run between the breasts and over the collarbone. Not under the arm or behind the back. Ensure the belt is flat and not twisted.' Beyond seatbelts, Dr Skinner says one of the most common questions he gets is: When should I stop driving? Back in the day, it was common advice to stop driving after around 32–34 weeks because steering wheels didn't retract, and bumps didn't fit behind them. Now, if you're carrying a single baby, it's usually safe to drive right up to the end of pregnancy. Multiples? You're more likely to be benched by 32 to 34 weeks, due to spatial logistics. And what about airbags? Contrary to some fears, they're safe and protective, as long as your bump isn't pressed right up against the wheel. Experts say pregnancy can change the way we drive. Picture: Getty Images. MORE: The hybrid delivering more for less Low-speed crashes, such as carpark fender-benders or knocking into poles, are surprisingly common during pregnancy. 'We see them every three to four weeks,' Dr Skinner says. 'It's probably due to some change in concentration in pregnant women.' He claims minor bingles at low speed (under 20 km/h) are unlikely to cause concern. So, while a pothole won't send you into labour, experts say pregnancy can change the way we drive, and not always for the better. If it means easing into the Driving Miss Daisy era a little early? It might be the safest move, for mum and bub. Originally published as 'Risk of injury': Do you need to stop driving while pregnant?
News.com.au
08-08-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
‘Risk of injury': Do you need to stop driving while pregnant?
I was heavily pregnant and running late. Then I hit a pothole – hard. For a moment I felt like I was auditioning for Fast & Furious: Prenatal Drif t. Cue panic. I pulled over and Googled: 'Driving over pothole pregnancy'. The results? Terrifying. Phrases like 'placental abruption', 'seek immediate care', and 'avoid at all costs', jumped out at me. Could one bump in the road, at low speed, really put my baby at risk? Thankfully, no. 'There is no evidence that going over speed bumps or potholes at low, reasonable speeds harms the foetus,' says Associate Professor Stefan Kane, director of maternity services at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne. 'There is no data linking this to miscarriage or preterm labour at normal speeds.' But the real danger lies elsewhere. 'Sadly, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of trauma-related maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality,' says Associate Professor Kane. 'Risk of injury increases during the second and third trimesters … However, proper seatbelt use significantly reduces the risk of the baby dying in crashes.' Yet many pregnant drivers don't wear their seatbelts properly. Obstetrician Dr Guy Skinner often sees women pushing the sash belt up high behind them, thinking it's safer or more comfortable for the bump. 'There's no point wearing a seatbelt if it hasn't done its primary thing and that's to slow the human body from hitting the dashboard or seat in front of you,' he says. And those maternity seatbelt adjusters sold online? Remove from cart! The advice is to use a normal seatbelt properly. Associate Professor Sjaan Koppel from the Monash University Accident Research Centre explains the right way to buckle up: 'The lap belt should be placed below the baby bump, snugly across the pelvis and upper thighs. Never across or above the abdomen,' she says. 'The shoulder (sash) belt should run between the breasts and over the collarbone. Not under the arm or behind the back. Ensure the belt is flat and not twisted.' Beyond seatbelts, Dr Skinner says one of the most common questions he gets is: When should I stop driving? Back in the day, it was common advice to stop driving after around 32–34 weeks because steering wheels didn't retract, and bumps didn't fit behind them. Now, if you're carrying a single baby, it's usually safe to drive right up to the end of pregnancy. Multiples? You're more likely to be benched by 32 to 34 weeks, due to spatial logistics. And what about airbags? Contrary to some fears, they're safe and protective, as long as your bump isn't pressed right up against the wheel. Low-speed crashes, such as carpark fender-benders or knocking into poles, are surprisingly common during pregnancy. 'We see them every three to four weeks,' Dr Skinner says. 'It's probably due to some change in concentration in pregnant women.' He claims minor bingles at low speed (under 20 km/h) are unlikely to cause concern. So, while a pothole won't send you into labour, experts say pregnancy can change the way we drive, and not always for the better. If it means easing into the Driving Miss Daisy era a little early? It might be the safest move, for mum and bub.
The Advertiser
25-07-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
New device to help treat serious birth risk for women
Women who experience postpartum haemorrhages could soon have access to more treatment options as a new device is added to Australia's therapeutic goods register. Between five and 15 per cent of women who give birth can experience a postpartum haemorrhage. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening obstetric emergency which can lead to maternal death or morbidity. A haemorrhage is defined as a blood loss post-birth of 500 millilitres or more while a severe haemorrhage occurs when a litre or more is lost. The impacts on mothers of this complication can be physical and psychological, including extreme fatigue from blood loss, delayed milk production and trauma from the experience. But despite increasing rates of postpartum haemorrhages, many women are unaware of the risk. Care providers need to delicately balance factual information without frightening mums-to-be, maternal fetal medicine sub-specialist obstetrician Stefan Kane said. "Women are having babies at an older age and more are being induced, two things which can increase risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage," he told AAP. "Information is power and being aware of the chance of having a birth injury or haemorrhage is really important." Maternity care providers should also explain what will happen in the event of a haemorrhage, including the possibility of surgery, Associate Professor Kane said. Extensive blood loss after birth is most commonly caused by the uterus being too relaxed and not contracting down, which can be treated by medicine. In cases where the medicine did not work, Assoc Prof Kane said it was important for care teams to have other options as the condition is potentially life-threatening. The JADA system has recently been added to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. It is a medical device that applies a low-level vacuum to the uterus and induces muscle contraction to control and treat postpartum haemorrhage. The device has been used overseas for a number of years and would be a helpful addition to Australian hospitals, Assoc Prof Kane said. "The first step is having it available on the register and now we can start studying it further and see the role it could play in our approach to preventing and treating postpartum haemorrhage," he said. Women who experience postpartum haemorrhages could soon have access to more treatment options as a new device is added to Australia's therapeutic goods register. Between five and 15 per cent of women who give birth can experience a postpartum haemorrhage. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening obstetric emergency which can lead to maternal death or morbidity. A haemorrhage is defined as a blood loss post-birth of 500 millilitres or more while a severe haemorrhage occurs when a litre or more is lost. The impacts on mothers of this complication can be physical and psychological, including extreme fatigue from blood loss, delayed milk production and trauma from the experience. But despite increasing rates of postpartum haemorrhages, many women are unaware of the risk. Care providers need to delicately balance factual information without frightening mums-to-be, maternal fetal medicine sub-specialist obstetrician Stefan Kane said. "Women are having babies at an older age and more are being induced, two things which can increase risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage," he told AAP. "Information is power and being aware of the chance of having a birth injury or haemorrhage is really important." Maternity care providers should also explain what will happen in the event of a haemorrhage, including the possibility of surgery, Associate Professor Kane said. Extensive blood loss after birth is most commonly caused by the uterus being too relaxed and not contracting down, which can be treated by medicine. In cases where the medicine did not work, Assoc Prof Kane said it was important for care teams to have other options as the condition is potentially life-threatening. The JADA system has recently been added to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. It is a medical device that applies a low-level vacuum to the uterus and induces muscle contraction to control and treat postpartum haemorrhage. The device has been used overseas for a number of years and would be a helpful addition to Australian hospitals, Assoc Prof Kane said. "The first step is having it available on the register and now we can start studying it further and see the role it could play in our approach to preventing and treating postpartum haemorrhage," he said. Women who experience postpartum haemorrhages could soon have access to more treatment options as a new device is added to Australia's therapeutic goods register. Between five and 15 per cent of women who give birth can experience a postpartum haemorrhage. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening obstetric emergency which can lead to maternal death or morbidity. A haemorrhage is defined as a blood loss post-birth of 500 millilitres or more while a severe haemorrhage occurs when a litre or more is lost. The impacts on mothers of this complication can be physical and psychological, including extreme fatigue from blood loss, delayed milk production and trauma from the experience. But despite increasing rates of postpartum haemorrhages, many women are unaware of the risk. Care providers need to delicately balance factual information without frightening mums-to-be, maternal fetal medicine sub-specialist obstetrician Stefan Kane said. "Women are having babies at an older age and more are being induced, two things which can increase risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage," he told AAP. "Information is power and being aware of the chance of having a birth injury or haemorrhage is really important." Maternity care providers should also explain what will happen in the event of a haemorrhage, including the possibility of surgery, Associate Professor Kane said. Extensive blood loss after birth is most commonly caused by the uterus being too relaxed and not contracting down, which can be treated by medicine. In cases where the medicine did not work, Assoc Prof Kane said it was important for care teams to have other options as the condition is potentially life-threatening. The JADA system has recently been added to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. It is a medical device that applies a low-level vacuum to the uterus and induces muscle contraction to control and treat postpartum haemorrhage. The device has been used overseas for a number of years and would be a helpful addition to Australian hospitals, Assoc Prof Kane said. "The first step is having it available on the register and now we can start studying it further and see the role it could play in our approach to preventing and treating postpartum haemorrhage," he said. Women who experience postpartum haemorrhages could soon have access to more treatment options as a new device is added to Australia's therapeutic goods register. Between five and 15 per cent of women who give birth can experience a postpartum haemorrhage. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening obstetric emergency which can lead to maternal death or morbidity. A haemorrhage is defined as a blood loss post-birth of 500 millilitres or more while a severe haemorrhage occurs when a litre or more is lost. The impacts on mothers of this complication can be physical and psychological, including extreme fatigue from blood loss, delayed milk production and trauma from the experience. But despite increasing rates of postpartum haemorrhages, many women are unaware of the risk. Care providers need to delicately balance factual information without frightening mums-to-be, maternal fetal medicine sub-specialist obstetrician Stefan Kane said. "Women are having babies at an older age and more are being induced, two things which can increase risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage," he told AAP. "Information is power and being aware of the chance of having a birth injury or haemorrhage is really important." Maternity care providers should also explain what will happen in the event of a haemorrhage, including the possibility of surgery, Associate Professor Kane said. Extensive blood loss after birth is most commonly caused by the uterus being too relaxed and not contracting down, which can be treated by medicine. In cases where the medicine did not work, Assoc Prof Kane said it was important for care teams to have other options as the condition is potentially life-threatening. The JADA system has recently been added to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. It is a medical device that applies a low-level vacuum to the uterus and induces muscle contraction to control and treat postpartum haemorrhage. The device has been used overseas for a number of years and would be a helpful addition to Australian hospitals, Assoc Prof Kane said. "The first step is having it available on the register and now we can start studying it further and see the role it could play in our approach to preventing and treating postpartum haemorrhage," he said.
Perth Now
24-07-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
New device to help treat serious birth risk for women
Women who experience postpartum haemorrhages could soon have access to more treatment options as a new device is added to Australia's therapeutic goods register. Between five and 15 per cent of women who give birth can experience a postpartum haemorrhage. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening obstetric emergency which can lead to maternal death or morbidity. A haemorrhage is defined as a blood loss post-birth of 500 millilitres or more while a severe haemorrhage occurs when a litre or more is lost. The impacts on mothers of this complication can be physical and psychological, including extreme fatigue from blood loss, delayed milk production and trauma from the experience. But despite increasing rates of postpartum haemorrhages, many women are unaware of the risk. Care providers need to delicately balance factual information without frightening mums-to-be, maternal fetal medicine sub-specialist obstetrician Stefan Kane said. "Women are having babies at an older age and more are being induced, two things which can increase risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage," he told AAP. "Information is power and being aware of the chance of having a birth injury or haemorrhage is really important." Maternity care providers should also explain what will happen in the event of a haemorrhage, including the possibility of surgery, Associate Professor Kane said. Extensive blood loss after birth is most commonly caused by the uterus being too relaxed and not contracting down, which can be treated by medicine. In cases where the medicine did not work, Assoc Prof Kane said it was important for care teams to have other options as the condition is potentially life-threatening. The JADA system has recently been added to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. It is a medical device that applies a low-level vacuum to the uterus and induces muscle contraction to control and treat postpartum haemorrhage. The device has been used overseas for a number of years and would be a helpful addition to Australian hospitals, Assoc Prof Kane said. "The first step is having it available on the register and now we can start studying it further and see the role it could play in our approach to preventing and treating postpartum haemorrhage," he said.
