Amusement Park Rides and Pregnancy: Is it Safe?

on July 9, 2009 at 11:27 AM

amusement parks and pregnancy Summer is officially here and moms just want to have fun—so do moms-to-be. Can you add going to an amusement park to your list of pregnancy-safe summer activities?

You can certainly go to an amusement park. My friend (pregnant with twins) just brought her three-year-old to Disney World and they had a great time.

The real question is: Can you go on the rides?

The Pregnancy Health Guru says this, via Marsha Silberstein, M.D.:

"If you choose to go to an amusement park while you’re pregnant, you may find that you have quite a few limitations. Although most rides are not a good idea, there are some, like bumper cars, that are particularly dangerous when you’re expecting. Repeat collisions against the steering wheel could result in bleeding or placental abruption, making a bumper car ride dangerous indeed."

The bottom line: Go to the amusement park. Skip the rides.

What do you think? Would you go on an amusement park ride while pregnant? Which one?

About the author Suzanne Murray

is the Parenting & Political editor at The Stir/Moms Matter 2012.

Filed Under: is it safe

Comments (13)

Peajewel

on Jul 9, 2009 at 11:50 AM

I went to Cedar Point while I was pregnant and I stood in line with everyone to ride all the rides and then when we got to the top, I crossed over and waited. It was still a fun day since I got to hang out with everyone, I just did not get to ride the Top Thrill Dragster or the Millenium!

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Chrissy9479

on Jul 9, 2009 at 4:44 PM

I am going to Busch Gardens next week, and I am the offical purse/stuff holder :) but I don't mind, just being able to go and take the day off work will be totally worth it!

Melmomof2girls

on Jul 9, 2009 at 10:54 PM

I would not be able to go. I am an adrellin {sp makes my internet freeze lol} jinkie! I would not be able to go to the park, and just walk around for the day. i would get mad that i can't go on the roller coasters or the water rides. dh and i alreay agreed that going to dorney park {we live 45 min away} would be a BAD idea since he does not do rides and i can't go on any.

RanaAurora

on Jul 9, 2009 at 11:22 PM

No. it's not worth the risk.

tyrelsmom

on Jul 9, 2009 at 11:40 PM

I take my toddlers on the baby rides, but that's it. And those rides don't have pregnant woman warnings.

toriandgrace

on Jul 10, 2009 at 2:51 AM

I would go on the Ferris Wheel, and the carousel, etc. None with any risk associated.

Nov2009Mommie

on Jul 10, 2009 at 11:46 AM

I went to Six Flags about 4 times, I rode some rides, but no rides that spun around in circles really fast and no roller coasters.

The rides I rode were things like; the ferris wheel, the swings, and two water rides.

The one water ride was like a giant slide that you ride down in a giant raft with 5 other people, i didn't see anything wrong with it.

The other water ride was kind of like riding down a river and stuff, i didn't see anything wrong with that either.

And then of course, me and my friends went swimming. I don't see anything wrong with that :)

A_DiPasquale09

on Jul 10, 2009 at 4:42 PM

I wouldn't go. I need rollercoaster thrill if i go. Going to an amusement park and not riding them is like taking me to the food court and telling me i can't eat.

BatGirl1415

on Jul 10, 2009 at 11:06 PM

I don't see a problem with riding the rides, even rollercoasters, before the 12th week or so. Or before the uterus grows above the pelvis. A lot of women don't even know they're pregnant then anyway.

After that though, I would only go on soft rides like previous poster said. Ferris wheel, carousel etc. They wouldn't be any more dangerous than a car-ride.