From the Research
Pregnant women should avoid amusement park rides due to potential risks to both mother and fetus, as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to minimize the risk of placental abruption, preterm labor, and fetal trauma. The ACOG recommends that pregnant women avoid activities with rapid starts, stops, or jarring movements, which includes most amusement park rides 1. While there are limited formal case reports documenting adverse outcomes specifically from amusement park rides during pregnancy, the theoretical risks include placental abruption, preterm labor, and fetal trauma from sudden acceleration/deceleration forces. The physical stress from these rides can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure in the mother, potentially reducing blood flow to the placenta. Additionally, the forceful movements may lead to trauma to the abdomen. These risks increase as pregnancy progresses due to the enlarged uterus and more vulnerable placental attachment.
Some key points to consider:
- Walking around amusement parks is generally safe, but pregnant women should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and avoid overheating.
- If a pregnant woman has been on rides before realizing the potential risks, she should monitor for any concerning symptoms like vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, contractions, or decreased fetal movement and contact her healthcare provider if these occur.
- Exercise during pregnancy is safe for both mother and fetus, and can help prevent relevant pregnancy-related disorders, such as gestational diabetes, excessive gestational weight gain, hypertensive disorders, urinary incontinence, fetal macrosomia, lumbopelvic pain, anxiety, and prenatal depression, as long as it is done in moderation and according to current guidelines 2.
- The benefits of exercise during pregnancy outweigh the risks, and pregnant women should be encouraged to engage in regular physical activity, adapted to their previous fitness level, medical history, and characteristics of the ongoing pregnancy 2.