From the Guidelines
Pregnant women should avoid high-speed rides, roller coasters, and attractions with sudden stops, drops, or jarring movements throughout pregnancy due to theoretical risks of placental separation or other complications, despite a lack of specific case reports on the effects of theme park rides on pregnant women. While there are no direct case reports on the effects of theme park rides on pregnant women, general guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy can inform decision-making 1. The 2018 Canadian guideline for physical activity throughout pregnancy emphasizes the importance of physical activity for maternal, fetal, and neonatal health but does not specifically address theme park rides 1.
Key Considerations
- Theoretical risks associated with high-speed rides, including rapid acceleration, deceleration, and gravitational forces, which could potentially cause placental separation or other complications
- Importance of consulting with a healthcare provider about specific situations and pregnancy status before riding any attractions
- Gentler attractions without sudden movements or jarring forces are generally considered safer options
- Many theme parks post their own safety guidelines and restrictions for pregnant women, often placing warning signs at ride entrances In the absence of specific case reports, it is essential to prioritize caution and consider the potential risks associated with theme park rides during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester and later pregnancy 1.
From the Research
Theme Park Rides and Pregnancy
There are no direct case reports on the effects of theme park rides on pregnant women in the provided studies.
Exercise and Pregnancy
However, the studies discuss the effects of exercise on pregnant women, which may be relevant to theme park rides that involve physical activity or intense movements. The key points are:
- Moderate exercise is safe for pregnant women and can have several benefits, including reduction in Cesarean section rates and managing gestational diabetes 2, 3.
- Exercise in pregnancy may also reduce hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes, and may be associated with shorter first stage of labor and decreased risk for cesarean section 3.
- Pregnant women should avoid contact sports, sports with a high potential of injury, and exercises with a risk of blunt abdominal trauma, especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimester 4, 5.
- Recommendations for exercise in pregnancy include maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition, avoiding hyperthermia, and taking precautions if obstetric or medical complications are present 6.
Relevant Considerations
Some considerations for pregnant women participating in physical activities, such as theme park rides, include: