Riding roller coasters while pregnant is generally considered unsafe and is not recommended at any stage of pregnancy due to potential risks to both you and your baby.
Why Roller Coasters Are Risky During Pregnancy
Roller coasters are all about rapid starts, sudden stops, sharp turns, and those heart-stopping drops. These intense forces can put your body through quite a workout, but not the good kind.
The forces involved in these rides can heighten the risk of serious pregnancy issues, such as:
- Placental Abruption: This is when the placenta separates from the uterus too early, potentially depriving your fetus of oxygen and nutrients—definitely a life-threatening situation.
- Miscarriage or Early Contractions: Sudden jolts or abdominal pressure can increase the risk of these complications.
- Fetal Injury: The abrupt movements could lead to injuries due to inadequate protection from the ride’s restraints, which weren’t designed with pregnancy in mind.
What to Do If You Accidentally Rode a Roller Coaster
So, you got on a ride and either didn't know you were pregnant, or didn't know how intense the ride was, or both.
- Monitor for symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, vaginal bleeding, severe nausea, dizziness, or changes in fetal movement (if in later pregnancy)
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Lack of Scientific Consensus
There are no studies out there that say amusement park rides, including roller coasters, bumper cars, the Whip, etc., are dangerous during pregnancy, but not many women are willing to be in a study to see if repeatedly riding Kingda Ka at Six Flags will cause them to miscarry.
Most healthcare providers and amusement parks err on the side of caution and advise against riding roller coasters while pregnant due to the potential for severe complications.
So until we get a bunch of women saying, “Sure, I’ll ride the bumper cars for a week straight to see if my baby survives” you’re SOL on the sidelines holding everybody’s bags while they ride the Tower of Terror.
Might I suggest picking through their wallets and getting yourself cotton candy? It’s not an amusement ride but it is amusing.
Also check out: Are Bouncy Castles Safe During Pregnancy?
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