Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
Riding on Roller Coasters during Pregnancy | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
I am almost seven months pregnant and would like to know if it is alright to go on roller coasters.— Curious Adventurer in Ocala, FL | | | ANSWER |
November 1, 2001 | | | Dear Curious Adventurer,
In the old days, women weren't allowed to do anything when they were pregnant, and now women want to do everything! But there are some activities that do pose a risk to the pregnancy, and roller coasters are on the list. Why? Because rapid starts and stops that create shearing forces inside the uterus can, in theory at least, cause premature separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus, known by the medical term placental abruption. I don't know of any research that shows that roller coaster riding has actually led to this complication, but I don't know of any research that shows it's safe either. And, since car accidents can cause this serious complication even when there isn't direct trauma to the uterus, there is reason to believe that roller coasters may also be unsafe for babies and mothers-to-be.
So, I suggest that you reconsider your plans, and find something fun to do that doesn't bang you around quite so much. For ideas, see our article on sports and exercise in pregnancy.— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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