Are amusement park rides safe during pregnancy?

What does the evidence say about amusement park rides during pregnancy?

1. Peak head accelerations measured on three roller coasters ranged from 5.4 to 10.2 G, milder than an 8 mph car crash, and researchers concluded the risk of traumatic brain injury from those head motions is extremely low. 1
2. Trauma of some kind is sustained in about 8 percent of all pregnancies, making it a common rather than rare event. 2
3. Placental abruption is thought to complicate 1 to 6 percent of minor injuries in pregnancy and up to half of major injuries, which is why any abdominal jolt is taken seriously. 2
4. Blunt abdominal trauma accounts for about two thirds of injuries during pregnancy, so the abdomen is the region that drives most obstetric concern after an impact. 3
5. National physical activity guidelines consistently rule out activities carrying a risk of falls, trauma or collisions during pregnancy, the category thrill rides fall into. 4

Is amusement park rides safe in each trimester?

• First trimester. The uterus still sits low inside the pelvis in the early weeks, which offers some shielding. The advice applies from the start anyway, partly because nausea and dizziness are usually peaking right about now.
• Second trimester. As the bump rises out of the pelvis, restraint bars stop sitting comfortably and the abdomen is more exposed to a sudden jolt. This is usually where people switch to the calm rides.
• Third trimester. Jostling, long queues in the heat and slippery walkways all add up late in pregnancy. Plan for shade, water, frequent sitting, and the slow rides only.