Pregnancy and riding "forbidden" rides

[Colleen27]

I was 12 weeks along on one trip and 9 weeks on another, and my doctors okayed a lot of the rides with warnings. I don't remember the specifics from the first trip, cause that was 13+ years ago, but for our Jan '08 trip the "off limits" list was RnR, and MS:Orange - the rides with really significant g-forces. I still rode the mountains, the safari, Star Tours, Kali, and a few others that have warnings.

My OB is a Disney nut herself and knows the rides well, so I trusted her judgement completely. She said that after the first trimester the "do not ride" list is a lot longer, but that early on when the baby is tiny and well cushioned there is very little at Disney that involves forces strong enough to potentially disrupt anything. The concerns are different at 21 weeks, though, and at that point I think I'd avoid almost everything with a warning (with the exception of the safari and maybe Kali or Star Tours) and absolutely anything with a lap bar.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) The warning signs aren't just a "liable" issue or gentle hint.
2) The effects of rides is totally different than running or jogging.
3) There are all sorts of forces on the mother and the baby
4) People easily can recognize side-to-side, front-to-back, up-and-down forces
5) But, possible even worse, are centrifugal, centripetal and fictitious.
6) Any of these can have major effects, or no effects.
7) Thus, the signs are "warnings".
8) We are adults can abide by the warnings or ignore them.


NOTE: When DD#1 had back disc surgery, she followed the warnings for EVERY ride. When DD#2 was pregnant, she went on a few of the rides with warnings, since she believed them not to be too severe. By these two instances, I do not make any recommendations, just illustrations. People with medical conditions, pregnancy included, would probably be advised to follow the warnings.

 

[Tara922c]

I was at disney for the day when I was 30 weeks pregnant, and rode several rides. I avoided any ride that said, "pregnant woman should not ride". I know I rode Sorin', so I think you will be fine on that one. I wouldn't ride Space Mountain, or anything that shakes you. I don't believe the CMs can tell you that "you cannot ride", because the warning signs say, "pregnant woman are encouraged not to ride"

I would think RnR throws your body around just a little bit more that running! I talked to my OB/GYN before my trip, and he told me to drink plenty of water, take plenty of breaks, and avoid any ride that is "jerky". Let me tell you we only spent one day in the parks, (only there for the weekend), and we were there from rope drop until midnight, and towards the end of the day I was MISERABLE! I had to use the restroom every 5 minutes, and my ankles became so swollen that I was wobbling! I had two CMs offer me a wheel char to get out of the parks. I would never do a commando day big and pregnant at Disney again. I would go, just not try to run around for 15 hours.

 

[Ciciwoowoo]

I rode Buzz Lightyear with my son (which is not on the list of no-no rides) and when I got off, I was soooo sick! The spinning just killed me.

So, I can't really help you with insight into the no pregnancy rides, but I can advise do NOT ride Buzz Lightyear with someone who will spin it! Either that, or take control of the darned thing yourself!


Good luck to you!

 

[lovethattink]

When I was pregnant I had trouble riding 2 of the attractions that don't carry pregnancy warnings. Both the Haunted Mansion and Space Ship earth really pulled on the round ligaments when the ride turned backwards and had a tilt.

 

[SnipsNSnails]

Ak - no Dinosaur, no EE, no PW and no Kali.
Epcot - no MS, no TT.
MK - no BTMRR, no mountains, no speedway
DHS - no RnR, no ToT

Thats the ones for sure not recommended, but think of all the attractions, shows, rides etc. you CAN do.

I agree with all of those and I avoided POTC at MK too due to the drop and the teacups, but you'd be ok on those if you didn't spin I think. But I was also 30-31 wks along. It was my DS's first trip so if I could see him riding ie: dumbo, carousel etc. I usually let someone else do the honors but that was just personal preference at that point. If you think you'll get tired with all the walking and standing, I highly suggest getting a wheelchair. We were staying for 3 days and I don't think I could of done it without the wheelchair (but I was 10 weeks further along than you will be). We were also there at Christmas time so it was quite crowded. It was nice to have a seat all the time and when the lines were long, I could use the wheelchair entrance to avoid standing for long periods, it was much nicer to wait seated. Disney is a great theme park to go to when pregnant because you really can do so much!

 

[Brian Noble]

This is a conversation you need to have with your OB, not random folks on DISboards. (Apologies to any random folks on DISboards who happen to be OBs).

 

[MistressMerryweather]

I'm not saying that I am planning on riding those rides at all or asking advice about if I should ride. I'm just really wondering what the logic is behind it.

This is a conversation you need to have with your OB, not random folks on DISboards. (Apologies to any random folks on DISboards who happen to be OBs).

See quote from my op. I'm not asking for advice on whether of not I should ride. FWIW, I don't use an OB for pregnancies unless there is an emergency need.

Thanks bunches for the comments, especially the explanations. Makes much more sense to me now. Thanks, guys!

 

[collegejunkie]

i don't have any useful input (sorry lol), but i wanted to say that i love that you refer to baby #4 as your souvenir from your last trip it just makes me happy for some reason haha. hope you have a great time!

 

[Mickey'sZebra<3]

You need to check with your OB and follow the recommended guidlelines set by the park..Honestly..Pregnancy lasts only a precious 9 months, Disney will always be there.If something negative were to happen you would spend the REST of your life wondering was it preventable or something you did.Drs will tell you its generally OK to continue a regular fitness regime etc during pregnancy,and a regular fitness regime and daily life is NOT the same as themepark rides that exert forces on the body

agreed!! Disney rides will be there next time, also there is a lot more to do in Disney than just the rides anyway! How could a ride possibly be worth the safety of your unborn baby

 

[disnut8]

First of all, Disney does not prevent anyone from riding any attraction as long as they meet the minimum height requirements and are unlikely to cause injury to others while on the attraction. They do place warnings, based on medical advice, that people with certain physical conditions should not ride.

And they are warnings, not restrictions. I have a broken neck so therefore, I pay attention to the attractions with neck warnings. However, there are a few of those attractions that I ride anyway. I've been on the attractions before my accident so I know what the ride is like. And my husband has been on the attractions after my accident and decided if I could ride or not based on what my doctor's said and what the ride actually did. For example, I do go on Splash Mountain because I can handle the one drop. But I don't do Big Thunder Mountain Railroad because I can't handle the side to side "whipping" around of my head.

Ultimately, it's up to you. Obviously, you should listen to your doctor but in the end, it's your decision.

 

[Sunday]

I'm just back from WDW, and at 12 to 13 weeks pregnant rode:

Barnstormer
Big Mountain Railroad
Space Mountain
ToT
Soarin'
Test Track
Everest

I guess we all make our own decisions. Mine were based on my doctor's advice, the comfort level I felt with the restraint system, and my own personal health and fitness.

As someone who was encouraged to jog and continue step aerobics throughout pregnancy, I didn't see the difference at all.

I would not have ridden these rides had I been in my second trimester or third, because my doctor's recommendations would have changed.

I was stopped and asked once if I "had read the sign" hint hint, nudge nudge.

Where was I asked the one and only time?

Barnstormer.

 

[grits98]

I was attending my regular classes for step and aerobics etc. taking off a few items and turning it down a notch, regular housework and all that comes with it (not moving furniture or lifting anything other than sometimes my son). I had a very active autistic 3 yr old and felt amazing - at 30 weeks my placenta detached. Never saw it coming. I am NOT trying to be scary or mean, but I never once experienced a problem in my previous pregnancy or that one either until that point.

Just wanted to extend my sympathy. I'm so sorry that happened to you.

.

 

[dizzneebabe]

When I was 5.5 months along in my 3rd pregnancy, I stayed off all "warned" rides with the exception of the Safari ( I knew what to expect and sat towards the front and middle), the family raft ride at Typhoon (no big deal there) and Star Wars--that was my BIG mistake! Even though I had been on it many, many times, I really had to brace myself with my legs throughout the ride. Fortunately, everything was fine, but if I had to do over again, I would have sat that one out!

 

[cheshiregirl]

I also rode the Safari (front row center) at 4 months along with my OB's consent. But, I do have to say that I was nervous the entire ride and I'm not sure I really ever relaxed enough to enjoy it.

 

[ronnmel]

What slides/rides at the water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach) have restrictions for pregnant women?