[Question] Ride restrictions for expectant mothers

[BELLAMOM]

I just found out I am three weeks pregnante and we are going to Disneyland and California Adventure on December 9th - 12th. I will be 8 weeks or so by then and I know they advise expectant mother not to ride on almost EVERY ride worth going onto! So I was wondering if anyone else has been in my situation and if they knew how safe or unsafe it is to go on them. I won't even be showing and I plan on asking my doctor but I also want to hear from people who have had similar experiances.
Also I can't change our plans (non-refundable)
Thanks

[SpcMtn77]

Re: Ride restrictions for expectant mothers

My advice...check the parks website or other forums for restricted rides. Here's a helpful one:
Pregnant women at DL [Archive] - MousePad

Even though you may not be showing, there is always a risk when pregnant women are jostled around too much. I once went on a ride at a theme park without realizing how turbulent it was or noticing the warning. Afterward I was so scared that my baby could have been injured or my pregnancy threatened. Although you would surely be able to get on the ride w/out question from the CM, it's just not worth the risk or worry in my opinion. If (God forbid) something negative happens later in your pregnancy, you may always wonder or have guilt that something you did contributed. I would just suggest skipping those particular rides as I have had to do in the past. You'll still have a great time...I did

[mamarulis]

Re: Ride restrictions for expectant mothers

I went to DL and DCA when I was pregnant with my last daughter and will be going again next week, at 14 weeks pregnant. There is no way I'd risk the health of me and my baby (even if the risk is small) just to ride my favorites. There are plenty of family rides that you can participate in. Also, just to be with my family and enjoy the experience of Disney makes for a fantastic day!

[Sparkle&shine]

Re: Ride restrictions for expectant mothers

This is just the beginning of things that will change with a child ;-)
Since you already know you're PG so soon - most people don't find out until they are 4 weeks since that's when they think to take the test - you are probably a planner by nature so I would just think about all of the rides and things that you CAN do!! Sure you will miss a ride on the mountains but there are plenty of other great rides without any restrictions! Congratulations and I hope you are feeling well for your vacation!!

[dsnylndmom]

Re: Ride restrictions for expectant mothers

There's still so much to do at DL/DCA without riding the big rides. I went when I was pregnant with my younger son and still had a wonderful time. Since you're going to be there during holiday time focus more on the holiday stuff and less and the big rides. And have fun!

[acsrbc]

Re: Ride restrictions for expectant mothers

I went to the park when I was 6 1/2 months pregnant It was hard not to do the faves - Space/Splash/Big Thunder/Tower of Terror/Indy... but it freed up time to do other things. I did go on Soarin' which is one ride the guidelines say is not good for expectant mothers. I didn't think that it was going to jostle me and the baby too much. I also went on Francis' Lady Bug Boogie with my 6 year old niece and I had no problem (there are no precautions for that ride though). I enjoyed taking my time shopping, taking a lot of photos, and eating!

I know of a couple acquaintances that went on all the rides when they were in the last trimester and their babies are fine. However, I knew that I wasn't comfortable taking a chance so I preferred to sit it out and be safe.

One thing, when I was riding HM when the bar lowered into my lap, it hit my stomach (I was all baby bump during my pregnancy) so hard that I cried halfway through the ride. Next time I sat in the doom buggy, I turned slightly to the side so that the bar wouldn't hit me again.

Have a great trip and congratulations!

[BELLAMOM]

Re: Ride restrictions for expectant mothers

Thanks everyone, I am just sooo bummed. This wasn't a planned pregnancy so this is very, very unexpected and what sucks the most is that we are taking our six year old daughter and have been planning this vacation for her for two years and I wont be able to go on the rides with her. My husband is a big guy and somethimes can't get the bar down far enough (he has big legs) to secure our daughter into the rides so I always rode with her. Do you think the CM will know if she is secure enough to ride with him?

[Sheveyman]

Re: Ride restrictions for expectant mothers

When I read the headline for some reason I had a picture of a baby in mid air attached to their cord on Tower of Terror...

Most rides are single restraints... Big Thunder mountain is the only one I can think of with a single bar that may be a problem... Most or individual restraints, seat belts or nothing at all... The Fantasyland rides may be a problem, but since there is only one entrance as long as the sit on the interior of the car, won't be a problem. As long as she knows she has to sit... Or get some double sided tape...

I'm 6'3 about 270 lbs and went down with my 1 1/2 year old about 20 lbs and we went on rides together... That's a big difference... This year we are closing the gap. I'll be 240 and he is now 30 lbs...

[24601]

Re: Ride restrictions for expectant mothers

If the attraction has an expectant mother restriction on it I suggest not riding. Even if you recall it not being too jerky, etc. all your experiences may have been under normal or less than the extreme conditions. An emergency shutdown - for example - can be more intense than you are used to the attraction being.

Have fun, and enjoy your day at the park!

[SpcMtn77]

Re: Ride restrictions for expectant mothers

...what sucks the most is that we are taking our six year old daughter and have been planning this vacation for her for two years and I wont be able to go on the rides with her.

I totally understand the disappointment...The silver lining is that this could be a really special time for father daughter bonding. Your little girl will get to remember going on a bunch or rides w/ just dad. Then just think of how fun it will be for her to have a little brother or sister to ride with on your next trip

[Lalalex]

Re: Ride restrictions for expectant mothers

Ask your OBGYN at your next visit. I have a friend who's Dr. gave her the go ahead for ziplining when she was 3 months prego which we all thought he would shut down so it never hurts to ask. Also I went to the parks when I was 8 months pregnant and had such a great time going on rides I had previously overlooked.