My wife is 4 months pregnant and we are headed to WDW next week. I've heard conflicting information in regards to what is safe for pregnant women to ride. I've heard some people saying not to ride anything that warns pregnant women not to ride. I've also heard others saying that their doctor said to ride whatever you feel comfortable doing. Has anyone here been through this experience in the past? Anyone have advice? My common sense leads me to believe that attractions like Splash Mountain, Pirates, and Soarin' would be within reason. We are flying down to Orlando, which the doctor approved, so I can't imagine a lot of attractions being any more turbulent than the airplane taking off and landing. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Depends on you both (philosophy) and the overall health of your wife.

Speaking personally, I was an older mom-to-be (over 35 the first time) who has gone through 4 miscarriages in the 1st trimester. I did not want to tempt fate, and so stayed off anything that had a warning for pregnant women or made me feel anxious.

Went to DLR with my 18 mo daughter while in 1st trimester w/ my son and we all had a BLAST! I highly recommend:
(1) drinking twice as much water as you think you can (mom-to-be)
(2) resting a lot -- in a cool location, if possible (both)
(3) bringing your own nutritious snacks (low in sugar, fat, and SALT) to munch on or for snack attacks
(4) comfortable clothing and shoes (feet will swell)
(5) HAVE A GREAT TIME!

To add to jMom's list... when dining, feel free to ask to have your food spiced differently if need be to suit any special dietary needs such as low salt or the like. It is easy to eat healthy at the parks, which is also a bonus.

Take your time and have a blast!

My common sense leads me to believe that attractions like Splash Mountain, Pirates, and Soarin' would be within reason.

Of those three attractions, I think that Splash is the only one with a pregnancy restriction. The big drop on Splash is rather intense and turbulant, so I really wouldn't think it would be a good idea.

The pregnancy warnings on the rides at the parks are not just random and arbitrary. They all are on rides that provide some level of sudden or intensely turbulant motion. I don't think theme park rides are really comparable to the type of turbulance that you experience in a car or plane as the rides are specifically trying to generate noticibly turbulant (usually sudden) motion while planes and cars are generally designed to minimize those types of forces.

While the risk of riding restricted rides might not be extremely high, the obvious question that I think you should ask is whether the experiences provided by the rides are worth the potential loss of your child. The Disney parks offer a huge number of attractions that have not been found to pose a risk during a pregnancy. Why take unnecessary risks just to get a little bit more out of a vacation?

-Jeff

I wouldn't ride on anything with a warning. Why take the risk??

I went to Disneyland in my first trimester and it was great. However, you do have to use common sense and caution. I would never ride Splash Mountain during a pregnancy. That ride is way too intense with the extreme drop at the end--not a good idea at all. Pirates is fine, I'm sure, but depending on whether or not your wife experiences nausea, Soarin' might exacerbate that condition. (motion sickness) If she gets too miserable walking around the parks, you could always rent an electric motor scooter. I would take most if not all, of your meals at sit-down restaurants. That way, the leisurely pace of eating and being served, will be a perfect break. Don't overdo it and drink lots of water.

Hi Duane,

I am going down in Nov and will be about 6 mos pg. I am not planning on riding anything with a restriction. I figure it will be there when I go back next year (and if not, it's not as if I haven't ridden it before a bunch of times). I don't have any issues with DH riding the stuff I can't with our friends who will be there with us, but he said he doesn't want to ride them- I won't push him either way. Other than that, I am just going to use my judgement. If I feel uneasy about something I just won't ride it.
I plan to take it a lot slower than I normally do- I am usually one of those "gotta beat the tourists" kind of people- and take breaks whenever I need them. I figure that it just gives me more time to eat my dole whips and napoleons. ;)

It will be hot down there (as it usually is) so like the PPs suggested, drink lots of liquids (since I know that there are more than a few times that the last thing I want is water but would kill for an OJ). You can get ice in a cup from any quick service place.

I know that some people suggest going back to your room to rest during the day is a great idea. If that works for you guys, wonderful! It never really works well for me. When I go back to the room I am pretty much done for the day until dinner (pg or not- :) )

I totally agree with kansaskix about the table service restaurants. Great for taking an a/c filled break.

Also, if you guys are usually PI people, you may want to still walk around there if she doesn't feel like dancing and maybe catch a la nouba.

I know that I am at 4 1/2 mos now and still don't have as much energy as before and get tired more quickly. I am still adjusting to that and always have to remind myself to slow down.

If she listens to her body, does whatever she needs to do when she needs to do it, you'll have a great time. :) Have fun!!!

Just take it a bit slower than normal and enjoy!

While I was PG, I didn't go on the rides w/ restrictions, but did go on Soarin' and Pirates.

I second (or third?) the suggestion about sit down meals. Good break!

I have done Disneyland many times while pregnant at various stages. Most recently at 37 weeks with my 18 month old DD. Our day was much slower than normal, but I don't think DD noticed. :)