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Keurigirl
07-18-2006, 05:18 PM
So we are going to DL for the 57976 time this September, but this time is a little but different - I'll be 4 months pregnant! :)

I'm wondering what kinds of rides I should steer clear of. I won't be doing Indiana Jones - too herky/jerky, no Matterhorn, no Screamin' , no big thunder, and probably no Space Mountain. All too much pressure on my abdomen.

But, I'm wondering about Splash Mountain? Really it is only that one last drop. Do you think that is ok for early pregnant women? Also Tower of Terror, I love that one, but do I need to steer clear of that as well?

I know that mostly they tell you not to go on the rides because they don't want to be reliable IF something were to happen, but I don't know if that is because there is more likelyhood of something happening.

Anyone have any ideas/experiences to tell?

Thanks!!

AVP
07-18-2006, 05:36 PM
So we are going to DL for the 57976 time this September, but this time is a little but different - I'll be 4 months pregnant! :) Congratulations!

You're probably going to get a LOT of strong opinions on this topic, so I hope you really wanted to hear other people tell you how to be a parent. ;)

Since you asked, here is my perspective. (And I'm not a parent, so consider my advice accordingly)

If I were pregnant, I would consider that my job for the next 9 months was to provide the safest and healthiest environment for my child to develop. I would be eating better, taking my vitamins and getting my exercise. I would NOT be riding on theme park rides that have warnings telling pregnant women not to ride on them, even if I was "early pregnant." In fact, (and again, I'm not a mom and haven't been through this part), I believe the first few months are the most crucial for implantation.

Think of the people who have recently been injured or died because the ignored the warnings on various rides and decided to go on them despite their high blood pressure / heart condition / etc. You'll have plenty of time to ride all of these rides after the baby is born. Don't take chances now.

AVP

Keurigirl
07-18-2006, 05:42 PM
I don't plan on riding anything that has a warning - I just never noticed anything at Disney with a "pregnant women should not ride" warning. I've noticed them at other parks, just not at Disney. Though I suppose that could be because I hadn't been looking for them previously! :)

I am already doing all that stuff you said, and in trying to be responsible, wanted to see what rides were considered safe and which ones weren't safe. I am guessing then that the rides that aren't ok will have a notice on them; I.E. Tower of Terror and Screamin'.

I was more wondering about Splash Mountain, Pirates, and Grizzly River Run since those are more tame and don't have sudden stops which could detach the placenta. Anyone know which rides have a "do not ride" sign?

I am still assuming I'll be able to go on the fantasyland rides. :)

PennyLane
07-18-2006, 05:49 PM
I was more wondering about Splash Mountain, Pirates, and Grizzly River Run since those are more tame and don't have sudden stops which could detach the placenta. Anyone know which rides have a "do not ride" sign?
I am still assuming I'll be able to go on the fantasyland rides. :)


Those rides have a "do not ride" sign except for Pirates, I believe. I only know because I just went and my pregnant SIL went on EVERYTHING, including Screaming and Indy and it really irritated me. :)

potterphreak
07-18-2006, 05:51 PM
INFO: If you go to disneyland.com and then click on GUEST SERVICES it will give you all the ride restrictions. Hope that helps!

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I went to DL in October of 2002 with my whole family. During that trip, I was 7 weeks pregnant and my SIL was 14 weeks pregnant. From 2 totally independent OB/GYNs, their advice was "HAVE FUN! If you don't want to do it, then don't." Now, I know everyone here has an opinion on this matter, mostly men (again, in my personal experience) but SIL and I went on just about every ride, and this includes:
Space Mountain (made us VERY queasy tho!)
Indiana Jones & Star Tours (i do NOT recommend this! so sore! LOL)
Screamin'
Soarin'
Grizzly River Run
We didn't go on Splash, but only cos we never made it to Critter Country, LOL and my SIL went on whatever ride that is at DCA that shoots you straight up in the air.
The only "complications" we experienced from doing all of this on our trip was that both girls are crazy for DL now, LOL!!! I certainly would never presume to advise you on what you should and shouldn't do, just letting you know the experience we had and the "permission" we received from our docs. Now, DL puts a disclaimer on most of their rides mostly to cover their butt. All I can advise you to do is talk to your OB, look at the rides and decide if there is REALLY a risk for YOU and baby, and then do whatever you decide and have fun!!!

AVP
07-18-2006, 05:56 PM
I was more wondering about Splash Mountain, Pirates, and Grizzly River Run since those are more tame and don't have sudden stops which could detach the placenta. Anyone know which rides have a "do not ride" sign?

I am still assuming I'll be able to go on the fantasyland rides. :)MousePlanet has an awesome theme park guide, which includes comprehensive information about every ride in both resorts. This Link (http://www.mouseplanet.com/guide.php?pg=AA0000) has a complete list of attractions, and every ride listed has a section marked "Access Information," which provides this sort of info.

I quickly looked, and Pirates has no posted restrictions. Grizzley River Run and Splash Mountain both do (or should - I just discovered that the Splash page does not have the restriction, and needs to be corrected)

I believe these are most of the rides that you can not experience if you are pregnant:

Matterhorn
Mullholland Madness
Maliboomer
Grizzly River Rapids
Gadget's Go Coaster
Autopia
Indiana Jones Adventure
Tower of Terror
Calfornia Screamin'
Soarin over California
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain
Star Tours
Tuck N Roll's Drive 'em Buggies

AVP

four4disney
07-18-2006, 05:59 PM
I would heed all the warnings for pregnant women and not go on those rides. [I believe this includes Splash Mt and Tower of Terror--the 2 that you asked about.]

I went to DL when I was 2 months pregnant with my first child and then when I was about 4 weeks pregnant with my second. During my first pregnancy I asked my OB before my trip and she told me not to do the rollercoaster type rides and other rides with warnings. Also, to my surprise, she told me not to do the teacup ride. The spinning [centrifugal force] was not good. I really didn't ask at that time so I can't tell you why.

I recommend you talk to your OB as well about your trip and the rides.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and hope you have a great time! Our family will be there early Sept. I can ride all the rides now...just have to implement child swap.

barely
07-18-2006, 05:59 PM
If in doubt, don't.

lauramaynot
07-18-2006, 06:03 PM
The park maps are coded with red triangles that indicate attractions that carry the following warning.

"For safety and comfort, you should be in good health and free from heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride. Supervise children at all times."

Here are the rides that are marked with this warning on maps that I have:
Disneyland -
Splash Mountain
Indiana Jones
Big Thunder Railroad
Autopia
Space Mountain
Star Tours
Matterhorn Bobsleds

DCA-
Tower of Terror
Tuck and Roll's Drive em' Buggies
Screamin
Maliboomer
Mulhulland Madness
Grizzly River Run

That said, I am now 8 months pregnant and we went two weeks ago. I only ride rides that don't have the warning, but back in december before I even knew I was pg. I did ride EVERYTHING at WDW...so I got lucky but if I had known I would never have ridden those rides. If something had happened I would have beaten myself up for the rest of my life. Not worth it. It's only nine months (ok ten, but I digress;) ) and DLR will still be there when your done cooking and probably be better than ever.

Tinkermommy
07-18-2006, 06:19 PM
DL puts a disclaimer on most of their rides mostly to cover their butt.

I'm stunned.

I think DL puts a WARNING on these rides because there is the potential for harm. If it was that easy for people to know what's going on inside their bodies at all times, there wouldn't be any problems with Mission Space.

As someone who tried for many years before succeeding at having a child, I can't fathom any expectant mother even considering ignoring a warning in order to have fun.

Mom is responsible for baby's safety and well-being during pregnancy, when nobody else can be. Think of it this way -- is it okay to try to sneak an undersized child onto Indy or Screamin'? In my (very strong) opinion, taking a developing baby on a ride that a ride's creator/operator says one shouldn't is the same thing.

Really, is it worth it?

adriennek
07-18-2006, 06:36 PM
Having been through a miscarriage and consulting with my sister who is a physician and who spent several years working for an OB/GYN practice in Orange County, I would never go on a ride that has a warning. The first trimester, especially. In fact, I didn't ride those rides when I was 'trying' to get pregnant during those weeks that I didn't know yet.

Here's an article (http://www.mouseplanet.com/akrock/akrock15.htm) I wrote about going to the park pregnant. :)

Adrienne

annieb727
07-18-2006, 07:44 PM
If you think of it this way...any ride that you would/could take an infant on...so any of the rides with height requirements - autopia (must be 1 year old), etc...if it's safe for a tiny person, it will be safe while you're pregnant

We went to DL when I was about one month pregnant - we had a blast - i was sad to not go on the BIG rides, but we still had a blast!!

Enjoy!! AND CONGRATULATIONS!!

Rockchalker
07-18-2006, 08:08 PM
I'm stunned.

I think DL puts a WARNING on these rides because there is the potential for harm. If it was that easy for people to know what's going on inside their bodies at all times, there wouldn't be any problems with Mission Space.

As someone who tried for many years before succeeding at having a child, I can't fathom any expectant mother even considering ignoring a warning in order to have fun.

Mom is responsible for baby's safety and well-being during pregnancy, when nobody else can be. Think of it this way -- is it okay to try to sneak an undersized child onto Indy or Screamin'? In my (very strong) opinion, taking a developing baby on a ride that a ride's creator/operator says one shouldn't is the same thing.

Really, is it worth it?

Keurigirl - Unfortunately you asked for advice here rather than your doctor. You are going to get opinion after very strong opinion.

I found out by sheer luck that I was 3 weeks pregnant in the middle of February with a trip planned and paid for the following week. I sought the recommendation of 2 of the midwives than 2 of my doctors before I felt okay about going on rides at Disneyland. They all agreed at 4-5 weeks I could safely enjoy any ride I FELT comfortable going on. Their only stipulation was: TO HAVE FUN. My son is due in October and all is going well. I know this because I caught a virus from my 4 year old daughter called Fifth's Disease. It is potentially fatal to fetus when "caught" before 20 weeks. Unfortunately, I caught it at 16 weeks. But now I am/ he is monitored with ultrasounds every couple of weeks to make sure he is getting enough blood. The good news is is that I get ultrasounds every couple of weeks so I can watch his development rather than one at the beginning and the one to determine the sex. Obviously, you are further along than I am, but don't rely on our advice, ask your doctor!

PrincessAmie
07-18-2006, 10:01 PM
It took a lot for me to get pregnant and I was terrified of miscarriage so I rode only rides that did not have warnings. I was told by my fertility specialist that I was not allowed to ride roller coasters. It's amazing but you will find a lot of OBs differ in their opinions

However, I have a friend who rode Space mountain 5 or 6 months pregnant.

So, I agree with the others, talk to your OB and do what you feel comfortable with.

On a side note, I did find that I just didn't have as much energy when I visited DLR iin early pregnancy (I think this last time I was 3 months along) so figure in a little extra time so you can take your time. :)

DianeM
07-18-2006, 10:09 PM
The only experience I have was in a mini-flame war that popped up when someone else asked this question here. I say: Ask your doctor. He/She knows your condition better than anybody. A lot depends on your physical condition, whether this is a high risk pregnancy, how far along you are (do the safety belts fit properly?) and such. If your doctor says okay, then listen to him/her and have fun, if he says you can't go on certaom rides, then go an have fun anyway. There is a lot to do at DL without going on fast rides. And ... congratulations!



Anyone have any ideas/experiences to tell?

Thanks!!

darph nader
07-18-2006, 10:26 PM
The only thing I can think of is "When in doubt,sit it out".:) Hope you have a happy and healthy munchkin.:cool:

potterphreak
07-18-2006, 11:59 PM
I agree, ask your doc. The worse thing they can say is, if it has a warning don't go on it.
PERSONALLY
I feel that no one can know whats going on with my body better than ME, and I did the smart thing, I consulted with my OB several days before the trip and requested an ultrasound (2 previous miscarriages here-and one of those was after I went to Great America and rode NOTHING!) and was told I was fine, great, have fun.
I do think Disney cares whether people get hurt at their parks, mostly because if affects their pocketbook not because they are some big caring company sitting around worrying that someone will be hurt. The only people equipped to make this decision for you is YOU and your OB. Cheers, and have fun!! Buzz Lightyear, Haunted Mansion and Pirates are my favorite places to beat the heat and I can't imagine that any of those will hurt you. Well, maybe the yummy smell of chlorinated water in PoTC... ;)

disneyballerina
07-19-2006, 01:10 AM
I rode everything when I was in early pregnancy with my second child, who is now 6. Our family planning was very well thought out; we had stopped trying until the following spring. We didn't know that we had already been successful! I had none of the signs of early pregnancy yet. I just had no idea I was pregnant. If I had, I would have made different choices.

Thankfully, I have two very healthy children for whom I am so grateful. I wish you all the best of everything. Congratulations! Have a wonderful trip. Even if you only ride POTC and the Fantasyland dark rides, it'll still be magical.

hbquikcomjamesl
07-19-2006, 06:21 AM
First of all, wanting to keep people from getting hurt, and wanting to cover, ahem, Eeyore, are NOT mutually exclusive.

In the second place, not only is it entirely possible to enjoy ANY Disney theme park without riding anything with a warning, it's entirely possible to enjoy any Disney theme park without riding ANYTHING AT ALL. I know; I've done it. While I'm obviously not equipped with the appropriate plumbing to become pregnant, I have been to DL and DCA with my back out, which puts a similar restriction on what one can ride.

In the third place, very few of the people on MousePad are doctors (and even fewer of them play them on television).

june1st1997
07-19-2006, 07:00 AM
We are huge disney fans and went several times during my pregnancy (DD is 4 months now)... In fact we went last september when I was 4 months. I was told NO MOUNTAINS AT ALL!!! In Disneyland proper NOTHING WITH MOUNTAIN IN THE TITLE!!!

NO TOWER OF TERROR! Basically anything that says not to go on if you are pregnant... DON'T. Will something happen... who knows... But there is so much you worry about in pregnancy ( This was my first), that if you play it safe, it's one less thing ya gotta ask yourself about, ya know.

You may find you aren't up to all the things you usually are. My trip last September was the tamest trip I had ever had. Some of that by design... I could not ride any of my beloved coasters... And theyhad just re-opened space mountain... but also because I got tired sooo easy...

My best advice... STAY HYDRATED AND TAKE IT EASY... There is always next year... Or later in the year ... we took DD when she was just shy of 3 months old... ( if you want a peek at what might be in store, check out TRIP REPORT... Just shy of 3 months in parenting in the parks)

Congrats on the exciting news. Be well.

katiesue
07-19-2006, 09:23 AM
I went a lot when I was pregnant. My OB said there was nothing at DL that I couldn't ride if I wanted to. I rode most everything until about 5 mos then the ex freaked out and forbid me.

I'd listen to your doctor, he/she knows your particular circumstances. There is a ton to do even if you don't ride the bigger rides.

Keurigirl
07-19-2006, 09:46 AM
Thanks for the opinions, everyone! I know that while pregnant everyone has different advice/requirements that they have heard, read about, been told by their dr., etc. I've found this out already in regards to what I can eat, drink, do, etc! It seems every dr. says something different.

I asked my dr. and she said that anything normal that you would experience while riding in a car would be an ok ride at Disney. For example, no ToT, Screamin, Indiana Jones, or Roller Coasters, but she said there is no reason I shouldn't go on Autopia (it's just like driving a car!) and she even said Splash Mountain was ok since there is no Gforces or anything, and it's a flume ride. Apparently my Dr. has her Disney down straight! :)

I don't do the teacups anyway so those are no threat while pregnant.

Thanks again everyone. Oh, and for those who wanted to know, I'm currently 10 weeks along, but will be 17 weeks when we go in September.

oohykitten
07-19-2006, 11:43 AM
Okay I have been pregnant now almost 17 months...no that is not a typo :) My first son died 17 hours after birth, and that had NOTHING to do with riding rides at DL. Some I would do, some I would not. Space is my favorite, I just made sure that the lap bars were always a nice space from my stomach. Tower all of those I didn't do, or Autopia due to bumping. Traveling with little ones I have to be more careful that they don't slap the lap bar down, had that happen a few times. My dr said do what I felt okay with, and the main thing was lots of rest and keep drinking double the water I was suppose too. I went once to a Six Flags and had break through bleeding with out even stepping foot on a ride just from the walking and the heat. Every day and every place has it's own cautions...just trust your gut. And Good luck!

hg0079
07-19-2006, 12:58 PM
good advise to trust your gut....but for me that would mean if I had to stop and ask the question on a message board my gut is already telling me my answer

hbquikcomjamesl
07-19-2006, 01:16 PM
I suspect that the bumping is the reason why Autopia has signs asking pregnant women not to ride. Unless your driving habits on normal streets and highways involve almost constant rear-end collisions, Autopia is NOT "just like driving a car!" (Then again, it's a ride I've never done myself -- I once, as a child, got about halfway through the queue before thinking better of it -- and I tend to regard driving as an unpleasant chore.)