Are Rollercoasters Safe for Pregnant Women?

Filed in archive Is it Safe...? , Medical Issues , Third Trimester on July 29, 2008

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Graeme Whittle

Heading to an amusement park this summer? If you're pregnant, you might want to skip the rollercoaster and other rides that moves vigorously. Although there are no studies proving that rollercoasters are bad for pregnant women, there are chances that too much jarring might result to what is called placental abruption.

placental abruption is the separation of the placenta from the uterine lining. This condition usually occurs in the third trimester but can occur any time after the 20th week of pregnancy. Only about 1% of all pregnant women will experience placental abruption, and most can be successfully treated depending on what type of separation occurs.

In cases where there is only partial separation, the baby may still be saved until full term. In a case with a total or complete separation, however, delivery is often the safest course of action. But why risk it?