by Donna Marie Gray

Created on: March 14, 2009

What kind of a stupid question is this? I don't think it's a matter of the rollercoaster being safe or unsafe for a pregnant woman. The questions is... "Is it a smart idea?" Well, of course not! To be perfectly clear, I am writing to the "unsafe" side of the debate.

I suppose there are people in this world that look at situations from an entirely self-centered point of view than most people. There are those that will say they have been riding the rollercoaster since they were kids, never had a problem, it's safe, and there is no reason they shouldn't take their unborn child on this rollercoaster ride.

Then there are the responsible people who say to themselves that, although they hate to have to miss a fun ride, perhaps this is not the time to do it. Perhaps something could go wrong and they would be sorry forever for being so selfish. After all, it isn't the last time there will be a chance to ride a rollercoaster. Don't you think it's best to err on the side of reason? Is life so boring on a regular basis that taking that slight chance that something could go wrong is worth taking for selfish reasons?

In light of the fact that amusement parks post signs so they won't be held responsible under certain circumstance, there are those... thankfully in the minority column, that will push to do what they want when they want regardless of the rules that say otherwise. I believe the majority of expectant women would most certainly have the sense to pass on a rollercoaster ride while they are pregnant.

Would a pregnant woman go horseback riding? Water or snow skiing? Bungee jumping? Even if they were experts at any of these activities, would it be wise to pursue these activities while pregnant? The main point is that accidents happen. It doesn't matter how great one is in any of these activities. It just is not wise or a smart thing to do to take that chance, slight as one might think, to endanger the child in the womb. We have to acknowledge that bad stuff happens when we least expect it.

It occurs to me that there are a number of activities that could replace "riding a rollercoaster" and they would receive negative reedback. People who smoke seem to think there is no harm in smoking while pregnant. After all, it hasn't hurt them, so far. And other people will think it's okay to drink alcohol while pregnant. The fact that these involve ingesting a foreign substance into the body that could affect the child doesn't seem to raise any concerns. Thus, any activity that the pregnant woman indulges in for purly selfish pleasures will be, in their opinion, acceptable.

If there is any doubt that the decision to ride a rollercoaster while pregnant is a really stupid idea, I would suggest that anyone considering doing so should discuss it with their doctor. I'd be willing to bet the farm that he/she would not approve. However, if the doctor were to give it a thumbs up, it would be a really good idea to get a second opinion.

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