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I'll admit from the outset that I cannot prove to you that riding a roller coaster is 100% safe. But neither it seems can you prove to me that it is actually unsafe. To quote the American Pregnancy Association:

"The concern with roller coasters during pregnancy is associated with the rapid starts and stops along with jarring that occurs during the ride. This rigorous activity creates additional jarring forces within the uterus that may lead to premature separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus, which is called

placental abruption.

Currently, there are no studies that document a problem with roller coasters while you are pregnant. Similarly, there are no studies documenting that it is safe either. Automobile accidents have caused placental abruption and other complications for women who are pregnant even when the trauma is not directly to the uterus."

Let me just underline the point that although many people seem to believe that it is 'obvious' and 'common sense' that it is not a good idea to ride a rollercoaster while pregnant "there are no studies that document a problem". Indeed it seems to me that that the only evidence that roller coasters may cause placental abruption are actually drawn from case studies of women involved in car accidents. Instead of a vague and generalised gut-feeling that riding roller coasters maybe unwise, the only documented evidence, providing any hard facts, rather than guesses and opinions, seems to suggest that it is not riding roller coasters that will harm your baby, but driving/riding in a car. And yet funnily enough current medical advice does not prohibit pregnant women from doing this. And nor does common sense make it seem obvious that women should not be on the road, despite the fact, as one poster here pointed out "accidents do happen".

As far as I can tell, while there is good scientific evidence for avoiding certain kinds of activities during pregnancy (like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption), many of the things that are prohibited or denied pregnant women during gestation is merely based on guesswork, and an attitude that suggests that any perceived risk is to be avoided. And those who refuse to obey this dogma, even in the absence of solid scientific evidence are labelled selfish and irresponsible.

At the present time, our society seems to support the idea that it is perfectly acceptable to strip pregnant women of their freedom of choice, and their right to make informed decisions about what is appropriate for them in favour of 'common sense' prescriptions, and unfounded opinions.

As an avowed feminist I cannot support this. And as a result I would invite all pregnant women to decide for themselves whether they believe riding a roller coaster can be convincingly compared to being involved in a car crash.

Learn more about this author, Catherine Fleming.
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