I enjoy water parks and amusement rides. Do I need to avoid them during pregnancy?

While there's no consensus on avoiding water parks and amusement rides while you're pregnant, you may want to check with your care provider before riding a roller coaster or going down a rapid wa­ter ride. Research indicates that trauma during pregnancy that produces a force­ful shearing effect - such as the sudden stop experienced in a car crash - can cause the placenta to separate from the uterus (placental abruption). Placental abruption can seriously complicate your pregnancy. This type of force may be ex­perienced to a lesser extent in an amuse­ment ride.

Many themepark rides have restrictions­ for pregnant women. If you decide to go on a ride, be sure to check the re­striction policy first. Bottom line: You may want to stay on the safe side and stick with lounging in the pool rather than flying down a wild ride during the months you're pregnant.