Can You Go Down A Water Slide If You’re Pregnant?

It’s hot. The kids are bored. But it’s cool at the water park. Naturally, many families may be planning some water park fun this summer. But if you’re pregnant, is that such a good idea? Can you go down a water slide while pregnant? Sure, the laws of gravity clearly indicate that you can go down a water slide, but experts weigh in on whether or not you should (and the risks of going down a water slide when you’re expecting).

Risks of Riding a Water Slide While Pregnant

Experts agree you shouldn’t go down any big water slides that have the potential to jostle you, regardless of which trimester you’re in. “If there is a water slide that has potential for sudden impact or Mom getting bounced around a bit and her belly getting hit, then I would say definitely avoid those,” says Aleesa Ponce, APRN, certified nurse-midwife at Orlando Health Physician Associates. “Certainly as you’re getting closer to term, [we worry] about rupturing membranes and things like that. So you wouldn’t want to go down a slide. That could create a lot of force when you hit the water.

So, big water slides are a no-go. You should be especially cautious of activities like this if your pregnancy is high-risk. “If everything is normal, no risk factors whatsoever, and it is a very kind of lazy, benign type slide, it’s probably OK. But if there are risk factors, then I would say to avoid it,” says Ponce.

If your OB-GYN has raised any concerns about your placenta “at all,” Ponce adds, it’s best to stay off all water slides. Same goes for expectant parents with a history of preterm labor, conditions affecting your blood pressure, and specifically placental abruption.

Water Park Exceptions That Pregnant People Can Enjoy

Toddler-sized slides, however, are not off the table. “Not all water slides are created equal, and slides your very young child would do would be less likely to pose a risk,” says Dr. Jennifer Lew, M.D., OB-GYN at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. If your 2-year-old wants a pregnant person to join them on a baby slide, that’s probably fine. That said, Lew tells pregnant people to ask themselves the following question: “Is there a chance I could hit my pregnant abdomen at any time during the slide?” If the answer is yes, it’s best to avoid that slide.

A good alternative for pregnant women who find themselves at a water park this spring or summer is to opt for more low-impact activities. Think lazy river floats or splash pad areas for little children. A pregnant person could soak and sun there, but have easy access to cool drinks and shade when you need them. You may need to drink more water than you think you do when you’re pregnant, Ponce says, noting that dehydration can lead to Braxton-Hicks contractions.

“Some patients will say they don't tolerate heat as well. Avoid areas where you can't get out of the sun and just take some breaks if you're not feeling well. Your body usually will tell you if you're doing too much or what you're experiencing isn't sitting well. Certainly the lazy river is a great place to be – it’s going to be a little bit more relaxed [with] access to cool drinks.”

Additional Water Park Risks For Pregnant Parents

Falls

Your center of gravity changes as your baby bump grows, Ponce points out. Combined with wet, slippery footing, your risk of falling is going to be a little higher than usual.

“Falls are also a concern, since the ground is often slippery, and this is one of the most common problems we see during pregnancy,” Lew says. It might be worth your while to find some cute water shoes with grippy soles.

Sunburn

Your skin goes through so many changes during pregnancy (thanks, hormones). For many, this means an increased sensitivity to the sun.

“Make sure you use sunscreen,” says Sarah Kurtz, a certified nurse-midwife at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center. “When you are pregnant, you are more likely to get a sunburn due to hormones.”

If you have melasma or other photosensitive skin concerns, layering up your SPF is going to be even more important. With little shade and the reflection off of all that water, you’ll want to reapply often, and bring your sunglasses and a wide-brim hat.

And remember, the thrill of launching your body down a shoot of water will still be there post-pregnancy. To keep you and your baby safe, there are plenty of healthy, cooling activities pregnant women can participate in at the water park.

“In general, pregnancy is a normal and healthy state of life,” says Kurtz. “ If you were used to doing an activity before you were pregnant then likely you can continue to do it. Examples include walking, running, swimming, bike-riding, and weightlifting.”

Hear that? You’ve got the go-ahead to swim. Stick to the pools and save the water slides for next season.

Experts:

Aleesa Ponce, APRN, certified nurse-midwife at Orlando Health Physician Associates

Dr. Jennifer Lew, M.D., OB-GYN at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital

Sarah Kurtz, certified nurse-midwife at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Women’s Health