Can Pregnant Women Go To Haunted Houses? Experts Explain

Halloween Horror Nights. Fright Nights. Howl-O-Scream. Scary movies and events galore. If you love getting a rush during October but have a baby on board this year, you may be wondering if you can still visit a spooky Halloween haunted house while pregnant. We asked experts to explain if pregnant women can go to haunted houses and they mostly agree that it’s totally safe, with a few caveats.

Can pregnant women go to haunted houses?

For the most part, expectant people can still enjoy some spooks and scares during the Halloween season, says Brittney Pohler, P.A., an OB-GYN physician assistant at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center. “In general, we consider haunted houses safe. For most haunted houses, the length of time is usually less than 30 minutes to an hour, and that’s kind of the same as moderate physical exercise. I don’t think just the heart rate aspect alone is worrisome for the mom or baby.”

Are haunted houses safe for pregnant women? What could be unsafe about them and why?

“Generally, we wouldn’t be worried about a pregnant woman deciding to visit haunted houses,” says Dr. Victor R. Klein, M.D., a board-certified OB-GYN and vice chairman of Obstetrics & Gynecology at North Shore University Hospital who specializes in high-risk pregnancies. His main concern would be bumping the baby bump. It’s crucial for pregnant women to avoid slips, falls, and physical injury to themselves and their bellies, and that’s the one caveat to keep in mind when you’re considering a visit to a haunted house while pregnant. “Haunted houses may be dark and enclosed spaces with fog machines, creating potential hazards of falls,” he says.

“Haunted houses have props everywhere and are poorly lit,” Pohler agrees. “We don’t want you tripping or falling. We don’t want you to be pushed. I think if you’re going, be careful and aware of those things, and maybe have someone whose arm you can hold onto. We just want to avoid trauma to the belly.”

And lastly, Pohler reminds pregnant people of the importance of just listening to your body. “I tell my patients that they’re the best indicator, and to listen to their body,” she says. “If they’re getting crampy or feeling uncomfortable, maybe don’t continue all through the night.”

There are plenty of things to be avoided during pregnancy, but thankfully a visit to a low-key haunted house isn’t one of them. A little Halloween fun is more than OK.

Experts:

Brittney Pohler, PA-C, MPH, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – College Station

Dr. Victor R. Klein, M.D., board-certified OB-GYN at Northwell Health and vice chairman of Obstetrics & Gynecology at North Shore University Hospital