Trip Planning for the Expectant Mother

I recently went to Disneyland with my 6 month pregnant wife and she brought up a very good point, what can she ride and what can she do at the park? I also learned very quickly that the dynamic of visiting the parks with a pregnant woman is very drastically different. I will be providing you with the lessons I learned so you won't have to repeat my mistakes and be prepared. 

Lesson 1: Be Patient. The greatest lesson I learned was to be patient as an expectant mother has very different needs and wants. Like for one thing, she will not want to walk anywhere, she won't want to wait in line for anything, she won't want to ride certain rides for no particular reason! Just take a deep breathe and remember, this will all end soon. 

Lesson 2: Take It Slow. A pregnant woman does not have close to the same energy level as before so you can't run through commando style. You will have to take it slow and maybe even get a wheelchair for her. She probably wont enjoy being suggested the use of a wheelchair as she is pregnant not handicap but don't push it. Just make it a light suggestion and she will more than likely come around once she becomes tired. Once you get her in the chair, if you can, things will probably run smoother as she won't be on her feet anymore. Just make sure to bring your gloves, I have the calluses to prove it!

Lesson 3: Attractions are Difficult to Decide. When it comes to attractions, it becomes hard to decide what to ride as there are less rides to go on for an expectant mother. Thankfully, this is not Six Flags, so there are a great amount you can go on. Fairly warned ye be, it is up to you to decide what an expectant mother can go on. Though they post on the safety signage that expectant mother shouldn't ride, it's up to your discretion (I found this out by asking the guest relations). I will say obviously you can't ride Indy, Space Mountain, Big Thunder, Splash Mountain, Matterhorn, Roger Rabbit, Tower of Terror, Goofy's Sky School, Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, Luigi's Flying Tires, California Screamin', and Mickey's Fun Wheel but there are a few that surprised me. First of all, Toy Story Midway Mania is a no go. We rode on it but didn't consider that the ride vehicle whips you around corners and the lap bar will press against her stomach. Then you'll spend the rest of the ride holding the lap bar up so she is not in pain. A surprising ride was Radiator Springs Racers, it was smooth enough that my wife had no qualms with riding, especially since she could tuck the seat belt under the baby. 

Lesson 4: Be Ready For Stops. It seems obvious but I cannot fully articulate how important this is. It also goes back to the first lesson, to be patient. The bathroom breaks are understandably often, but the snack breaks are almost just as frequent. That baby will be calling for some nutrition constantly and the smells of the food carts will get that little one going, and soon you will have spent 100 bucks on snacks at the end of the day. 

Lesson 5: Mark Bathrooms and Refill Often. Definitely grab a park map and make a note of the bathroom facilities. This will come in handy as I mentioned before, the bathroom stops will be frequent. Also, expectant mothers need water like a fish, so make sure to carry a water bottle and refill it at every bathroom stop. Of course if you don't care for the water in the fountains, you can always stop at a cart at get a snack and a water. 

I hope those of you out there will find this helpful and not too rambling. Hope you have a good time at the parks!