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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Racing a car while pregnant (yes really)

30 replies

fourlegstwolegs · 26/05/2015 11:44

I know this is going to sound really random, but I was supposed to be racing at the end of June. Proper racing, speeds over 100mph, 20 other cars on the track, etc. Obviously the car has all the safety kit and a proper racing harness. However, I just found out I'm pregnant (yay!) and would be 10 weeks by the time the race comes around.
Should I do it? If I crash at 100 odd mph I would survive, but would the force of the impact possibly kill the baby?
I'm really in two minds as I've always wanted to do it but I really want this baby....

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Number3cometome · 26/05/2015 11:47

My answer? No.

10 weeks is fairly early, your baby is well protected etc, but a crash (even minor) at that stage could shock you and cause any number of injuries that could cause miscarraige.

Personally, I wouldn't risk it also chances are you'll feel sick enough already by then without adding on speed and corners

Pootles2010 · 26/05/2015 11:48

Erm... really? Yes car crashes can easily cause people to miscarry/lose the baby. You'd be nuts, to be honest.

PourquoiTuGachesTaVie · 26/05/2015 11:50

Of course the force of a 100 mph impact could kill you AND the baby.

I wouldn't have thought they would let you race if you are pregnant.

If you really want to do it wait until after the baby is born.

Seriouslyffs · 26/05/2015 11:50

I don't know. I believe that once you have dependents risk taking pursuits should stop, but then I'm extremely risk adverse at the best of times! Are you a member of a club? What do other pregnant women do? Is there a racing forum you can ask? I think its one of those dilemmas that would split people along participant v. never tried, can't understand lines.
Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Original poster

fourlegstwolegs · 26/05/2015 12:02

There are so few women racing that it's hard to find anyone to ask! Its my first race too - I've done lots of track days and I understand the lines - but never driven in a race.

OP posts:

Seriouslyffs · 26/05/2015 12:15

I think as there's no one to ask and its your first race then, no you shouldn't do it! Perhaps go to the petrolheads forum and ask if anyone knows of a forum where women participants talk?

PoppyBlossom · 26/05/2015 12:17

I wouldn't. Miscarriage is always an unfortunate possibility, I don't know how I'd feel if I participated in a dangerous activity that would heighten the risk unduly.

chipsandpeas · 26/05/2015 12:26

erm why would you want to risk it

even track days and karting says not to do if pregnant and least with karting you arent going as fast

i havent raced properly as in full speeds but been in karting races plenty of times to know that its a bad idea

chipsandpeas · 26/05/2015 12:27

oh and you will also need to consider the possibility of insurance, if you do deicde to go ahead and not tell them you are pregnant it could have implications for insurance

rallytog1 · 26/05/2015 12:56

Nope. Don't even think about it. It's likely that the circuit wouldn't allow you to race if they knew, because it would cause insurance issues. Places like Silverstone won't allow pregnant people to take part in race schools and track days for instance.

If you're an MSA licence holder there may also be rules around competing on your licence while pregnant.

I worked in motor sport for many years and never ever saw a pregnant woman racing or co driving. I did however see many people hurting or injuring themselves - if you were injured in a race it could harm your baby or compromise the treatment options available to you. It's just not worth the risk.

rallytog1 · 26/05/2015 12:57

Oh, and it's perfectly possible to injure or kill yourself at 100mph, even with a roll cage and a 5-point harness!

AlpacaMyBags · 26/05/2015 13:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

fourlegstwolegs · 26/05/2015 14:04

I think you are all right. I hadn't considered that the circuit itself may well have a policy on this. I also hadn't considered that certain treatments in the event of a crash may be compromised. I think common sense has to take over and hope that I can take up the wheel again some time in the future....
I have left a message for the MSA medic to call me anyway, as I'm curious about the rules.

OP posts:

MummyPiggy87 · 26/05/2015 14:34

Sorry but if you went ahead and did that then your putting yourself before your baby for a little bit of a thrill!
I had a Xmas present from my dh to go to silverstone and have a day driving lambo, ferrari etc around the tracks, safe yes but could potentially crash.
I found out in March I was pregnant and cancelled it straight away without a thought. Baby comes first even if "it might be okay" there's plenty of time for that in the future.

ellie3009 · 26/05/2015 14:42

My sis had a voucher for one of these days but then got preggo, they wouldnt even let her do it, so extended the voucher.

rallytog1 · 26/05/2015 14:45

I would be interested to hear MSA policy too fourlegs! Do share if they come back to you...

blowinahoolie · 26/05/2015 21:20

Please don't do it. Fine to do this when it's only your life at stake, but not when it's a baby's.

VeronicaIsGreat · 26/05/2015 21:26

OP what you would prefer:

To go car racing
To have a successful pregnancy with a healthy baby at the end of it.

Your call.

chipsandpeas · 26/05/2015 21:28

i would be very shocked if the MSA said if was ok to race while pregnant

i dont understand why you are still trying to pursue this

AnguaResurgam · 26/05/2015 21:32

Amy was meant to be in The Rovers.

Tracey wouldn't know that the reception was without the B&G, or that Carla and Liz decided on spur of moment that she would be better off not there in case Tony returned.

AnguaResurgam · 26/05/2015 21:33

Sorry!

Spectacularly wrong thread (must have back tabbed).

WonkyDonkBonk · 26/05/2015 21:36

Eh?

BikeRunSki · 26/05/2015 21:38

I skiied at 7 weeks and was still mountain biking at 26 weeks, but I agree with those who've advised against it. When I was skiing/mountain biking I chose quiet routes and took it gently. Very different scenario to racing, with other cars around you that you can't control.

I'm glad you seen sense. I really get that you've got something you really want to do, I am no stranger to extreme sports, but just think about how you'd feel, what you'd do if you were in an accident. Or if you weren't but there was something wrong with your baby. Would the race play on your mind forever?

JacobWrestling · 26/05/2015 21:45

There isn't an insurance company in the world who would cover you. Sorry.

threenotfour · 26/05/2015 22:01

You need to consider the other drivers on track too. If they caused a racing incident which ended in you miscarrying they would feel awful and to blame. And it wouldn't be their fault in any way but it wouldn't stop their guilt. I think you are being pretty selfish all round.

Baby first, racing later.

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