Moms-to-be have lots of questions, but one that might not come up often is whether you can or should shoot a gun while pregnant. While it may seem like an odd thing to consider, guns play an important role in the lives of many pregnant women and their families.
So what do you need to know if you’re looking at picking up a gun while expecting? In this blog post, we’ll cover the safety considerations for moms planning on shooting during their pregnancy to help you make this decision. Read on for everything expectant mothers need to know about shooting while they await for their future little sharp shooter!
Is there any proof shooting while pregnant is dangerous?
Generally speaking, there is not much scientific proof that shooting a gun while pregnant is inherently dangerous. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) hasn’t provided recommendations on recreational shooting during pregnancy (only on gun violence) and further research by doctors about this question seems to prove no official studies have been conducted at the time.
What we do know from medical research is that both loud noise and lead exposure is harmful for not only embryos and fetuses, but also adults. So, if you’re considering shooting while pregnant, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect both yourself and your baby.
Will noise exposure from gun shots cause harm to my baby?
The simple answer to this one is: it depends. Some experts feel that any kind of loud noise, including the sound of shooting a gun, can cause harm to an unborn baby due to its high volume and potential vibration levels. Others feel that as long as you protect your hearing with ear protection while shooting at a range or other controlled environment, then the noise exposure should be relatively safe because sounds from outside the body are significantly quieter for a fetus when compared to the inside of the womb.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends that pregnant women limit their noise exposure to less than 115 decibels (which is about as loud as a jackhammer). The sound of most guns being fired can reach up to 140 decibels or more, so it’s important that pregnant women protect their ears with ear protection to ensure maximum safety.
Although not commonly available, suppressors can be extremely beneficial for pregnant women who shoot guns, especially those in law enforcement, as they can reduce the volume of each shot by 30 decibels.
To be on the safe side, if you choose to shoot a gun while pregnant, make sure you’re taking all of the necessary precautions and limiting your exposure time. If you’re further along in your pregnancy where you can feel movement and notice your baby is active during range time, consider this as a possible sign of discomfort and take a break or resume shooting after birth. Additionally, make sure to take frequent breaks yourself and pay attention to any fatigue or dizziness you may be experiencing as a result of the noise.
Should I be concerned about lead poisoning from ammunition?
It is important to note that lead poisoning can be a significant risk for pregnant women if they are exposed to bullets or firearm residue. Most primers and projectiles of bullets contain lead. When a shooter fires a gun, lead is released into the air and clings to nearby surfaces. Not only does this method deposit lead on your skin and hair, but it also pollutes the air you breathe.
Numerous studies have found links between lead exposure and serious problems such as decreased birth weight, head circumference, miscarriage, premature delivery and pre-eclampsia, even at low levels of exposure. Lead is a toxic metal and can have serious consequences on the health of an unborn baby, so it’s best to take caution when dealing with guns during your pregnancy.
Although we may not realize it, all of us have low levels of lead in our bodies. Even something as innocuous as lipstick can contain lead. Although these low levels are usually harmless, doctors are still unsure about what constitutes a safe level of lead exposure for a fetus.
To avoid dangerous lead exposure, it is important to practice shooting in a safe environment that adheres to all firearms regulations. This includes wearing proper safety gear, using lead-free bullets and cleaning any gun you’re using with a cleaner specifically designed for lead-free ammunition. Additionally, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling any kind of gun or bullet and keep your range or work area clear of any lead residue or dust.
What about exposure to other chemicals?
Shooting and cleaning a gun exposes you to other chemicals, including cleaning solvents, and other heavy metals such as barium, antimony, copper and arsenic. It’s unclear whether these chemicals are harmful to the fetus during or after shooting. It’s always safer to clean firearms in a ventilated area, whether pregnant or not.
What can I do to stay safe when shooting while pregnant?
Here are some precautions you can take to stay safe when enjoying time at the range while pregnant:
- Select an outdoor range over an indoor range, especially one that is inadequately ventilated
- Use lead-free ammunition and primers
- Avoid handling/loading lead bullets (including putting rounds with exposed lead tips into magazines)
- Ask others to pick up spent brass
- Avoid eating or drinking at the range
- Use a silencer when possible
- Thoroughly wash hands and mouth after shooting
- Change clothes after returning home after shooting (especially on an indoor range)
- Wear gloves when cleaning guns
- Wear a HEPA mask
- Avoid a crowded range, but bring a friend
- Try a simulation range!
Should I ask my doctor about shooting while pregnant?
Yes! Always seek advice from your doctor when you have questions about participating in gun-related activities during your pregnancy and take into consideration any special circumstances that may exist. With this article, we hope we have provided the tools to prepare you for a more educated conversation with your doctor about firearm fun while pregnant.
Overall, being aware of the potential risks posed by shooting guns while pregnant is essential. Taking proper safety precautions and understanding the effects that lead exposure can have on the fetus can help ensure a safe and enjoyable shooting experience. With the right knowledge and advice, pregnant women can enjoy this activity with peace of mind.
Have a question about shooting while pregnant? Leave a comment below, we love to help our clan!