Pregnancy & shooting

Is it safe to shoot during pregnancy?

Norma Ambassador event, 2022. Photo by Vildmarken, Staffan Johansson.

Unfortunately, I haven’t found any definitive studies that clearly answer this question. Most common answer I’ve got to this is: ‘’Pregnancy is a temporary condition, so why risk it?’’.

Research done concludes that I must be aware of especially these two things:

1.    Not being exposed to lead
2.    Not being exposed to continuous loud noise

It’s documented that these two things can lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, and in general development problems for the baby. It’s also documented that the fetus develops hearing from around week 16, and it’s proven that the fetus reacts to loud noise by blinking and kicking.

Based on my research, this is what I’ve decided to do, during MY pregnancy:

1.    Shooting range
I will not be visiting the shooting range, to prevent loud noise and exposure to lead powder. If I were needed to, I would wear gloves and a mask. I would make sure to wash my hands, arms, and face when done. Preferably be at an outdoor range. No eating and drinking.

2.    Shotgun hunting
I will not be hunting with my shotgun this season. My reason is, that I often pull the trigger at least a handful of times, which results in a continuously loud noise. Also, I don’t have work that includes shotgun shooting. 

3.    Rifle hunting
I’ll continue hunting with my rifle mounted with a suppressor as well as using lead-free ammunition. The main reason for this is, that I won’t be shooting more than approximately 5 shots rest of this hunting season. In my opinion, my baby won’t be exposed to continuous loud noise. No lead either.

Remember! Every pregnancy is different. Every mom-to-be is different. I think it’s important to do your own research and feel comfortable with your choices. It’s up to you, to define what’s right and wrong for yourself – of course with advice from your own doctor and midwife. This is my way of handling hunting - and work, during my pregnancy. This is not the right way to do it – either the wrong way. But my way. My situation has been discussed with doctors and my midwife.

Norma Ambassador event, 2022. Photo by Vildmarken, Staffan Johansson.