Being pregnant usually means giving up a lot of things like hot tubs, heavy lifting, and, worst of all, sushi. But what does it actually say about shooting? It’s a risky sport even under normal circumstances, and pregnancy adds even more potential dangers. Here’s what you need to know.
Credit: Envato Elements/ ninelutsk
What Are the Potential Risks?
Shooting is a dangerous skill in general. But giving up shooting for a period of 9 months and more for postpartum recovery might seem a bit much if you’re someone who has range trips practically every few weeks. You risk losing critical skills that took you months or years to master. But unfortunately you do have to. Here’s why:
1) Loud Noise
Babies' ears start forming around 16 weeks, and by 24 weeks, their ears are fully structured and they can hear sounds outside. The uterus can provide some level of protection against, but not completely. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that exposure to sounds above 85 decibels for extended periods can affect fetal hearing development, especially in the second and third trimesters. Gunfire has a decibel noise level that can range from 140 to 175 decibels.
2) Lead Exposure
Lead exposure is dangerous to all humans, regardless of whether you’re pregnant or not. Lead is neurotoxic, meaning it directly affects the brain and nervous system. In adults, long-term exposure can cause memory loss, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and mood changes. In children and developing fetuses, it’s even worse. It can lead to learning disabilities, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems because their brains are still developing. It can also cause high blood pressure for pregnant women, which can increase the risk of preeclampsia.
In some cases, it’s also known to cause lower birth weight, preterm labor and even miscarriages. You can use protective gear when shooting, but the impact it could have is so dangerous, it’s best to avoid shooting.
3) Physical Strain and Balance Issues
Pregnancy naturally shifts your center of gravity as your belly grows. Shooting involves standing, holding a gun steady, and sometimes moving or bracing yourself, all of which can become difficult, especially in later stages of pregnancy. A sudden movement, an awkward stance, or even recoil from the gun could throw you off balance and increase the risk of falling.
Expert Recommendations
Many medical professionals and firearm experts advise against shooting while pregnant due to the risks. However, if you do prefer to shoot, here’s what you’ll need to keep in mind:
-
Avoid shooting in the second and third trimesters.
-
Use protective gear like noise-canceling earmuffs and gloves.
-
Practice at an outdoor range where lead and noise exposure are lower.
-
Limit shooting sessions to below 30 minutes to reduce exposure to harmful elements.
-
Consult a doctor before deciding to shoot while pregnant.
-
Wear double hearing protection (earplugs and earmuffs)
Safe Alternatives to Shooting While Pregnant
Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you have to give up shooting practice entirely. There are safer ways to maintain your skills without putting yourself (or your baby) in danger. Here are some solid alternatives:
Dry Fire Practice
Dry fire practice is one of the best ways to practice your skills without actually firing a round. You can use your real firearm, but you’ll be pulling the trigger on an empty chamber. This lets you work on your grip, stance, trigger control, sight alignment, and drawing technique.
Here’s how to do it safely:
-
Always triple-check that your firearm is unloaded before starting.
-
Use a safe, designated area where there’s no risk of accidentally aiming at people or valuable objects.
-
Practice with a target to improve sight alignment and trigger control.
-
Incorporate movement and reloading drills to simulate real scenarios.
Use Laser Training Systems
Laser training systems are an upgrade to dry fire practice because they give you real-time feedback. These systems replace live ammo with a laser cartridge that "fires" a beam of light when you pull the trigger. Some models connect to an app, so you can track your accuracy and reaction time.
Why laser training is a great alternative:
-
No loud noise or recoil.
-
Instant feedback on accuracy.
-
Works with real guns (swap out the ammo for the laser cartridge).
-
Allows for realistic training at home.
Some systems even offer virtual shooting scenarios. Popular options include MantisX, Laser Ammo, and the SIRT pistol.
Final Thoughts
So to summarise, shooting while pregnant is not safe. The loud noise, lead exposure, and physical strain can have long-term effects on both mother and baby. Always consult with your doctor and firearm safety professionals before making a decision. If you decide to shoot, take all necessary precautions to minimize risks.
Looking for a safe way to practice? EasyShot targets are perfect for dry fire training and laser systems, helping you keep your skills sharp without the risks of live fire. Shop with us today.