Shooting range while pregnant?

sara052420

I love to go to the shooting range with my SO & shooting our guns together. However, we haven't gone since before I got pregnant and we really miss it but I am unsure if that's something that your even able to do or should do while pregnant!

How do all of you mommies feel about going shooting while pregnant? Has anyone else gone while pregnant or have any experience with this?

Thanks!

cowgirltu

From what I have read (DH and I also like to go shooting) is that indoor ranges are bad.  Bits of lead come out in the air when you fire, and you are unconsciously breathing it in.  When you are pregnant, it travels straight to the placenta.  Also, a concern is the noise levels.  It is alot louder at an indoor range than it is outdoors.  You can damage the babies hearing before it is born because (depending how far along you are) they can hear.  It is recommended if you are going to fire, do so outside, and consider wearing an extra layer or two around your midsection to help muffle the sound.  I am also only firing our .22 rifle from now on, because it is so much quieter than our other guns.  My doctor is totally ok with my doing this. 

CnAnA

My doc said it was fine. Just keep an eye on the recoil. Don't shoot anything that knocks you too hard.

Randa&Jerm

I've done a little bit of research online and asked my Dr about it when I was pg with dd2 and I have opted not to while pregnant.  The biggest risks are the lead exposure and noise level depending on how far along you are.

There haven't really been too many studies so some will say its fine, some will say best to avoid it.  An interesting article with info that I read and that  convinced me (much to my dismay) was https://iweb.tntech.edu/cpardue/pregnant.html 

 

lstepien

I'm so glad to see that there are some momma's to be on here that enjoy going to the range!!! I thought I would be the first asking this to my OB but alas I was not. He had a patient prior who was a skeet shooter using 12 gauge shot guns. 

 My preferred gun is my ar-15. My dr suggested I refrain from shooting that and stick with a .22. He also told me to stick to an outdoor range and as I got further along in my pregnancy to layer my clothing on my belly. Just for added sound proofing (if you can call it that)

But other than that he said it was totally fine! 

chance_encounters

I LOVE the shooting range too...however I was told it is a no no from 2nd tri and on...

this decaf life

Most shooting ranges have signs that say "no pregnant women" so I don't think you should go.

TiaS16

We only have an outdoor range here, but my friend went shooting at 20 something weeks and never had a problem :-)

LadyNikon

DH will be happy to hear that.  We live in VA.  WVA has some nice outdoor ranges.

sara052420

Wow! Glad to know there are some other shooting mommies out there, I really wasn't sure if there would be too many when I decided to ask! My boyfriend will be glad about this answer.. I can tell he's been itching to go!! Thanks for all your responses!

lstepien

Ha ha I was shocked to see this post!! But also happy myself. have fun at the range!!!!!!!

sara052420

lstepien:

Ha ha I was shocked to see this post!! But also happy myself. have fun at the range!!!!!!!

 

GigiFairy

I went once to an indoor one when I was pg with DS during 3rd tri. He was jumping so hard inside my belly it scared me so I left right away. Maybe an outdoor one won't be so bad.

cindiesheart

Depending on how far along in your pregnancy you are,,,  loud noises are not good for your baby's ears.   I took a parenting class and they  did a study on it, and said that the buffering between your uterus and outside is not that deep and the baby can hear more than you think.   If the shooting range will be loud (if you have to wear earplugs)  then its just as deafening for the baby.

Tiffany0416

Going to the shooting range during pregnancy is fine. As always, safety first and make sure you don't shoot something that is going to knock you off your feet. I just stick to my .38 special and my husbands .22 rifle and pistol.

AMW054

If you decide to go, use leadless amo and go to an outdoor range rather than an indoor range. The issue with pregnant women shooting is that if you inhale the GSR, which contains lead, then you could potentially cause your baby to have lead poisioning. (Not sure how high the risk is, but this is the concern to my understanding) Being in a well ventilated area will decrease your chances of inhaling lead, hence why shooting in an outdoor range over an indoor range is the nest option.

I personally, have not been shooting since I've been pregnant...as much as I would love to, but I don't want to take the risk just so I can go shooting for the day. Good luck in whatever you decide!

LuckyMissus

AMW054:

If you decide to go, use leadless amo and go to an outdoor range rather than an indoor range. The issue with pregnant women shooting is that if you inhale the GSR, which contains lead, then you could potentially cause your baby to have lead poisioning. (Not sure how high the risk is, but this is the concern to my understanding) Being in a well ventilated area will decrease your chances of inhaling lead, hence why shooting in an outdoor range over an indoor range is the nest option.

I personally, have not been shooting since I've been pregnant...as much as I would love to, but I don't want to take the risk just so I can go shooting for the day. Good luck in whatever you decide!

This.  I went once with leadless ammo, outdoors, and right around 16 weeks because I wasn't so worried about the noise then.

pishytish

I went when I was 16 weeks and after that I was concerned about the noise.  LO's father is half-deaf from all his exposures and I don't want LO to start behind   I don't care it is silly.  I figured that it was likely safe but I could go without for a few months.

TwiggyPlusOne

Ladynikon:

DH will be happy to hear that.  We live in VA.  WVA has some nice outdoor ranges.

 hey neighbor, i'm in front royal!

MrsCarroll.6-10-07

Oh, this is all good info. I want to go to the range so bad! I'm not worried about the noise levels so much as the lead.

Do you think an indoor range would be ok if I wore a face mask (like a dust protecting or carbon filtering paint mask?

BLPL101

DH and I like to go, but I won't be going while pregnant due to the lead and noise level.

aftonswm2006

Great question because I hadnt thought of this! I was planning on going this Friday, but just checked with my indoor range and they do not allow pregnant women in there. Guess I'll have to wait a little longer to get some of these pregnancy hormone rages out!

jvdavisbaby

As far as I know you are not allowed on the range. I went with DH and his friend @ 16weeks and I was allowed in the shop but not on the range at all They post it very clear on numerous signs at our range. I'm ok with it for now but once baby comes I will be returning asap

WaitingOnTwoPinkLines

My midwife said it was fine. We don't shoot lead rounds because they tend to gunk up the barrel, but even if we did she just said to wash hands well after handling the ammo.