Shooting and Pregnancy

[Vulcan20mm]

Might be a silly topic, but I am curious as to what anyone has to way in on this subject. My wife and I are trying to have a child and I was wondering if it would be safe for my wife to shoot in the event that she is pregnant. I would almost definitely take her to an outdoor range for ventilation but there is possible lead and chemicals she will be exposed to. Should I be concerned enough to leave her at home?

[Unknownassailant]

Is there a Dr. in the house!?

[Vulcan20mm]

Like I said... It may be a silly question to some but under the circumstances, I would really like to play it safe... Can you blame me?

[PanzerAce]

IIRC, guns shops all have big signs saying that gun cleaning chemicals, ammo, and some other stuff contain stuff known to be harmful to fetuses. I dont remember the exact warning, but to me, I would not risk it to much.

[Unknownassailant]

Like I said... It may be a silly question to some but under the circumstances, I would really like to play it safe... Can you blame me?

If your that concerned leave the Mrs.s at home. Playing it safe is not increasing the potential of risk entirely.

[GTKrockeTT]

plus, it's....LOUD!

unless you could get some ear muffs inside the womb...

[Turbinator]

There was a great thread about pregnancy and the shooting range back on rec.guns.

If I recall, the consensus was that the sound wasn't so much a problem; it was the vaporized lead as well as any chemicals that could get into the mother that would be more of a problem.

Try this link for a dose of reading:

http://groups.google.com/group/rec.guns/search?group=rec.guns&q=pregnancy&qt_g=1

Turby

[glen avon]

it is indeed the lead, which is devastating to developing brains.

if she must shoot, use lead-free ammo, which is available.

otherwise, avoid it. even during breast-feeding. it just isn't worth it.

[Omega13device]

Lead exposure is bad during pregnancy, and if you're trying now then she should have already stopped shooting just to be on the safe side. If you google "lead pregnancy" you'll find lots of info.

[bear308]

One of the rules at The Firing-Line is no pregnant women allowed in the range. The chemicals is one aspect of it, but we we're informed that the sound can easily cause hearing damage to an unborn fetus. IIRC someone had done a study on pregnant women at loud concerts having a higher risk of a baby born with hearing damage.

[socalguns]

http://gemini.tntech.edu/~cpardue/pregnant.html

http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2006/02/shooting-and-pregnancy.html

http://www.lead.org.au/lanv6n2/update005.html

The available scientific knowledge does not provide evidence that firearm use is safe during pregnancy. Data also show that noise and lead are significantly toxic during pregnancy.

So I say play it safe, shoot steel BBs at home

[Unknownassailant]

http://gemini.tntech.edu/~cpardue/pregnant.html

http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2006/02/shooting-and-pregnancy.html

http://www.lead.org.au/lanv6n2/update005.html

So I say play it safe, shoot steel BBs at home

Or airsoft, or mabye some counter strike, or my personal favorite, Return to Castle Wolffenstein.

[grammaton76]

Airsoft and paintball, perhaps. If she's a hardcore gun girl, then get her some of the higher-end gear so that it looks like what she's used to.

I'm pretty sure that even if my gf and I wanted kids, that would have clinched it - no way she's giving up the CZ-97 for 9 months.

[JaeFern]

What about masks. Would that help? It may look funny... but I'd do it. If anyone says anything, I'd just point at her stomach.

[socalguns]

Sure it will help with breathing in noxious fumes.
But don't forget to change clothes, wash ...
None of this will help with the noise pollution.
Maybe wrap the belly in foam?