Safe to hunt while pregnant?
Hey ya’ll this is a question for some woman who have went hunting while pregnant or some fathers who have taken their wives hunting while pregnant.
My question is,is it safe to hunt while your pregnant,I have one son and didnt hunt while I was pregnant with him I was to pregnant while season was in.
Im an expirienced hunter been doin it since I was 8 Im now 22.So I know what Im doin Im just wondering if its safe for me to hunt while Im pregnant.Ill be about 23 weeks when season comes in.I bow hunt,I shoot muzzle loaders and rifles.I do all the different ways of hunting,is it safe?Please help me.
Thank you everyone.My main concern was the lead in the bullets.
I am an average 22 year old 5 foot 135 I do alot of heavy lifting and am used to a working lifestyle,just wondering about the lead.I plan to ask my Health Care Provider to make sure its safe the terrain is WV terrain and my own property so shooting from my porch is an option.I appreciate all your help and advice.
Like I said I plan to ask my doctor anyway I just didnt wanna bother him before my next appointment.
Just when you thought pregnancy cravings were a as good a reason as any to sink your teeth into a big ol’ juicy side of venison, they come out with another thing you can’t do when you’re pregnant. Or a little kid, for that matter. The State of North Dakota has come out with a warning for all pregnant women and parents of young children to avoid wild game shot with lead bullets.
A study of the lead levels of state residents, done in concert with researchers from the CDC, showed a marked difference in the lead levels of those who eat wild game. Heightened levels of lead have been linked to learning problems and convulsions in kids, sometimes even brain damage and death. The CDC epedimiologist who worked on the study says none of the levels were actually high enough to cause a problem, and none of the people who tested above “normal” were sick. It’s simply “a concern,” he said.
Warnings have already been issued for food pantries to throw out donated venison in North Dakota, and it’s possible the scare will extend to other states. Which begs the question, what happens to the families who depend on wild game for food – especially in light of the economic downturn? Is the state overreacting or just playing it safe?
Remember that the bullet have high lead content. So if you touching the bullet can absorbs some of the lead. Especially if not wash hand after touch bullets and then touch the mouth.
So if you can avoid touch the bullets is even better. If not, washing the hand to get rid of lead. (No use hand sanitizer, only soap and water )
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Shoot from the porch or truck. I don’t think deer stands are lots of walking are climbing in the mountains is good for you. Depends on your terrain. If you fall or trip you could lose your baby.
unless your doctor says other wise… sounds good to me.
what is hunting… a walk… sitting in a blind awhile and another walk.
I know women who ride horses up to the 8th month… just watch your step and get help if you need it
Good luck and Congrats on your new child
If you hunt like I do for Deer season then stay home. Lots of climbing, possibly a chance of rolling down into a river, coal pits, rough terrain, most of the gals we have had hunt with us take the season off. But if you are hunting from the seat of a truck like a lot of my SD buddies do then have at it. You won’t have to worry about lead that much. Most rifle rounds are copper jacketed anyways. I would not want to handle a lot of cleaning solvent like the Ammonia based stuff for cleaning the guns.
You have nothing to really worry about that the average middle age hunter wouldn’t have to worry about;hunting can be strenuous so be aware of over- exertion. If you are in average shape for a 22 year old female you shouldn’t have any problems, but stay away from climbing into tree stands and dragging out deer. There are some areas where ticks and pathogens can be an issue,so if you get something I would try to have someone else field dress it,or at least use the gloves you can get.
I mention the middle age hunter because lots of people have heart attacks dealing with the strain of hunting situations,so that is why being in shape, no matter what age or gender is important.
Well, you know your strengths and weaknesses a lot better than we do. You also know the terrain that you’ll be hunting in. If you feel confident in yourself that you’ll be able to, then do it. But, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. There’s no need to strain your body now.
If your concerned, ask your prenatal doctor if you have one already. He/she should give you a good idea on what not to do while out in the field.
If you go, be careful (everyone goin huntin this deer season should regardless if they are a man or woman or pregnant or not), take your time, and don’t strain yourself.
Yes ,I have an inlaw. No wait, an outlaw inlaw that done it while pregnant with both her kid’s. Now they seem to be ok for now, BUT that could possibly change from her inherant genes or from the shock of the loud boom? They do seem to flinch and jump when you sneak up on em and yell at em. Maybe??? She would kill me for telling on her if she found this out, don’t tell. Remember about the lead tho, avoid it.
I don’t see why not, but if you fall out of a stand, try to fall on your back.
I have seen many women go hunting while pregnant.
In my opinion, the lead levels from shooting are not the concern. The real concern should be the noise generated when shooting loud rifles and shotguns. Let’s face it, your unborn baby is developing his/her ears in the womb. Of course, sounds will be muffled, you still have to consider if shooting loud guns might possibly interfere with their hearing on a long term basis after birth.
I would not be concerned about the lead– you can’t get exposed to enough to affect you or baby not on a hunting trip.
Be worried about a fall, a rough ride, or getting shot.
At 23 weeks, your only concern will be that you shouldn’t get into a treestand (imbalance). No, you don’t need to worry about lead. I’m not sure about your seasons’ lengths up there, but things will be different at 38 weeks, if you’re hunting a remote area.
No reason you should not as long as you are up to it.
I wouldn’t be handling a lot of ammo or cleaning a lot of well-shot guns, but as long as you limit your exposure there’s almost no lead contamination worries. Put small amounts of your ammo sealed in ziplocks and use wipes on your hands immediately after loading and unloading and don’t put your hands near your eyes or mouth until you’ve cleaned them.
Good hunting and congrats on that baby!
Nothing changes.
I can’t get all scientific for you. I don’t know what hormones pregnant women produce. I do know that bucks get crazy around women on their monthly cycle. They want to attack.
Since your hormones are in overdrive now that may be something to consider. As far as the health of your baby talk to your OB-GYN he/she is more qualified to answer that than us gun toteing rednecks.