## Can Scuba Diving Affect Pregnancy?
Scuba diving is a popular recreational activity that many people enjoy. However, if you are pregnant, you may be wondering if it is safe to continue diving. The answer to this question is not entirely clear-cut. There are some risks associated with scuba diving while pregnant, but there are also some precautions you can take to minimize the risks.
### Risks of Scuba Diving While Pregnant
The main risks of scuba diving while pregnant are related to the changes that occur in your body during pregnancy. These changes include:
Increased blood flow to the uterus
Increased heart rate
Decreased lung capacity
Increased risk of decompression sickness
Increased blood flow to the uterus. When you are pregnant, your blood volume increases by about 50%. This increased blood flow is necessary to support the growth of the fetus. However, it can also lead to problems if you dive too deeply. When you dive, the increased pressure can cause the blood vessels in your uterus to constrict. This can restrict the flow of blood to the fetus and can lead to fetal distress.
Increased heart rate. Your heart rate also increases during pregnancy. This is because your body is working harder to pump blood to the uterus and the fetus. The increased heart rate can put a strain on your heart and can lead to problems if you dive too deeply.
Decreased lung capacity. Your lung capacity decreases during pregnancy. This is because the growing uterus pushes up against your diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. The decreased lung capacity can make it more difficult to breathe, which can be a problem if you are diving.
Increased risk of decompression sickness. Decompression sickness is a condition that can occur when you ascend from a dive too quickly. When you ascend, the nitrogen that has dissolved in your tissues during the dive comes out of solution and forms bubbles in your blood. These bubbles can block blood flow to your organs and can cause serious problems. The risk of decompression sickness is increased during pregnancy because the changes in your body make you more susceptible to the formation of bubbles.
### Precautions for Scuba Diving While Pregnant
If you are pregnant and want to continue scuba diving, there are some precautions you can take to minimize the risks. These precautions include:
Diving in shallow water
Limiting your dive time
Ascending slowly
Staying hydrated
Avoiding strenuous activity
Diving in shallow water. The deeper you dive, the greater the pressure on your body. This increased pressure can increase the risk of problems, such as fetal distress and decompression sickness. To minimize the risks, it is best to dive in shallow water, no deeper than 30 feet.
Limiting your dive time. The longer you dive, the greater the risk of problems. To minimize the risks, it is best to limit your dive time to no more than 30 minutes.
Ascending slowly. When you ascend from a dive, it is important to ascend slowly to allow the nitrogen in your tissues to come out of solution gradually. Ascending too quickly can increase the risk of decompression sickness. To ascend slowly, it is best to use a dive computer or to follow the buddy system.
Staying hydrated. Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but it is especially important for pregnant women. When you are pregnant, your body needs more water to support the growth of the fetus. Dehydration can lead to problems, such as preterm labor and low birth weight. To stay hydrated, it is important to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your dive.
Avoiding strenuous activity. Strenuous activity can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. This can put a strain on your heart and can lead to problems, such as fetal distress. To avoid strenuous activity, it is best to avoid diving in strong currents or waves.
### Conclusion
The decision of whether or not to scuba dive while pregnant is a personal one. There are some risks associated with scuba diving while pregnant, but there are also some precautions you can take to minimize the risks. If you are pregnant and want to continue scuba diving, it is important to talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can help you assess the risks and benefits of diving and can make recommendations about how to dive safely.