by Derrick |
Last Updated: October 15, 2022 Many women who practice hunting as a sport must face the challenges inherent to this activity and additional difficulties that do not affect men, such as hunting while pregnant. Women throughout their lives go through different challenges, which several men, such as pregnancy, do not share. There are specific situations where we do not stop to think about their implications until they occur. When a woman is passionate about this adrenaline-filled practice, can she hunt during pregnancy?
There is no scientific evidence that women cannot hunt during pregnancy. This fact means that they can hunt safely but with certain precautions to help avoid unnecessary scares. Controlled physical exercise is an excellent benefit for pregnant women’s bodies.
We must be clear that although it is safe to hunt while pregnant, there are physical changes that you must take into account. When a woman hunts during pregnancy, she will tire more quickly, feel heavier when moving, and be short of breath. However, it is an activity that women can safely continue by making various adjustments in terms of precaution and pace. But if you want to know more about this fascinating topic, keep reading the following sections of this article.
Can You Go Hunting During Pregnancy?
We understand pregnancy is exhausting, stressful, and sometimes uncomfortable due to nausea and other symptoms. It would also be understandable to think that hunting while pregnant could be considered an extreme activity for many people. Remember that hunting involves long walks, long periods of waiting, and no bathroom for basic needs. If all these factors can affect people in a normal state, much more will affect pregnant women.
Any woman without pre-existing physical conditions and whose pregnancy is developing healthily can continue to practice hunting. In fact, for those women who enjoy hunting wild game, it is healthy to maintain this activity. For many women, hunting is a way to relieve the stresses of everyday life and pregnancy. Breathing the fresh air and admiring the wildlife can be the perfect way to lessen the natural tensions of this exceptional condition.
We must know how much physical effort our body can withstand. Many obstetricians recommend continuing the practice of this activity since it allows the person to take fresh air and, at the same time, the woman can exercise with moderate walks.
Hunting At Different Stages Of Pregnancy
Hunting during pregnancy is indeed possible, but it is also true that depending on the stage of your pregnancy, you will need to take different precautions.
Hunting During The First Trimester Of Pregnancy
This period is the safest time for women to undertake a hunting adventure. The baby is in the lower part of the pelvis, and its level of protection is greater against possible falls or accidents. However, it is a fact that this stage, at an emotional level, is the most difficult of all for women. The heart pumps blood much faster than usual, the sugar level goes through the roof, and the hormones will provoke significant feelings of nausea.
During this stage in the hunt, the woman should be sure to drink plenty of water and eat snacks frequently. Protein and carbohydrate-based snacks can help keep the blood sugar level from spiking and plummeting. A large backpack will be handy to carry enough snacks and water for this activity. When a pregnant woman is hungry, she will feel nauseous and dizzy, and in the middle of a hunt, the only alternative is to consume the snacks we pack.
Hunting During The Second Trimester Of Pregnancy
The second trimester of pregnancy likely is the most pleasant of all the stages for hunting. During this period, the woman has less discomfort, and the moderate belly volume makes her still manage to go hunting. As in the first stage, the woman must stay very well hydrated; the problem is that she will need to urinate frequently, and squatting every 15 minutes in the middle of nowhere will not be a pleasant experience.
Hunting During The Third Trimester Of Pregnancy
On a physical level, this stage is the most complex and risky of the entire pregnancy. However, many women continue hunting until the last days after giving birth, so everything will depend on the doctor’s indications in each case and the woman’s physical condition. In the third trimester, the ligaments loosen, causing the loss of stability when walking and pain in the back and hips.
The best decision is to take things very calmly and lower expectations if the person decides to go hunting. When pregnant women experience pain or contractions, it is best to consult a doctor and suspend this activity.
Valuable Tips For Hunting During Pregnancy
When a pregnant woman continues her hunting activity, it is essential to take some measures to ensure that this experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible. Some helpful tips are:
- Bring plenty of snacks and sandwiches. It is vital to bring plenty of snacks and sandwiches depending on the duration of the hunt. Experts recommend bringing snacks rich in protein and carbohydrates to help maintain a balanced blood sugar level and reduce possible dizziness and nausea.
- Keep your feet on the ground and discard tree observation posts. Observation posts from the heights of trees are one of the great attractions of hunting. However, for a pregnant woman, climbing a tree at 10 meters and staying there for long periods is neither the safest nor the most convenient.
- Shoot only when necessary. Lead poisoning is extremely dangerous for pregnant women. Hence, a much safer alternative is to have someone else fire the gun. If the pregnant woman fires one or two shots, there is no risk to the baby, but the fewer, the better. Another alternative is to get special ammunition that does not contain lead.
- Use a bow to shoot. When the firearm is a significant concern, the pregnant woman can evaluate the use of a bow. When you use a bow, there is no risk of lead poisoning or damaging the baby’s ears. You need to make a smooth and accurate shot, which will only be possible with a lot of practice.
- Stay hydrated at all times. Drinking water while hunting is crucial. Optimal hydration will help the pregnant woman prevent bloating and nausea.
- Avoid carrying the hunted game. When a woman is pregnant, the best option is to have a partner take the game for her. You should never add more weight than the woman already has due to pregnancy, as this would significantly increase the chances of slipping or falling. Any activity where we risk the mother and baby’s life is not worth it. Additionally, we must remember that wild animals are not only carriers of diseases but can also carry ticks, fleas, or leeches.
- Pay attention to your body. No matter how much you enjoy hunting, you must be clear enough to recognize your limitations and diminishing capabilities as your pregnancy progresses. Pregnant women cannot risk giving birth in the middle of the jungle by hunting. There may come the point where you may have to decide to stop hunting altogether and resume hunting after delivery.
- Wear insoles and compression stockings. With pregnancy, the feet, especially the heels, begin to ache due to increased body weight. The ankles also start to swell significantly. An alternative to these issues is to buy gel insoles to place in your shoes. Compression stockings will also help keep blood from pooling in the ankles and circulating evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Shoot A Bow While Pregnant?
First, check with your doctor for specific advice given your health and overall medical condition. But generally, yes, you can should a bow while pregnant as long as you can comfortably do so.
Is It Safe To Eat Deer Meat While Pregnant?
In most cases, yes, it is safe to eat deer meat while pregnant assuming it was processed/handled in a safe manner and likewise cooked appropriately.
A Final Thought On Pregnant Women And Hunting
Hunting is an activity that any woman can do during pregnancy if she is in good health and everything is going well in her gestation process. Contrary to what many people think, hunting can be a relaxing sport because it requires a lot of waiting and patience.
The fresh air and excitement of hunting can relieve the excitement and stress of pregnancy. Pregnant women can continue to hunt in moderation, taking the necessary safety precautions and listening to their body’s signals. Following these tips, they can enjoy a pleasant hunt during their sweet pregnancy.
Sources:
https://www.postandcourier.com/tideline/hunting/the-outsider-hunting-while-pregnant
https://www.mossyoak.com/our-obsession/blogs/hunting/how-to-hunt-when-pregnant
https://www.ehuntr.com/tips-for-hunting-while-pregnant
