Can You Skydive While Pregnant?

TL;DR
Skydiving while pregnant is not allowed for tandem or inexperienced jumpers at any stage of pregnancy. Experienced, licensed skydivers may choose to jump in pregnancy, but it’s a personal decision and many opt to sit it out entirely. Skydiving during pregnancy is generally discouraged due to increased risks like injury from joint laxity, oxygen concerns, potential trauma from parachute openings or landings, and heat exposure. Indoor skydiving also isn’t recommended, as pregnancy-related risks still apply despite the more controlled environment.

For the expecting mama seeking adventure, the question, “Can you skydive while pregnant?” may be top of mind, and we’re so glad you asked! Tandem students cannot go skydiving while pregnant, but it’s an individual choice for experienced jumpers. Let’s take a deeper look at skydiving and pregnancy. 

Can You Jump While Pregnant Early On? 

As a tandem skydiver, you are not permitted to skydive while pregnant, regardless of how far along you are. Sure, some people jump before they know they have a wee bun in the oven, but if you know you’re pregnant, don’t skydive.

But what about solo, experienced skydivers – can you skydive pregnant if it’s something you do on a regular basis? Some moms-to-be who jump often choose to sit out the entire time they’re carrying, and others jump throughout their pregnancy. It’s a personal decision. 

What is the golden rule for every pregnant woman? To listen to your body! You know your body better than anyone, and if skydiving while pregnant is a path you feel good taking as an experienced jumper, then you can do that.

Skydiving While Pregnant: What To Know 

Dr. Laura Galdamez has a fabulously in-depth piece answering the question, “Can pregnant women skydive?” and detailing the complications that may or may not come from jumping. 

Here are four reasons why skydiving while pregnant is discouraged: 

• Increased Risk of Injury
  
  Women experience significant changes within their bodies while growing a tiny new human! Pregnant women have an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries from increased joint laxity. This means the ligaments are a little looser or stretchier than normal (to prepare for birth), and although this may be imperceptible in day-to-day life, you may be well aware of it if you go skydiving while pregnant. Laxity can make it more difficult to maintain correct body positions, which are critical while skydiving, and especially necessary upon landing.  

• Hypoxia in Pregnancy
  
  What is hypoxia? It’s a condition that happens when the body’s tissues and organs are deprived of oxygen. People who experience hypoxia can have symptoms ranging from shortness of breath to dizziness and cyanosis (a blue hue to the lips and skin). Although most skydives don’t take place from an altitude requiring supplemental oxygen, the air density does decrease as you climb to any exit altitude. This could cause expectant mothers who already have underlying breathing or heart issues to be in distress.
  
  Ultimately, there is very minimal research to support short-term exposure to higher altitudes having an effect on pregnancy, but it’s just not worth the risk.
  
  At what point can you no longer fly when pregnant? Many airlines restrict travel for pregnant women around the third trimester, as there is a heightened chance of going into labor! Although flying while pregnant is the mother’s decision – and one she should make with her doctor – it is generally permitted for the average pregnancy. 

• Trauma in Pregnancy
  
  There are two stages during a skydive that stand out as having trauma potential: the shock from a parachute opening and the possibility of a hard landing.
  
  What happens during a parachute opening? The parachute opening happens in stages – the closing pin is released, the lines stretch, the canopy comes out of the deployment bag, and the slider (a small piece of fabric fastened along the lines) catches the wind. The slider is designed to significantly slow the opening of the parachute. These stages encourage the opening to be soft, but sometimes they’re snippier than we’d like. And, even if an opening is as smooth as butter, the rapid deceleration can increase the risk of placental abruption.
  
  What happens during a skydiving landing? The skydiver or tandem pair descend toward the ground while having forward motion. The skydiver will take the toggles and initiate a flare of the canopy – this slows forward movement and descent, allowing for a smooth landing. A skydiving landing entails taking a few, quick steps, or sliding in on your bottom. 

• Heat and Pregnancy
  
  Many people envision skydiving as being a little more of a chilly sport – ya know, the higher altitude the cooler the air! And they wouldn’t be wrong. However, the plane ride up to altitude, especially in the summer time, can become quite warm. Although this short exposure to a hot environment may have no effect on the baby or mother, it can be a bit overwhelming. It’s simply not worth the chance. 

Can You Do Indoor Skydiving While Pregnant? 

Indoor skydiving doesn’t have the risk of a saucy landing or the shock of an opening parachute, so is it okay for pregnant women? Not quite. Indoor skydiving is still an extreme activity, and despite it being in a more controlled environment, there will always be an inherent level of risk present. 

Although the answer to “Can I go diving while pregnant?” is no, it’s really just a not right now! We can’t wait to fly with you in the wide open sky when your little one is earthside! Book your jump now and give yourself the best push present ever (once you’re fully recovered, of course): a skydive! Blue skies!