Scuba Diving and Pregnancy

The current medical and diving recommendation is clear: pregnant women should not scuba dive at any stage of pregnancy. (Divers Alert Network)

Why is scuba diving not recommended?

• During a dive, nitrogen dissolves into the body tissues.
• During ascent, tiny gas bubbles can form.
• An adult's lungs can usually filter these bubbles, but a fetus does not have functioning lungs to filter gas bubbles because oxygen comes through the placenta.
• There is a theoretical risk of:
• Fetal decompression sickness
• Gas embolism
• Birth defects
• Miscarriage or fetal injury

What if a woman dived before knowing she was pregnant?

This happens quite often. Available human studies have not shown a consistent pattern of severe problems, and accidental diving early in pregnancy is generally not considered a reason to terminate a pregnancy. However, the woman should stop diving once pregnancy is suspected or confirmed and discuss the exposure with her doctor.

Can pregnant women snorkel?

Surface snorkeling, swimming, and other low-risk water activities are generally considered safer alternatives, provided the pregnancy is uncomplicated and the woman's doctor approves.

Diving organization guidance

Organizations such as the Divers Alert Network (DAN) advise women to avoid scuba diving during pregnancy and when pregnancy is suspected.