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SCUBA Diving in Pregnancy.
Robert L Reid1, Melissa Lorenzo2
1Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal D'Obstetrique Et Gynecologie Du Canada : JOGC
|March 6, 2018
Summary
Pregnant women should generally avoid Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) diving due to increased risks. However, accidental early pregnancy exposure does not necessitate ending the pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Diving Medicine
- Hyperbaric Physiology
Background:
- Obstetrical care providers may receive inquiries regarding the safety of SCUBA diving during pregnancy.
- This review addresses maternal and fetal risks associated with SCUBA diving in pregnant individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of SCUBA diving safety during pregnancy.
- To offer guidance for counseling pregnant women on diving-related risks.
- To review physiological changes and their implications for pregnant divers.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of Medline, Pubmed, and Embase using keywords: "scuba diving," "pregnancy," "fetus," "decompression illness," "hyperbaric medicine," "animal studies."
- Inclusion of English-language studies published up to 2016.
- Review of five retrospective and one prospective human studies on SCUBA diving in pregnancy.
Main Results:
- Pregnant women face heightened risks due to altered body habitus affecting equipment fit and balance.
- Animal data indicate potential fetal risks from decompression illness (DCI) and hyperbaric oxygen exposure.
- Human data, while largely reassuring, are limited in quality and do not entirely rule out adverse outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Pregnant women should be advised against SCUBA diving.
- Inadvertent recreational diving exposure in early pregnancy is not an indication for pregnancy termination.
- Further high-quality research is needed to fully assess risks.
