Can You Skydive While Pregnant? What Expectant Jumpers Need to Know

Key Takeaways 
Skydiving while pregnant is not recommended, and reputable dropzones do not allow tandem skydives for pregnant participants at any stage of pregnancy. Even experienced skydivers are encouraged to wait until after pregnancy as the physical demands and potential impacts of the sport introduce unnecessary risk. Although freefall feels smooth, parachute openings, landings, altitude exposure and pregnancy-related changes in the body all contribute to why waiting is the safest choice. After delivery and medical clearance from a physician, you can return to skydiving and enjoy the experience when the time is right.

If you were looking forward to an upcoming skydive and just found out you’re expecting, you’re no doubt wondering, can you skydive while pregnant? The short answer is no for tandem students and first-time jumpers. At Skydive Danielson, we do not allow tandem skydives during pregnancy, regardless of trimester, fitness level, or previous experience with other adventure sports while pregnant. 

If you’re a licensed skydiver, the decision is more nuanced, but the safest approach is to wait until after pregnancy. 

If you’re feeling slightly bummed about not skydiving while pregnant, we hope the “whys” behind this universal recommendation help ease it! The good news is that the sky will still be here when you’re ready!

Can You Skydive Pregnant? The Short Answer

Can you go skydiving while pregnant? Here’s the answer:

• Tandem students and first-time jumpers are not permitted to skydive and should not skydive while pregnant.

• Licensed skydivers should discuss the decision with their provider. Some licensed jumpers opt to continue taking to the skies, but the United States Parachute Association (USPA) discourages skydiving during pregnancy. Waiting until after pregnancy is the safest option.

These recommendations are firm and apply to every stage of pregnancy, even during the earliest weeks.

Why You Can’t Tandem Skydive While Pregnant

Although skydiving while pregnant may sound harmless to some, there are several factors that make it an unnecessary risk.

Sudden Deceleration

While freefall itself feels smooth, skydiving involves rapid parachute deployment and the possibility of harder-than-ideal landings. 

Even though tandem instructors are highly trained to provide comfortable landings, unexpected wind or extraneous conditions can create situations where additional impact occurs. Similarly, parachutes are designed to deploy with ease, but sometimes snippy openings occur. 

Although a physically fit person can endure these with the result of just some extra soreness, there’s additional risk for the little bean in your belly. 

Altitude Exposure

Skydiving typically occurs between 10,000 and 14,000 feet above ground level. Although the time spent at these higher altitudes is relatively short, there is limited research on how brief high altitude exposure during skydiving affects pregnancy.

Because of this uncertainty (and the importance of maintaining adequate oxygen levels during pregnancy) medical organizations generally recommend avoiding unnecessary altitude-related risks.

Joint Laxity and Injury Risk

Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that naturally loosen ligaments in preparation for childbirth. This can make joints less stable and increase the chance of strains or sprains.

Skydiving requires maintaining specific body positions during freefall and landing, and looser joints may make those movements more difficult while increasing injury risk. Although you may be thinking that these minor injuries are totally worth the risk, they’re really not.

Heat Exposure

Depending on the season, jump aircraft and dropzones can become quite warm while waiting to board or climbing to altitude. Medical professionals generally recommend avoiding overheating during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester.

Although this is only one piece of the skydiving puzzle, it’s just another reason why waiting until after pregnancy is the better choice.

Instructor Liability, Dropzone Policy, and Consent 

Reputable drop zones prioritize the well-being of every guest. Because of the potential risks involved, responsible tandem skydiving facilities – including Skydive Danielson –  do not allow pregnant passengers to make tandem skydives.

This policy exists to protect both the expectant parent and the developing baby, and reflects widely accepted industry practices.

Can Licensed or Experienced Skydivers Jump While Pregnant?

Experienced skydivers sometimes ask whether the recommendation changes if they have hundreds (or even thousands) of jumps.

While some licensed jumpers choose to stop jumping immediately after learning they’re pregnant and others discuss continuing briefly with their physician, the USPA discourages skydiving during pregnancy. Ultimately, this is a personal medical decision that should be made with a provider who understands both their patient’s unique pregnancy and the physical demands of skydiving.

Even for experienced jumpers, waiting until after pregnancy remains the recommendation.

Common Questions About Skydiving and Pregnancy

Can You Jump at 12 Weeks Pregnant?

No. Tandem students and first-time jumpers should not skydive. Pregnancy recommendations do not change based on trimester when it comes to tandem skydiving.

At What Point Can You No Longer Fly When Pregnant?

This question often refers to commercial airline travel, not skydiving. Many airlines allow pregnant passengers to fly until late in the third trimester, although individual airline policies vary and medical clearance may be required. 

Skydiving is different. Once someone knows they are pregnant, tandem skydiving is not recommended or allowed regardless of how early the pregnancy is.

Can You Do Indoor Skydiving While Pregnant?

Indoor skydiving eliminates parachute openings and landings, but wind tunnels still prohibit pregnant participants due to its unique risks, and liability and consent concerns. But, this will make taking to the skies or the wind even more exciting when the time comes. 

When Can You Skydive After Pregnancy?

Every recovery is different! Before returning to skydiving, allow your body time to heal, follow your caregiver’s guidance, and listen to your body. Once you’ve been medically cleared to resume physical activity and feel ready, you can begin planning your next (or first) jump!

Planning Your Jump for After Baby Arrives

If discovering your pregnancy means postponing your skydive, we understand the disappointment. The good news is that your adventure doesn’t have to be canceled, it can simply be delayed. Plus, the greatest adventure of your life is with you now! 

If you’ve already booked your jump, reach out to us to discuss your options in rescheduling. We’ll be happy to help you reschedule for a future date or answer any questions about your reservation. 

And if you’ve delivered and are ready to book your jump, congratulations! We can’t wait to help you experience the gift of human flight! Blue skies!