Diving does not pose health risks if a series of safety measures—generally well-studied and defined—are followed. Practically all studies underpinning safety standards and measures have focused on male subjects. Are these standards applicable to women?

It's important to note that in some aspects, women's physiology differs from men's. Their condition can often change due to menstrual cycles and the possibility of pregnancy. This article addresses these questions based on the most current scientific knowledge.

Under the sea


From a diving-related activity perspective, the key difference between men and women lies in lower body mass and distinct body composition. Theoretically, lower mass and higher fat percentage have three main implications:

  • Greater buoyancy.
  • Reduced consumption of inhaled gases.
  • Higher capacity for inert gas storage (e.g., nitrogen), which accumulates in fatty tissue and plays a critical role in bubble formation due to pressure changes—ultimately affecting decompression sickness mechanisms.
Despite these differences, current studies using Doppler techniques (which measure bubble volume/quantity from decompression and related symptoms) show no significant gender-based disparities.

Likely, women's higher inert gas storage capacity is offset by lower gas consumption. For this or other reasons, leading scientific bodies confirm no elevated risk for women adhering to standard safety protocols.

Woman doing diving


Pregnancy and Diving


During pregnancy, pressure changes and increased respiratory gas concentration/partial pressure may be harmful. Additionally, the fetus lacks a pulmonary filter to safely process microbubbles formed during decompression after inert gas exposure. This occurs because fetal blood bypasses the lungs, moving directly from venous to arterial circulation, with oxygenation occurring via the umbilical artery in the placenta.

Other pregnancy-related symptoms may hinder or prevent underwater activities:
  • Equalisation difficulties due to fluid retention narrowing sinus/ear passages.
  • Higher susceptibility to motion sickness from water movement. Early-pregnancy nausea/vomiting can severely compromise underwater breathing.
Expert consensus recommends:
  • Permitted: Surface water activities and shallow freediving, posing no special risks.
  • Avoid: Prolonged apnea or gas-supplied dives. Accidental exposure doesn’t warrant pregnancy termination, as no conclusive evidence of adverse effects exists.
Post-delivery, mothers should wait 3–4 weeks (or 8 weeks after C-section) to resume diving, allowing wound healing and physical recovery. Assess fitness loss post-pregnancy before returning to diving.

Pregnancy and diving


Breastfeeding and Diving


Breastfeeding doesn’t restrict underwater activities if the mother’s fitness and schedule allow. Adjust dive times around feeding to prevent infant malnutrition or breast discomfort.

Pressure changes don’t affect milk production, and theoretical microbubbles in maternal circulation/tissues don’t alter milk quality. No evidence suggests bubbles form in milk or harm infants.

Thoroughly clean nipples post-dive to avoid bacterial contamination (risking infant GI issues or mastitis if cracks are present).

Woman diving


Menstruation and Diving


No special precautions are needed for menstrual cycles. However, premenstrual symptoms (mood swings, fatigue, joint pain, reduced focus) may warrant easier dives (without decompression). Tampon use is fully compatible with diving.

Health and women in diving


Breast Implants


Modern breast/body implants use exclusively silicone (siloxane polymer) or saline. Silicone is inert, minimally compressible, and highly stable under temperature/pressure changes.

Its density (1.1–1.8 g/cm³, avg. 1.35 g/cm³) creates negative buoyancy. Saline implants match water density, neutralising buoyancy effects.

Those with implants should consult their surgeon before diving, considering buoyancy changes based on implant volume, location, and type.