Elevation when pregnant
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It’s all dependent on what you’re comfortable with. You know your body best and how you react at that elevation while not pregnant. I don’t think it should have any additional effect since you’re so early on but I’m not a dr. I was also really active during pregnancy and I skied at 12,000 feet multiple times and my doctor said skiing was fine just not to fall (nothing about elevation). Idk how you react to elevation, for me during pregnancy the lightheadedness was pretty bad because I have low blood pressure so that’s the main thing that would affect me at that elevation. Again, I would say whatever you’re comfortable with. Idk why the CDC would recommend against that when they allow pregnant women to fly at much higher elevation than that 🤷🏽♀️
@Amanda, I think the CDC makes those recommendations based on someone not living at elevation. Additionally, when you fly commercial the aircraft is pressurized and Oxygen is pumped into the cabin.
I never knew this was a thing. Hiked and camped at high elevations my entire pregnancy! I say go for it
Plus, the 10th Mountain Hut trips are so awesome.
I didn’t know this was a thing either! I live in South Denver and have hiked and camped throughout the pregnancy as well. It’s definitely based on your comfort level I think. I agree with some of the other comments that say the CDC has those guidelines based on the general population, not people who already live at that altitude. Like it probably wouldn’t be wise to hike a 14-er if you have spent the majority of your pregnancy living at sea level.
I hiked up to 12k ft around 20wks without any issues. I was eating 1-2 Brazil nuts/day for the selenium, and had increased my water intake + added electrolytes daily (coconut water or Nuun tabs) once I found out I was pregnant. Take it a bit more slowly & focus on your breathing. If you’re finding yourself really out of breath, then you may want to reconsider, but if you’re able to stay stable, then your baby’s likely getting adequate oxygen- that’s the biggest concern when it comes to elevation during pregnancy.
I asked about this w my midwife bc I'm headed to Breck tomorrow - she said bc I live at high elevation already it's fine to go into the mtns just plan to be a bit more conscious of exertion and water intake
Also for context I'm 25 weeks and 30 lbs heavier 😂
Thank you all!
I'm supposed to do a hut trip in February, and I will be at the end of my 2nd trimester then. My doctor said if I felt ok, shouldn't be a problem - listen to my body. Getting enough oxygen is the big thing. And similar to what others have said - living in Denver you're already more acclimated to elevation, so less of a concern than if you were coming from sea level. And you're active, so this isn't a new thing/exertion on your body. And you're so early in your pregnancy, I don't think it will be an issue. Have a great trip!
If you've lived here your whole life and have been at that elevation regularly, you should be fine. Like anything, listen to your body.