Acute Mountain Sickness and travel

LoriLue31

We'll be visiting with my in laws at their cabin which is about 9,200 ft elevation. My midwife said everything should be fine, but my husband has kind of made me talking about how I could get AMS have a headache and vomit etc. Of course I googled it and regret doing that immensely. We'll be driving in and now I think I am going to have us stay at about 6,000 feet the first night then work our way up to the 9,200. Have any of you traveled anywhere to high elevation while pregnant? How'd you feel?

wootownlady

I live in Colorado so I have familiarity with this. Staying at lower elevation first (6,000 feet like you said), and then going up to 9,000 feet is a good idea  - gives your body time to adjust slowly.

I'll tell you what I tell everyone- pregnant or not - drink TONS of water - not gatorade or soda or anything- just water. And don't forget your chapstick/hand cream. 

Then go for mind over matter - tell yourself you are okay, and everything's fine and more likely than not, it will be. Most altititude sickness starts around 10,000 or 11,000 feet or above.

Have fun - enjoy your time!

Alexandra0223

I agree with PP. My sister lives in Jackson Hole, WY. 

LOTS OF WATER. And dont be suprised if you feel shortness of breath, it isnt just you, its everyone.  

LoriLue31

wootownlady:

I live in Colorado so I have familiarity with this. Staying at lower elevation first (6,000 feet like you said), and then going up to 9,000 feet is a good idea  - gives your body time to adjust slowly.

I'll tell you what I tell everyone- pregnant or not - drink TONS of water - not gatorade or soda or anything- just water. And don't forget your chapstick/hand cream. 

Then go for mind over matter - tell yourself you are okay, and everything's fine and more likely than not, it will be. Most altititude sickness starts around 10,000 or 11,000 feet or above.

Have fun - enjoy your time!

Thanks for your comforting response!  My husband is a mountain man and would have us move to Colorado in a heartbeat. They want to climb a 14er again this trip (think I'll stay at the cabin or maybe go to the spa back towards civilization. ) I like to hike, but think I'll just stick to the shorter trails around the cabin. I do have anxiety attacks, so I know it'll all be about calming my mind. Water, chap stick, slowly ascending and hand lotion.. thanks Do you hike often living in Colorado?

bearkatjen

I'm from Houston, so I've lived my whole life at sea level. Cusco is 11,000+ feet and I could feel the change as soon as they opened the plane doors. Short of breath, faint, tired, all of that. The mornings were the worst for me. I spent most of my time in Peru in a small village at 6000 feet and it was more manageable, but I could still feel a major difference in my energy, like I had none! Walking anywhere was a feat and I was so worn out from the elevation than my immune system even took a hit.

I would definitely consider a slow drive up there, so you can acclimate. I would also talk to your doctor about a prescription for altitude sickness. I think you have to take it prior to going. I have no idea if it's safe for pregnancy. My stupid doctor that I will never go back to gave me motion sickness patches when I told him I was going to Cusco and wanted something for altitude sickness. I'm still bitter.:/ 

mreinke8289

I live in Colorado as well and get car sick when driving through the mountains NOT pregnant...I wonder how I'd do right now...

Agreed: water, water, water.  When driving, sit in the front seat (not sure where else you'd be sitting but...).  Don't know why it makes a difference, but it does! 

wootownlady

First, hello to all the other Coloradoans! Hi!

Second, to clarify, I did mean, can you stay in Denver or somewhere lower than 9,000 feet for a night, before going up to the cabin? Just driving slowly isn't really going to cut it - I think you need a day/night to acclimate (as do many people). Plenty to see/do before you head up to the mountains!

I get winded here - whether i'm hiking pregnant or not pregnant (and yes, we go hiking a lot!) - and all of us who live here have more red blood cells to move oxgyen better, than do people who live at lower altitudes.  I would take even 'easy' hikes very very carefully if you are 5/6 months pregnant and from out of state.  You want to enjoy your vacay!

 

LoriLue31

There are a lot of Coloradoans on here! Very cool.
Yeah, by my "slowly ascending" I mean staying a night in Pueblo  or something (guess its at 6,000 ft) then well make it up to our cabin at 9,200 ft the following day. I know the first few days they'll be just relaxing at the cabin. It wont be until about day 3 until any hikes will be attempting (I think).