Travel to high altitude

jlinke926 · July 2016

Hi Ladies, I'm looking for some opinions on this:

My brother is getting married next month in Jackson Wyoming. At that point, I will be 20 weeks pregnant with twins. The altitude there is at about 6,700 feet. My Dr wasn't thrilled about me going to the higher altitude, but he did not say not to go, he just said he wouldn't go any higher than that and I most likely wont be very comfortable. We were planning on driving through Yellowstone, which the altitude is a little higher there, but my Dr said as long as we were just driving through and not staying the night at those higher altitudes he was OK with it.

I have been out there before (not pregnant) and have had no issues with the altitude, but I am worried how it will effect me being pregnant. I'm worried about getting out there and being miserable and having a hard time breathing. If it were any other reason besides my brothers wedding, I most likely wouldn't be going, but I would feel horrible not being there, especially since my sister wont be there as she is due with her first baby the week before the wedding.

Has anyone traveled to higher altitudes while pregnant? Have you had any issues?

rdh33 · July 2016

What's the elevation where you live? Are you able to get some brief elevation gains beforehand? (On the way to Jackson, hike, drive to a picnic stop, etc.) I live at 4000 ft now, which is fine, but spent most of my life on islands and have had some trouble when hiking/backpacking at high elevations (above 10,000ft). During this pregnancy, I've gone up to about 7,000 ft, but living at 4,000 makes a big difference.

Try to get some elevation gain beforehand and take it super super slow. And stay hydrated... maybe a gallon of water a day. It's great that you're driving out there, and that you're going to be driving through higher elevations before staying in Jackson. In my experience, that will help a lot! Try to stay in Yellowstone for a few hours so that your body gets a little time to adjust, but definitely take it easy. Jackson may have an oxygen bar, where you can pay for 15, 30, 60 minutes of getting pure oxygen. Check with your doctor about whether or not that's okay to do while pregnant. If anything, that may give you peace of mind and help you relax--just getting a burst of nice, thick air.

(Part of the good thing about being pregnant and traveling to high elevations is that most of the things that trigger altitude sickness are already limited or avoided: caffeine, hot tubs, alcohol, etc.)

rdh33 · July 2016

Update: I just did a quick search and Jackson does have an oxygen bar or two, but they are mixed with essential oils, which is a little weird. If you wanted to try that out, they could probably just give you 100% oxygen.

asnowsurfer · July 2016

Living in Colorado, DH and I travel to high altitudes relatively frequently. I was just in Steamboat Springs for 5 days over the fourth of July and that's about 6,700 feet above sea level. I also went on a pretty long hike while I was up there and I felt no different than I usually do. I'm planning on going camping in Vail this weekend which is about 8,0000 feet above sea level. Granted I live at about 5,500 feet so my body is potentially more acclimated than yours might be!

I think the most important thing is drinking a TON of water. Dehydration is the main cause of altitude sickness, and ain't no pregnant lady got time for that! Also making sure that you are snacking and resting is key. If you ever feel lightheaded or tired, just relax, put your feet up, and sip on water.

Last tidbit, I found that I got really uncomfortably gassy during the drive up to Steamboat a few weeks ago. I will be taking something for that before we leave for Vail this weekend, and I recommend doing the same if you think it might bother you.

Hope that helps! Have fun at your brother's wedding!

michellemikeliu · July 2016

I live in New York (which is at sea level) and recently went on a short trip to Park City, Utah (about 7,000 feet above sea level). While driving up the mountain to Park City, my parents, my 4-year old child, and I all started to experience some headaches (and my child threw up in the car). We were unaware of the altitude issue, and even after 3 days at Park City, we still weren't feeling well. I was about 13 weeks along with bad morning sickness, so I attributed the headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath to my pregnancy. My dad was concerned he was having heart trouble, but then he and my mom both figured out they had similar symptoms to each other (and to me). I figured out it was probably due to the altitude, and once we came down the mountain (to Salt Lake City at 4,000 feet), we all began to feel noticeably better. Once we returned to New York, we felt much better.

From what I've read, there's not much you can do; the only recommendation is to drink more water. But just remember that altitude sickness can affect everyone differently, even at different times.

susykat77 · July 2016

I live in Colorado at about 4500 ft and travelled a few weekends ago to Copper at about 9700ft and had no problems. I asked my doctor if I should be concerned going to higher elevations and she said not at all. We even hiked up to 10,500 ft. My only complaint was that I was a little more breathless but that could just be because I haven't worked out at all in the first tri. Like pp said, drink a lot of water. I am curious what elevation you live at?

jlinke926 · July 2016

Thanks for all of the feedback ladies! I should have included that I live in Michigan, so I'm at about 600 ft. We are flying into Denver and I will be there for a few days before driving to Jackson (with lots of stops to walk and pee

I will definitely look into the Oxygen bars! Thanks for the advice.

ceclarlinetlo · July 2016

I went to Cusco Peru a few years ago which is over 11,000 feet above sea level, and there are things you can take prophylactically and the first day or two while you are there - not sure if they are safe while pregnant though - you could probably call a travel clinic and explain you want to avoid altitude sickness and you are pregnant and see what they recommend.

Mylitta · July 2016

I know that they say watch it... but it's when you go up a specific amount of elevation. Maybe check that? But if your doctor is good I'd go with it and monitor. Always more water and go slowly. Also sunscreen... not for breathing or anything, but general safety rule.

I ignored a lot of the high altitude information since I also live in Colorado. So I don't think we can go up high enough to make it an issue comparative to normal... I've been fine even when traveling to the mountains. Only slightly more breathless, but I was hiking and that does it anyway

aishmc · July 2016

I went to Lake Tahoe at 13 weeks and my morning sickness was brutal. I didn't feel dizzy or lightheaded, but I did get a couple headaches. If you drink lots of water and anticipate not feeling well at times you should be ok.

SunsetSky · July 2016

Altitude sickness is a real deal, so be careful and drink lots of water.

Although I will note that I don't quite agree with your dr.'s theory of not staying for long. As someone who hikes a lot I will say that it is far better for you to slowly allow your body to get used to it. That's why the general advice to fly in a few days before a massive hike or climb is suggested. Spending a few days in Denver will be a way for you to sort of accomplish that... Denver is quite a bit of a difference than MI. Just take it easy in Denver and drinks lots of water. Your body will tell you if you need otherwise.

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