Is It Safe To Vacation At High Altitude During Pregnancy?
According to the recommendations of the US Department of Human Health and Services, Center for Disease Control, all pregnant women should avoid going to places that are at altitudes higher than 3,658 meters or 12,000 feet. For women whose pregnancies are considered to be high risk or are in the late periods of their pregnancy, altitudes that are higher than 2,500 meters or 8,200 feet should be avoided.
Let your obstetrician know about your plans of going on vacation at high altitudes. Your doctor might inform you that the tolerance for altitude may differ from one woman to another. Some women may suffer from lightheadedness and dizziness between 8,000 and 9,000 feet, while some may still not feel these symptoms at 12,000 feet. Remember that if you feel any symptoms or if you are having any difficulties while staying at high altitudes, it is safe and best to assume that your baby may be having a hard time as well.
Things to Keep In Mind While On Vacation At High Altitudes
Air is thin at higher altitudes. Oxygen is quite limited the higher you go and this may aggravate your difficulty of drawing in deep breaths which comes with your pregnancy. This may lower your energy and stamina as you can’t breathe normally. Short vacations at high altitudes would not affect you or the growth and development of your baby but prolonged stays may affect your baby’s growth. The reason for this is, there is less oxygen at higher altitudes which will increase your shortness of breath thus decreasing the oxygen supply of your unborn child. According to research, women who live at higher altitudes may deliver smaller babies compared to women who live in places that are at sea level.
Monitor the temperature of the place where you plan to vacation. Make sure that you would not feel too cold, use electric blankets to keep your temperature normal, but not over 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Very low or very high temperatures may have adverse effect on the development of your baby.
While on vacation, if you feel that you are short of breath more than you normally experience and that you are starting to huff and puff or you feel that you are getting dizzy and lightheaded, it is best that you descend to a lower altitude. If after you descend, you still feel these symptoms, it is best to call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital for immediate assistance.
