exercise and altitude

[Lucy K]

Hi all. I just found out I'm pregnant a week ago (yeah!) and I have a ski vacation to Colorado planned next week. I plan to take it easy and be conservative (which won't be hard because I'm always a conservative, even though advanced, skier). I read Brigitta Gallo's "Expecting Fitness" book and the section on skiing basically said to be careful but that it's ok up until 12 weeks or so. Which made sense to me, given the change in balance and such. But then the last sentence was confusing -- don't ski in high altitude.

So here's my question -- isn't pretty much all skiing in high altitude and wouldn't that then preclude skiing? Any other things I should take into consideration with respect to high altitude exercise?

As I said, I plan on being very careful and conservative, make sure I don't get too winded (I'll be doing the talk test for perceived exertion), and make sure I don't get too hot (it's spring skiing, after all).

Thanks!!

Lucy K

 

[DebbieH]

Hi Lucy!

I don't have any advice on the altitude but wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!!! Be very careful skiing, have fun & and keep us posted on your pregnancy! Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH

 

[Sheila]

Hello Lucy,

Congratulations on your pregnancy. How far along are you? I would definitely ask your physician or midwife your altitude question. During pregnancy your oxygen consumption increases 20 - 30% and the overall oxygen content of the air is lower at higher altitudes than at sea level. There in lies the concern. I think that it would be best if you just ran this by your caregiver to get his or her thoughts on it. Let us know what they say.

Sheila Watkins

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Lucy! Congratulations on your pregnancy! I would just ask your doctor about that to be safe. Take Care!

 

[jenny]

Hey Lucy. Congrats!!! I just wanted to let you know that as far as skiing whilst pregnant, I have a whole whack of friends in Fernie, BC (including my sis-in-law) who skied well into their pregnancies and loved it. If you're a good skier and pay special attention to all the crazy and out of control skiers out there on the slopes, you will have a grand time...in fact one woman said that her balance and stance on her skis improved, the bigger her belly got! I am also newly preg. Due date Nov. 7. Yikes!!! Yahoo. I wish you all the best. Jenny

 

[Lucy K]

Thanks everyone!

Just wanted to say thanks for the responses. I checked with my Dr and she said to not worry about the altitude, so I'm all set.

Of course, this morning I woke up with a little spotting (which has since gone away). So something new to worry about. Now I'm waiting for a call back on that question. I hope my Dr doesn't worry that I'm calling with a new question every day now!

Jenny -- I can't imagine my balance getting better as my belly gets bigger! Although I'm very happy that I've added in some yoga and "functional fitness" type workouts over the last 6 months. I've definitely seen an improvement in my balance.

By the way, I love the phrase "whack of friends"!! Can't wait for the opportunity to use it!

Lucy K