hiking in the first months of pregnancy? [Archive] - WhiteBlaze

berninbush

04-06-2009, 16:30

I second Gaiter, to discuss with a doctor.

Some other thoughts:

- Have you experienced any morning sickness?

- Can you get enough good nutrition while distance hiking?

- How hard were you planning to push yourself? Will your plans allow you to take it easy and listen to your body?

You might want to talk to Nocona... she was hiking one of the western trails (CDT?) with her husband when she got pregnant.

karoberts

04-06-2009, 16:37

Cancel the hike. Long distance hiking is very strenuous. It is hard to replace calories lost. You will end up falling from time to time. It's not worth the risk. In about 8 years, you can take the kiddo with you. Until then, it's still a journey, just a different type of amazing adventure.

cowboy nichols

04-06-2009, 16:38

If you are healthy and active you should have no problems.Of course you should consult with your Doctor. I have 10 children and rode horses and hiked 'til birth. I actually think my deliveries were easier do to good muscle tone. The only thing my doctor advised was to stay with activities I was already involved with.

ewj1976

04-06-2009, 17:10

Well the simple fact you mention "solo" means it should be canceled. It doesn't matter if the likelihood of you completing the hike is 95% without a hitch, if you experience any difficulty while hiking that could result in any harm to either you or your baby, you'll be alone and unable to get to a doctor ASAP. The risks of such incidents are real for people who don't hike, let alone those who distance themselves from civilization. I just think it's not worth.

Now, bear in mind, I work as a personal trainer and the hiking itself, at least in terms of exertion, should not be too strenuous early into your pregnancy as long as you understand that you'll be eating for the equivalent of 3 or 4 (2 + the added calories needed to sustain your hike). This assumes that you're an active hiker at present. My reservations exist solely on the grounds that you could take a spill, fall ill, have an unforeseen complication, etc.; honestly, I'm sure you'd be fine, but if something does happen, lord forbid, you'd surely blame yourself and have to live with it.

If you must hike, definitely consult your doctor, but if possible, put it on hold an take your child in the future karoberts suggested.

JAK

04-06-2009, 17:25

In general I can't think of an activity more befitting a pregnant woman than walking in the woods and spending time in natural surroundings. Of course the devil is in the details. It depends on what sort of shape you are in, how many miles per day you would like to do, and what risks might be associated with your pregnancy which might make you want to stay within reasonable reach of medical attention either for you or yours. I think if your doctor is also a long distance hiker, or a marathon runner or something like that, and a mom, that would be ideal. I am none of those things. I just like the woods.

In general the only think that would concern me would be the remoteness. Everything else can be done in moderation. Even the remoteness can be mitigated somewhat depending on what sections you have planned. There is likely a healthy balance which should work for you which includes lots of hiking, though perhaps not an entire thru-hike, and perhaps not the most remote areas depending on your risk factors.

Lillianp

04-06-2009, 18:09

Tanya, my mother's a doctor and I'll check with her, as I know she's been outdoorsy while pregnant too see what she has to say but here are my thoughts:
To me, what sounds logical is to hike with someone and make the days slightly easier than you were already planning. Bring more food, slow down the mileage and have someone with you-preferably someone who might know something about health related type things. And carry a cellphone (in case there is reception).
Of course, you should check with your doctor first.

Tanya

04-06-2009, 21:05

Thank you for your thoughts and insights. They are greatly appreciated. Of course I'll consult with the doctor before making any decisions. But I wanted to raise this question here because members of this forum are hikers and understand the realities of hiking without overdramatizing them. I am glad to hear that some of you incline to think that it is doable as long as the mileage is reasonable and the food is plentiful and healthy.

Lillianp, I am looking forward to input from your mother.

happy trails,
t.

Marta

04-06-2009, 22:09

If you're basically healthy and in good shape, why not hike? It would be a good idea to pay extra attention to your diet--take a prenatal vitamin, get plenty of protein, eat more fruits and veg than the normal hiker.

If you start feeling bad (spotting or whatever), you can always bail temporarily or permanently. On the southern AT you're never that far from town.

Honestly, people act so crazy about what pregnant women should and shouldn't do. As if 90+% of the world's mothers don't do hard physical work every day of their lives, walking on foot wherever they need to go, drawing water, cooking over fires, etc.

Pregnancy can relax your ligaments in some surprising ways, so you'll probably want to keep your pack weight down. My blood pressure always dropped when I was pregnant, and I had to be careful about straightening up suddenly.

After the baby is born, long-distance hiking (and just about everything else you might want to do for yourself) becomes much, much harder for as far into the future as you will want to look. Hike now--it'll be a memory to cherish when you're nursing the baby to sleep.

saimyoji

04-06-2009, 22:18

skinewmexico

04-06-2009, 23:08

Eat right, don't over do it, and take the neonatal vitamins. No big deal.

BobTheBuilder

04-06-2009, 23:38

This will be unpopular, but I don't think you should do it. That's alot of calories to be burning without a good diet to replace them. I don't think a prenatal vitamin is going to make up for a diet of ramens and lipton noodles.
I'm just sayin', it seems kind of self-centered.
Fillet me if you want, but you asked for opinions.

Spirit Walker

04-07-2009, 00:03

I know two women who got pregnant shortly before starting a thruhike (one on the PCT and one on the CDT) - both got off the trail because they felt thruhiking was too risky. One lost her child anyway. Those trails are more strenuous than the AT, but still - it is a risk.

There is also the fact that in the early stages of your pregnancy you will sometimes get very very tired. You may also have problems with smells (and hikers really do smell) and food tasting wierd and your appetite may not be sufficient. If your nutrition isn't good, you may lose hair and teeth. (My sister lost several teeth because of bad diet while pregnant.)

I would definitely talk to your doctor. If you do go on the trail - relax and do short days and be prepared to leave if something doesn't feel right.

Marta

04-07-2009, 07:01

Addressing the "too risky" question in a very blunt way: Pregnancies that are meant to last, do. Pregnancies that are not meant to go to term, don't. It can be sad when it happens, but you really can't blame yourself--it happens, and it happens a lot. (It happened to me, too--I had one miscarriage and had three full-term pregnancies, which puts me right in there with a 25% average.)

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=percentage+of+pregnancies+that+end+in+miscarriag e&aq=0&oq=percentage+of+pregn

Back in the old days, women used to do everything under the sun to terminate pregnancies (jumping off barn roofs and so on), and it almost never worked. On the other hand, women can take to bed, zealously follow abstruse dietary and medical guidelines, and still miscarry.

Diet is important in maintaining your health, though, as well as the baby's, especially folic acid, protein, calcium, iron, and all that good stuff. In the early stages, you don't need a lot of extra calories--if fact, one can make a case that most Americans, pregnant or not, get way too many calories. As Spirit Walker mentioned, dental hygiene is important--the chemistry of your mouth will change, and can lead to cavities and even loss of teeth, whether or not you go for a long hike.

So part of your honest assessment of whether this hike is a good idea for you is whether you have the $$$ to support yourself well during your hike, buying the proper food and taking days off in town if you feel the need. And, of course, this would not be the time to cut off your medical insurance by quitting a job.

amac

04-07-2009, 07:33

I have to comment that I am amazed at all the "advice" on this thread. IMO the only advice anyone should be offering (unless you are a physician AND have examined the patient) is visit a doctor.

meghan

04-07-2009, 11:28

it could be to risky, the question of WHAT IF would to big for me. and it may not matter that you are in great shape. anything can happen out there and you will be alone.
as a woman, a hiker and trying and hoping to get pregnant soon i would not go on such a long trip alone.
i wish you luck and hope you do well either way! may you have a happy healthy baby.

Blissful

04-07-2009, 12:12

First off, congratulations! I know it may seem your dream is now on hold, but that's okay. I waited 30 years for mine and my son ended up doing the trail with me as a teen. :) And when the baby gets older you can certainly do hikes with him or her.

But agree you should talk to a dr what you can and can't do. But I see no reason why you cant go out an enjoy day or weekend hikes. I hiked when I was nine months pregnant (day hike of course). Also backpacked for a weekend when I was newly pregnant and it was tough. I mainly stuck to day hikes.

Pokey2006

04-07-2009, 17:52

Marta, as usual, is very wise.

Being pregnant is not the equivalent of contracting some awful disease. You can do pretty much everything and anything you could do before the pregnancy. You don't need to be coddled or placed in bed for the next nine months. Gesh, I was riding my bike daily right up until the week I gave birth! It's no big deal.

As for getting enough calories: a woman's body responds differently to long distance hiking than a man's body. She doesn't burn as many calories. Basically, she is built to carry babies to term even while toiling in the field during a famine. Which means she is also built to carry babies to term while long distance hiking.

Besides, even if you're not hiking, you won't be consuming as many calories as you might think during those first few months. Many women lose their appetites completely. It's the later months of pregnancy when the extra calories are needed most.

Things to think about, though: you won't have as much energy. You'll be tired a lot, and you may need to sleep more than usual. Chances are, you'll have to cut back on your planned mileage somewhat.

Morning sickness may also be an issue. Be sure to pay special attention to keeping hydrated. And of course, like other said, see the doctor, get prenatal vitamins, don't push yourself.

Other than that, I would think all that fresh air and exercise would be good for you and your baby!

The Solemates

04-07-2009, 17:59

my wife did plenty of hiking with our first child. she did not do a thru-hike, but she did do plenty of hiking. and some of that hiking was at altitude. my opinion is similar to marta's. although, for a thru-hike I would be concerned about nutrition etc for the baby....not to mention how tired you may be.

russb

04-07-2009, 18:01

I have no advice to offer but I do have a story to share. A gentleman I used to work with hiked the AT back in the late 70's with his new bride. They finished a few weeks after she gave birth. She was pregnant when they started and didn't know it. I wonder if any whiteblazers here ran into them.

BipolarStroller

04-07-2009, 19:26

It was just after booking flights to celebrate Crumb's birthday that we found out that we were expecting. I almost opted to stay home and send his brother instead, but having a child would make it so I wouldn't have this opportunity again for a long time, so we went. We checked with the doctor and was told that a healthy pregnancy included exercise and as long as I wasn't being dangerous or carried exessive weight that it would be generally "okay".
I have miscarried before, and I firmly believe that if it is going to happen, not much can be done to stop it, unfortunately. I will be honest, there were a few moments when I thought that our hike was selfish and I had a couple miserable days where the morning sickness really kicked in. We kind of kept it hush, there were enough people scrutenizing our choice, and I felt sorry for the college kids on spring break that came upon me during a morning session of the dry heaves,they were like,"dude, are you okay? Want us to find you some help?"
But Crumb did everything he could think of to make me comfortable, even hanging out in a shelter for a day with me while I was sick, and not letting me carry anything but our sleeping bags. He even carried bags of fresh vegtables and fruit for me.
The worst part was the plane ride, but I only went for a few weeks, before I got jacked up on an icey mountain.
Think this out completely, how long are you going for? If you are healthy and strong before getting pregnant, it's a lot easier whether you're hiking or not. I had a friend who jogged 8 miles every morning up until her 38 week, but she was always a jogger.
Congratulations, and best wishes.

KMACK

04-08-2009, 03:59

What does the father think?

Catnip

04-10-2009, 10:48

As a mother of 5, I say go for it, but be flexible. You may have morning sickness and need to adjust your food plans. You may have periods of exhaustion and need to take a nap during the day. Definitely get the prenatal vitamin and extra folic acid. The folic acid is important for preventing neural tube (spinal cord) defects. Have fun, and congratulations! :)

Ladytrekker

04-18-2009, 14:40

I was going to be on the trail for two months starting mid-April, GA. I just found out that I am pregnant. My question is: should I abandon the idea of my dream hike now? or is solo long distance hiking during the first months of pregnancy still feasible? I am healthy and in shape.

thank you for your responses and
happy trails,
t.

I would cancel mainly because the first trimester is your body getting used to supporting two and I remember that I was exhausted during my first 3 to 4 months, I had to take naps which is something I normally never do. I also had a lot or morning sickness and you know what that baby is worth every sacrifice you will ever have to make and regret nothing.

Tanya

04-20-2009, 15:02

Well, I have to cancel the hike after all. It turned out that I have extremely low hemoglobin and almost no iron. As the doctor put, "you're running on empty." She was amazed that two years ago I ran a marathon. She can't believe that I am running now, without experiencing any nausea or shortness of breath.

I was amazed in turn to find out that I am very anemic, because I've always been fairly active. As far as hiking is concerned, when I hiked with my friends, I carried the heaviest backpack and got to the shleter hours ahead of everyone else. Last year, when my friend and I were ascending Mt. Moosalaki, a couple of thru-hikers told us that we probably don't realize it, but we're stronger than many thru-hikers out there.
In the winter, my favorite place to be is the cross country skiing center in Lake placid - skiing 15-25 miles a day is my idea of a perfect pass-time. I am not saying all this to boast or anything, just to express the measure of my surprise when I found out that with my blood count, I shouldn't be capable of enjoying all these activities.

In any case, the doctor told me in very strong terms that she does not recommend going off on what is a relatively strenuous hike, especially alone, that with my condition the risks are higher.

Deep in my heart, I am completely certain that everything would have been fine. But at the same I know that I would never forgive myself if something happened.

So I'll have to hang around here. I'll just keep on running and doing short hikes.

I am very disappointed that I have to postpone the hike. I've been obssessing about AT for many years. And this is the second time that I have to postpone it. I even had to take off the entire semester (I am an adjunct at a community college) because my plans were all set. The back pack was all ready. My heart and my mind were already in the woods and the mountains. So it's huge letdown to stay home after all. But I am happy about the baby.

anyway, thank you all for listening and taking time to write your thoughts. I truly appreciate it.

Happy trails,
t.

Blissful

04-20-2009, 16:59

The trail will be there, Tonya. Take care and enjoy this special time in your life, really. Who knows, maybe you will be like me, wait 30 years then be able to hike it one day with your child. :)

berninbush

04-20-2009, 18:20

Tanya, is there any proof that you were anemic before the pregnancy? I know pregnancy can get all kinds of things out of whack. I was told by a phlebotomist that many women experience anemia (knowingly or unknowingly) with their monthly cycle.

If you've never had any symptoms, I would question whether you've always been anemic or whether this is a new thing. The only way to know would be to look at blood counts taken a while back.

If iron supplements don't improve your counts, I would also say you should push to find out what's going on, as there are various conditions that can cause anemia.

Sorry about your hike, but congratulations on the baby.

BumpJumper

04-20-2009, 21:33

Even the healthies of women can have complications early. I would not go it alone.

modiyooch

04-20-2009, 22:47

I did a short section of the at in GA when I was 7 months pregnant, but I was only permitted to carry 20 pounds and the temperature had to be below 75 degrees per my doctor. I was 27 yrs old.

In the early stages of pregnancy I was permitted to excercise, but no situps. She failed to tell me not to run, and I abrupty had to stop when she found out.

At nine months my doctor was upset with us for day hiking to the falls off the parkway. The concern at that point was if I ran into trouble too far away from help.

ask your doctor ASAP and let us know.

modiyooch

04-20-2009, 22:55

oops, just read your follow up post. I know that you are disappointed. Did you ask the doctor under what conditions you could hike eg companion, lightweight, slower days? I would think that running would be more harmful, but I'm not a medical doctor. I would research, research, research. Not everyone is the same. Your mental health is important, too; but,always, always put the health of the baby first. Congrats.

Tanya

04-20-2009, 23:15

Tanya, is there any proof that you were anemic before the pregnancy?

Oh, I've had low blood count since childhood. But no doctor ever bothered to explain to me what it means and what the symptoms and consequences might be. I am actually quite upset with my former gyn, because even though she knew we were trying to conceive, she never warned me about the low count. When I talked to the doctor today, she said that two years ago (when I was with another doctor) I was very anemic. On the other hand, my unawareness might have been a blessing in disguise because whatever discomforts I felt when I got up at 5 am to run before work or toiling up Huayna Potosi, I just pushed beyond until I found a comfort zone. Had I known that dizziness and ocasional feeling of weakness are actually a sign of anemia and not weak will, I might have stopped whenever I was tempted. In any case, I'll continue doing what I love - being outdoors, and hope that the trail will still be there for me and my baby. Accidentally, my first "hike" was before I could actually walk - on my father's back, in his huge backpack, and I frimly believe that those early outings engendered my love for and dependency on nature, and I'm eternally grateful to my parents for this. So I'm hoping I'll be able to have the same experience with my child.

Sorry about your hike, but congratulations on the baby.

Thank you! We've been waiting for it for a very long time.

Thank you again, all who read and all who answered my posts.

happy trails,
t.

Pokey2006

04-20-2009, 23:20

It's actually quite common for women to become anemic when pregnant. Iron supplements should take care of that. I'd get a second opinion, just because, who knows? It may or may not be as serious as the doctor implied.

And if it really would be too dangerous to do a long-distance hike, you can still day-hike, do short overnights, etc. The trail isn't going anywhere. And motherhood is its own kind of long-distance hike.

Tanya

04-20-2009, 23:20

Oops, I screwed up the quoting in the previous post and included my reply in the quote. My reply begins with the words "Oh, I've had low..."

Blissful

04-20-2009, 23:29

And motherhood is its own kind of long-distance hike.

ha ha, ain't that the truth. :)

Pokey2006

04-20-2009, 23:36

ha ha, ain't that the truth. :)

Ya, a long-distance hike with no Katahdin at the end...

berninbush

04-21-2009, 14:45

In a way it's comforting to know you've always been anemic. Didn't mention this before, but I used to work for a leukemia doctor. Sudden unexplained anemia can mean very bad things. If this is just how your body is naturally, it's less likely to be anything scary... just something you have to manage and live with.

One interesting thing I found out, women naturally have lower hemoglobin counts than men. So a woman with anemia is not so far off "normal" as a man with the same hemoglobin count would be.