Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
|
|
 Ask Dr. Greenfield
High Altitude and Pregnancy | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
I live at 10,152 feet. I have lived at this elevation for one year. I am planning to become pregnant this summer. I am concerned about the risks of carrying my baby at this elevation. Are their any special precautions I should take, besides drinking a lot of water, which I do already? Some mothers I know are having trouble with prelabor, preclampsia, and other problems. Do you have any information for me on this subject?— Lauren in Leadville, Colorado | | | ANSWER |
June 12, 2001 | | | Dear Lauren,
While most women have successful pregnancies at high elevations, babies are on average slightly smaller and some complications of pregnancy are more common, particularly pre-eclampsia. The exact cause of these problems is not known but is thought to be the lower oxygen delivery to the fetus. Even women who are acclimated to the altitude seem to be affected, although some effects may be worse for pregnant women who are just visiting a high elevation.
Keeping well hydrated, avoiding physical exertion during pregnancy, and getting good prenatal care are the mainstays of prevention at high altitude. It may be helpful to be in good cardiovascular condition before pregnancy.
Your OB practitioner should be familiar with the effects of altitude and can help to monitor your progress through gestation. A pre-conception prenatal visit might also help you to start preparing for your pregnancy.
As much as we worry about the effects of altitude, remember that most babies born at high altitude are healthy and their moms do fine as well. Good luck in your pregnancy and enjoy your growing family!— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
|
