Pregnant at Burning Man

laelu · Post by **laelu** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 5:52 pm

I will be about 9 or 10 weeks pregnant when I get to Burning Man. I have some concerns about being pregnant in extreme heat, because I have read that heat magnifies first trimester symptoms. Still, I have decided to go.

Out of curiosity I searched for Pregnant threads here. One included something about Valley Fever and that women are especially vulnerable, and that it can be fatal. It's a fungus that is carried on the wind in the sand.

Even a fever could be fatal to my baby.

Does anyone know if it would be stupid for a pregnant woman to check out the playa?

phil · Post by **phil** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 6:08 pm

I've known several women who've gone while pregnant with no ill effects.

Check the Mayo Clinic's page on valley fever and pregnancy:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/valley-fever/DS00695

Decide on the risk, then make your decision. Have you talked to your doctor? Do you know anyone who's gotten valley fever at Burning Man?

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 6:15 pm

Anecdotal advice on a BBS is no substitute for asking your doctor.

laelu · Post by **laelu** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 6:30 pm

of course I'm going to ask my midwife about the Valley Fever.

However I do appreciate anecdotal advice, too, so thank you Phil.

dj_john69 · Post by **dj_john69** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 6:57 pm

Last year at my camp we had 3 different prego gals. 1 was 8.5 months and 2 others were 1-2 months. All made it through fine. Check with your doctor. We had a doctor in our camp which was nice.

lonelyplanetboy · Post by **lonelyplanetboy** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 9:25 pm

I'm fourteen and 2010 will be my first Burn, you're lucky child will be there before me, and it won't even be out of the womb...now THAT'S a costume!

Post by **Elderberry** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 9:48 pm

Midwife does NOT equal DOCTOR.

JK

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Sat Aug 22, 2009 9:55 pm

Now that I think of it, every midwife I know is quite possibly a FUCKING EXPERT wrt Valley Fever. Every single one, without exception.

MikeVDS · Post by **MikeVDS** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 12:46 am

My lady went out there for 10 days preggo two years ago. She asked her doctor about the trip and he said she should stay hydrated and be careful not to overheat. Valley fever was not brought up by us or by the doctor. She was always hot during her pregnancy, so the playa conditions made it worse. We kept her in the AC all day and then went out in the mornings and night. It's not ideal conditions for someone who is pregnant, but with some preparation it can be fine.

Jankie · Post by **Jankie** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:19 am

I am a holistic med student and research microbiologist. For your safety, I will tell you that mid wives are specially trained in pregnancy and birth. If you're concerned about Valley Fever, you want to talk to someone knowledgeable in infectious diseases, which don't really have a place for holistic/natural care, as wonderful as it is in most other practices. My advice is to seek out a primary care physician, voice your concerns to their receptionists to see if they can offer you some good advice. Bring plenty of water!

Congrats on your pregnancy :)

See yalls at the playa

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:32 am

laelu wrote:of course I'm going to ask my midwife about the Valley Fever.

However I do appreciate anecdotal advice, too, so thank you Phil.

Another suggestion is to seek out We0ne on this board. She is a critical care rn and I believe also gets into the birthing biz. She is one of the colorful denizens of Kidsville and may be able to help answer some of your questions.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:39 am

jkisha wrote:Midwife does NOT equal DOCTOR.

JK

...and anecdotes do not equal clinical trials.

But it's comforting to hear from people who have shared experiences.