I guess I never thought of bringing up the subject of our trip to Machu Picchu, but as Shelly pointed out in her comment, we would have left for Peru last Friday.
To me it’s obvious why we aren’t in Peru right now, but I know it’s not really common knowledge that high altitude and pregnancy don’t mix. That doesn’t mean that pregnant women can’t fly in an airplane, as the air in the passenger compartment is acclimated so we don’t suffer any ill affects of the high altitude.
What it does mean, however, is that if a pregnant woman isn’t used to high altitudes (i.e. myself and anyone else living below, let’s say, the altitude of Colorado Springs year-round), she shouldn’t go trouncing around mountains where it’s typical to use supplimental oxygen on a daily basis.
When Kevin and I found out I was pregnant in late February, I made the call to Southern Explorations and explained that we would have to cancel our trip to Machu Picchu.
I won’t lie and say that I’m not a little itty bitty bit disappointed, as hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu has been a life-long dream of mine, but it’s truly hard to be wholly disappointed because of why we had to cancel our trip.
I know that as soon as we are able, Kevin and I will take that trip, even if it happens after we retire. 🙂
