Any hikers in the house?

[NawlinsMama]

I've planned an overnight hike for DH and I's anniversary in a couple of weeks. My mother has agreed to keep DD, so we're going to drive to the Appalachian Trail trail head near Dawsonville, GA and do an overnight hike. It's going to be a complete surprise for him, I'm not going to tell him where we're going or anything. We've always wanted to hike the trail, and I figured it could become an anniversary tradition - if we hike a section a year, maybe we'll have it done by, oh, say our 75th anniversary!

But in all seriousness, though DH is an Eagle Scout I've never done a hike this long, and certainly not while pregnant. I'll be 33 weeks then. Any advice? Tips?

 

[Zooy]

We hike a lot and the only thing I've added is a walking stick. Just makes me a bit more stable. Mind you, I've found it hard to hike anything over 4km the past month or so due to some pain when I walk.

 

[Dalila]

I think the last time we hiked was my 1st trimester and i believe that one was only 4 miles or so nothing huge. 2nd trimester i prob would have been fine but in the third i have to pee too many times and i get weird pains when his he pushes on my pelvis/etc. and i walk to slow now. i think it just depends on the terrain the trails i like to go on are rocky, hilly have water etc if it's more level it's prob better

 

[NawlinsMama]

We hike a lot and the only thing I've added is a walking stick. Just makes me a bit more stable. Mind you, I've found it hard to hike anything over 4km the past month or so due to some pain when I walk.

Oooh, I'll go add that to my gear list right now! I would have gone and forgotten it in the flurry of packing, then kicked myself the whole time. My hiking stick goes everywhere with me.

 

[seoj]

I have to give you credit... hehe... as I could never do a hike right now! lol. Just need to pee too often and not so comfy squating in the woods! I wouldn't even go camping this summer as I get up least 2-3 times a night... so if there isn't a bathroom within a few feet, it wasn't happening haha. We did stay at a KOA camp a few nights- and that was fine cause we had a private cabin with a bathroom.

I would recommend taking Tylenol, and just making sure you rest when needed and take comfy gear for sleeping... lots of water (maybe a camel pack)- but don't carry anything too heavy... leave that for hubby Hmmm... otherwise enjoy the hike! It sounds lovely. I can't wait to do more hiking next summer once LO is a bit bigger and we can strap her on and go!!! I really missed hiking this year... just didn't work out timing wise and we seemed to be so busy every weekend already.

Have a great anniversary!!!!!

 

[Sherileigh]

I couldn't do it, my feet would get so swollen and my back would ache! How long is it? You may want to do some long walks before hand just to make sure you can do it? I'm guessing you must be very active now?
Oh and I pee about every 10 mins, so that wouldn't work.

 

[NawlinsMama]

I couldn't do it, my feet would get so swollen and my back would ache! How long is it? You may want to do some long walks before hand just to make sure you can do it? I'm guessing you must be very active now?
Oh and I pee about every 10 mins, so that wouldn't work.

I'm hoping we'll be able to get about 20 miles in. We only have two days, so that might be a bit ambitious, especially considering the terrain. I'm not super active (I mean, I see women doing marathons in their 3rd tri, and I could NEVER do that), but I can walk forever.

 

[NawlinsMama]

I have to give you credit... hehe... as I could never do a hike right now! lol. Just need to pee too often and not so comfy squating in the woods! I wouldn't even go camping this summer as I get up least 2-3 times a night... so if there isn't a bathroom within a few feet, it wasn't happening haha. We did stay at a KOA camp a few nights- and that was fine cause we had a private cabin with a bathroom.

I would recommend taking Tylenol, and just making sure you rest when needed and take comfy gear for sleeping... lots of water (maybe a camel pack)- but don't carry anything too heavy... leave that for hubby Hmmm... otherwise enjoy the hike! It sounds lovely. I can't wait to do more hiking next summer once LO is a bit bigger and we can strap her on and go!!! I really missed hiking this year... just didn't work out timing wise and we seemed to be so busy every weekend already.

Have a great anniversary!!!!!

I'm actually looking forward to the no bathroom part - how great will it be to not have to go searching for one, like I have to do in the stores all the time?
And I'll definitely be taking some tylenol and a camel pack. We have tons of ultralight gear, so weight shouldn't be an issue even if I do have to carry a pack.

 

[Sherileigh]

I couldn't do it, my feet would get so swollen and my back would ache! How long is it? You may want to do some long walks before hand just to make sure you can do it? I'm guessing you must be very active now?
Oh and I pee about every 10 mins, so that wouldn't work.

I'm hoping we'll be able to get about 20 miles in. We only have two days, so that might be a bit ambitious, especially considering the terrain. I'm not super active (I mean, I see women doing marathons in their 3rd tri, and I could NEVER do that), but I can walk forever.

Just be really careful. I've done a lot of hiking in my life and it can be tough, even when not pregnant. But at this stage in your pregnancy you need to be really careful. Maybe just try some LOOOONG walks closer to home to make sure you can do it. When I spend more than an hour or two on my feet my back hurts so bad now I can hardly stand. Would hate that to happen to you while you're out.

 

[Mrs. AJ]

I am a big hiker, and this sounds pretty ambitious to me! But more power to you for wanting to try it out. The idea of hiking a portion of the trail each year sounds so wonderful - I've never been on the Appalachian trial but it looks beautiful. Honestly, the part that I would dread would be sleeping on the ground outside. It is hard enough for me to get comfy in my own bed at this point, and I have to get up every hour to use the restroom, and I just wouldn't want to have to do that outside in the middle of the night.

 

[skris4]

I do a 4-5 mile hike every weekend. Please make sure you have enough water. I get dehydrated SO fast these days. I used to drink about 150-175 ml per mile. During third tri I hit about 250ml per mile easily. If you suffer from dry mouth this is probably something to think about.

 

[Mrs. AJ]

Agree regarding the water. I drink so much more now! Also, I get winded much more easily. A hike that may have been easy pre-pregnancy can have me very winded now, so I have to force myself to take it more easily. So pace yourself, and don't push yourself too hard if it seems like your original plan was too ambitious.

 

[AnonymousMoi]

I was "not allowed" by hubby and advised not to by mother so all summer I haven't been on one hike and I'm going crazy. I hope you have a ton of fun!

 

[jazzbell1886]

I am a big hiker and I am 38 weeks pregnant today and I just got back from a 3 mile hike...it was one of my easier hikes but it was still hard on me. Look into the weather because the heat can take it's toll on you. Also keep in mind the altitude that you will be hiking at because that can definitely make a difference. Be very careful as not tinkled your footing. I think it is great that you want to do this and it sounds like a lot of fun, just remember that you will be far away from people if something happens. I would talk to your doctor about it before you do it. Also, I am now EXTREMELY sore and don't want to get off the couch....lol....good luck, have fun, and let us know how it goes....

 

[sequeena]

Take it slow, drink lots of fluids, rest, eat and don't overdo it! I walked loads right up until I gave birth (I live on a mountain) but slowed down from about 37 weeks x