Pregnant on Playa

FAQ – Pregnant at Burning Man

Q. I’m pregnant. Should I come to Burning Man?
A. The best advice to this question comes from your provider. In general it is advised that any person who is pregnant and planning on going to Burning Man to discuss with their provider whether or not they are high-risk (e.g. history of ectopics, diabetic, previous miscarriages, history of eclampsia, history of pre-term labor or delivery, incompetent cervix, preeclampsia, PROM etc.). All the OB/Gyn provider needs to know is the minimum about Burning Man … that is, a week long outdoor experience in the high desert with limited local medical facilities, and with the closest hospital 100 miles away. Given this basic information about Burning Man and the specific considerations for your pregnancy, they will be able to give you the best advice possible.

Q. What about all the dust and dirt? How will that affect me and my baby?
A. There is a worry that the playa environment with all its dust and lack of bathing water is bad for a pregnant person. Remember that people have been having babies in every conceivable type of environment for millions of years. The human body is a marvelous thing and if you take the care to eat well and drink lots of fluids (once you experience the thirst sensation you are already 5% dehydrated), wash your hands as appropriate, and rest when it’s time to, your body will respond by being healthy. Your baby will respond in kind.

Q. Will the desert heat harm my pregnancy?
A. The playa is a hot place. And then you have a little “oven” in your belly. The heat is a tough thing to handle when you are pregnant because you feel big and round and hot already. Our body has a thermostat though, so that when we get hot we sweat to cool down our bodies. When you are pregnant you are less able to compensate for heat because of already dilated arteries due to the higher levels of estrogen in your body. Again, drink lots of water and if you feel too warm, get out of the sun.

Q. What if I have a high-risk pregnancy?
A. Be sure to talk with your Ob/Gyn provider about the risks and considerations specific for your pregnancy. Be gentle with yourself and your baby. If you are having problems with your pregnancy, being on the playa places you several hours away from medical facilities equipped with the resources and medical experts to help you. Make wise decisions based on that fact. Pregnancy is a marvelous and natural event. Listen to your body and you will do well. But if you do experience any bleeding, cramping, or other problems on the playa, please don’t hesitate to contact someone at one of the medical outposts (3:00, 9:00, and Rampart at 5:15 and Esplanade) for an evaluation.

Q. The dust on the playa is highly alkaline. Is that bad for me and my baby?
A. We’ve researched this a fair bit. There is no evidence that we can find that the alkaline dust is detrimental to anyone, pregnant or otherwise.

Pregnancy is a marvelous and natural event. Listen to your body and you will do well. But if you do experience any bleeding, cramping, or other problems on the playa, please don’t hesitate to contact someone at one of the medical outposts (3:00, 9:00, and Center Camp) for an evaluation.