According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, three of the most common birthdays are in September. Which means, of course, winter pregnancies. Managing a pregnancy is challenging enough. Managing a pregnancy during winter can be stressful. Here are some tips to manage your pregnancy during winter.
Stay Warm
Whatever your weather preference was before you started carrying your baby, you’ll need to stay warm as long as you’re pregnant. As you might know, especially if you regularly get colds in winter, allowing a cold or flu to enter your body is dangerous both for you and your baby. Make sure you shop for large maternity jackets, hoodies, and sweater dresses. Resist the urge to let some fresh air in and stay fully covered up, especially outside.
If you experience hormonal shifts and extreme temperature swings during your pregnancies, you might want to consider layering your tops instead. Shorter sleeves would do under lighter jackets, if you’re having hot flashes. On the other hand, turtlenecks under heavier jackets, or a mix and match of these four elements, would help you regulate your temperature. Research which pieces of clothing would be the best match for you.
Save Resources
Given the health risks associated with winter pregnancies, set your mind to financially preparing for more than just regular winter checkups. If you have a cold for any longer than three days, you should already have a checkup. If you can get a regular flu vaccine early, all the better. If you can find thrifty ways to stretch out your maternity clothes from one trimester, even better. There are a number of sites that help you save money during pregnancy; it’s best to always be prepared.
Stay Hydrated
As you probably know from previous winters, you sometimes forget to hydrate because the cold makes it hard to notice when you are thirsty. At the same time, drinking water in the winter can be cold and shivery work. However, hydration is extremely important for pregnant women. In their first trimester, pregnant women gain 8 to 9 litres of body water.
Because of the amniotic fluid surrounding the embryo, and because the body is working harder to maintain the life systems of two beings, water is used up and processed much faster by pregnant women. If you are in your first trimester and experiencing morning sickness, this can be a challenge. You might want to ask for a doctor’s recommendation on what you can do to make drinking large amounts of water easier on your stomach.
Maintain your Diet
Thankfully, winter doesn’t mean a lack of fruits and vegetables—which are exactly what you need when you are pregnant. The nutrients and vitamins from unprocessed food will give your immune system the boost it needs, and keep your blood flow normal and healthy. Avoiding processed and fatty foods will also help your body operate at optimal capacity to take care of your baby.
Winter is not the easiest time to carry a baby, but it’s manageable if you have the right knowledge
and guides to get through. Do your research, seek help, don’t stop asking questions, and look
forward to coming safely through this season.
ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTOR:
Jenny Hart is a health and wellness writer with a passion for travel, cycling and books. So far, she's traveled to Ecuador, Costa Rica, Mexico, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Austria and Japan. When she isn't writing or traveling, she's traversing NYC with her two dogs Poochie and Ramone..
