8 Ways to Enjoy the Festive Season When You’re Pregnant
Sunday, December 19, 2021
The festive season is generally a pretty time with lots of people to see, places to go. Being pregnant during the festive season may mean you have different priorities than you did before. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. However, when you are pregnant, and especially if it’s your first baby, this is going to be the last time for a while that you can be truly self-indulgent – before you have a new little someone to completely indulge in.
It’s no secret that being pregnant means you have to give yourself some extra care, so this year, make time for yourself and enjoy the holidays as you prepare to welcome a new baby into the world.
These ways will help you make the most of the festivities and stay safe during pregnancy:
1-Eat Mindfully
The holidays are often considered synonymous with over-eating. It’s important to maintain a healthy, nutritious diet throughout pregnancy, even when celebrating the holidays. Fill your plate with vegetables and proteins, and don’t skip meals to save your appetite for the main course. Pregnant women also have an increased risk of food poisoning, so be sure to follow tips for safe eating and food preparation this holiday season.
2-Drink water
It’s easy to forget to keep your fluid levels topped up when you’re rushing around or eating a lot of rich food. So make sure you keep some water to hand.
3- Destress with some exercise
If a hectic schedule gets too much and you find yourself getting tense, take time off and do some swimming, yoga, or go for a walk, instead. Regular physical activity during pregnancy won’t just help you feel better, it will help get in shape for labor and birth and counteract some of the discomforts of pregnancy, manage stress, and even reduce the risk of complications like preeclampsia.
4- Wear Fancy clothes but comfy
Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, you may not want to wear anything too tight to celebrate, or high heels if you’re in your second or third trimester. Nonetheless, it should not mean that you can’t dress up and pamper yourself. Dress comfortably for the season and wear comfortable and supportive footwear. The important thing to remember is that you should dress for your pregnant shape, rather than choose styles that suited you before you were pregnant.
5-Take the time to rest
You may be tempted to do everything yourself and want to organize a family party. you shouldn’t overestimate your stamina and deprive yourself of rest or sleep, as lack of sleep can increase the risk of complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and cesarean section. There is no need to feel guilty if you can’t participate as much as you are used to every year. Delegate some tasks or accept all offers of help and relax.
6-Care about your mental health
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but they can also be incredibly stressful. Being pregnant doesn’t make things any easier. Your body is already undergoing so many changes, and combined with the demands of the holiday season, it’s easy to find yourself mentally and physically overloaded.
Always remember that your mental health is as important as your physical health for a good pregnancy outcome.
7- Shop online
It’s never fun toiling around the supermarkets with bags of groceries. Besides, during pregnancy, your ligaments soften and it’s much easier to injure your back if you don’t take care. Shop online and get the heavy shopping delivered.
8-Plan ahead if you’re traveling
Traveling while you’re pregnant is generally safe, particularly if your pregnancy isn’t high risk. However, it’s still a good idea to plan ahead if you’re taking a trip this holiday season.
Make sure you’re traveling with your latest prenatal records and your doctor’s contact information. Most women can fly until around week 36 of pregnancy, but if you’re even closer to your due date, you shouldn’t fly or travel far from home.
