A winter pregnancy sounds cozy and magical. After all, you don’t have to deal with the sweltering heat or sunburn while pregnant. But snowstorms, icy sidewalks and freezing winds can put paid to all your plans of hibernating through the winter. A winter pregnancy can be fun if you take a few precautions to keep yourself and your baby safe.
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Take Extra Care of your Health
This goes without saying but whatever the season, you should be taking sensible precautions. Winter usually means you’re spending more time indoors – whether at home or at work. That also means more exposure to germs and a higher chance of catching the sniffles or even the flu.
Make sure you’re up to date on all your immunizations. Since you don’t get much exposure to the sun in winter, you may also need to take calcium or vitamin D supplements. Having the heat on 24 x 7 dries out the air around you. Use a humidifier to avoid nosebleeds and other issues. Just like in summer, remember to keep drinking water to stay hydrated.
Maternity Clothes
Know what’s the best part of being pregnant in winter? You don’t have to worry about wearing swimsuits! Winter maternity clothes are far more forgiving than summer outfits. There’s a limit to how much you can strip down in the heat. But winter? Bring on the layers! You may even find suitable maternity clothes in your own closet. Sweaters and hoodies tend to be loose anyway, so you’ll need to shop less often.
Make sure to cover up extremities like your nose, ears, fingers when you go out. Keep a set of winter gloves, scarfs and hats in the car. It might be colder than you think when you step out of the car!
Cabin Fever!
It can be tempting to stay inside when it’s cold and dark out. But sooner or later, you’ll get the itch to leave the house and meet people. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to stay inside for the entire season. Take this chance to visit friends and family, especially as you’ll be strapped for time once the baby arrives.
Shopping malls are another great destination as you can sit down for a rest every now and then. Stock up on essentials for the house, for the baby, and for the nursery while you’re at it. If you have friends who are also expecting or new moms, get together for some much-needed ‘me’ time.
To Ski or Not To Ski?
What about your favorite winter sports? While skiing and sledding are not the best activities when you’re pregnant, snowshoeing or even cross country skiing can be fun. Always check with your doctor before jumping in though. Some sports might be fine in the early stages of pregnancy but not later on.
One thing to avoid is shoveling snow. Even if it’s only a little snow, get someone else to take care of this chore for you. Pregnancy can do a number on your balance, so sensible shoes are a must. You want shoes without a heel and that provide traction on the icy/snowy ground. Most pregnant women find that they need one pair of sturdy winter boots and a winter maternity coat at the very least.
Skincare
Your skin starts to stretch out quite a bit when pregnant. That means it’s covering more surface area, which can leave you feeling dry and itchy. Make sure to use plenty of moisturizing cream, especially after a shower when your skin is still damp. Use sunscreen when going outdoors, even the dull winter sun can be quite harsh on your skin.
Avoid hot baths since the hot water will dry out your skin even faster. Stick to tepid water as much as possible. You’ll be washing your hands multiple times a day to avoid flu germs, so don’t forget the hand cream either!
Prepare for Your Baby’s Arrival
Source: NestJuvenile.com
Winter is the perfect time to get the nursery ready for your new arrival. Plan out colors, buy the furniture, and do all the things you wouldn’t normally have time for. You can start preparing your hospital bag as well. No matter how prepared you think you are, there’s always something else you remember at the last moment!
Get a head start on baby’s wardrobe as well. Be on the lookout for gently used baby clothes from friends, family, and even thrift shops. Babies outgrow clothes like you wouldn’t believe! Many parents are looking to get rid of all those adorable baby clothes anyway. It’s a win-win for everyone, including the environment.
It’s not all gloom and doom with a winter pregnancy. At the end of it all, you’ll have a spring baby. Think of all the fun you’ll have with your little one in the warm and sunny weather!
