The holidays are a special time of year when you may be out with your family or friends celebrating love and life while sharing in good food and company.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy the holidays safely (and still have fun) while pregnant.
- Get enough rest and sleep.
Fatigue and exhaustion happens quicker when you’re pregnant. There is a change in hormone levels and sleep patterns when your body is adjusting to a pregnancy. Interrupted sleep is common due to nausea and vomiting or frequent night trips to the bathroom. Listen to your body, nap if you need to during the day and sleep early if you’re feeling tired. Your body is using a lot of energy to develop your baby and prepare for your baby’s upcoming birth!
- Eat and be merry!
Keep your body energized by eating nutritious food and be cautious of foods that may be a risk to your pregnancy.
- Avoid the use of alcohol.
There is never a safe amount of alcohol in pregnancy. Drinking alcohol in pregnancy can increase risk for miscarriage, preterm birth and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Drink non-alcoholic beverages such as mocktails. Examples of alternative drinks that do not contain alcohol include sparkling apple cider and sparkling grape juice.
- Avoid first and second hand smoke.
Breathing in first hand and/or second hand smoke exposes yourself, baby and the others in the room to over 4000 different chemicals. Repeated exposures decreases the availability of oxygen to baby which can lead to prematurity, low birthweight and increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Avoid areas that allow smoking and/or ask family and friends to smoke outside.
- Reduce your stress levels.
It’s important to ask for help when you need it most. Spend time with friends and family that are most supportive to you. Use relaxation techniques to help decrease stress. Try methods such as yoga, deep breathing, massage or meditation.
Overall, remember to have fun and laugh with the people you enjoy being with the most!
Happy Holidays!
