Pregnancy Care Tips during Winter Season
Pregnancy sometimes becomes a little difficult
during winter months for some expectant mothers. They become susceptible to
infections, cough, and cold and the chill in the air leads to pains and aches
as intake of medicines is restricted during this period. Breezing through it is
definitely possible if pregnant ladies prepare in anticipation on how to face
the harsh climate during pregnancy.
Winter, as you know, can be a little daunting on you, but with proper care, you will certainly feel safer during pregnancy. If the temperatures plummet down, some good walking shoes can also come handy if you tread all the way to work. Order grocery from the warmth and comfort of home from stores where items are home delivered. Surviving a winter pregnancy is easier than you think if you take care and keep these precautions in mind. Preparing for the changing weather will help in overcoming the dangers that lie between the blasting heat and icy streets.
Pregnancy, though full of joys, can be a slightly difficult time for some expecting mothers, especially during winter. The chill in the air can lead to aches and pains and also leave the mother susceptible to cold, cough and infections—not a happy scenario as the intake of medicines, while in winter pregnancy, is restricted. Here, we get you some tips to ensure you have a safe pregnancy during peak winter.
Special Care Winter
Pregnancy
The onset of winters warrants special care.
Pregnancy care during the season should invariably include adequate protection
by wearing the right kind of garments, eating the right kind of food, keeping
the skin hydrated and above all elevating the immunity level of the body.
1. Wear a Winter Jacket
Being comfortable and warm is the most important
thing in the winter season. Buying a new jacket to wear is a good idea as it
will help in keeping the body warm. Instead of hitting the thrift store to buy
a maternity coat to wear only for a few months, it is a wiser option to buy a
winter jacket and keep the body cosy and warm by zipping it up
properly. Though it may be tempting to wear the regular jacket that you own, a
new jacket will help you stay well and survive easily when the winter elements
get hard.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Winter, with its chilly weather, makes one
avoid or subconsciously forget drinking water which is not good for the
pregnant moms. As the winter air is dry, the body needs extra water during
winters. It will not be conducive if you try to substitute water with beverages.
Though coconut water and juices are a very good option,
water is the best way to keep the system hydrated. If you feel that you need
reminders for drinking water, there are options to set reminders in the mobiles
these days. You must also know the quantity of water that you must drink each
day. Dehydration can lead to preterm labour and a host of other
problems.
3. Get a Flu Vaccine
It is advisable to take the flu vaccine as
the immune system takes a hit during pregnancy. It has been declared by The
Center for Disease Control that the flu vaccine is safe for expectant mothers
and unborn babies. A quick poke in the form of the vaccine is much
better to take to avoid the complications that can occur from flu, thereby
keeping yourself and the little one safe.
4. Be Snugly Attired
As the winter becomes severe, pregnant ladies
need to wear layers of clothing so that you can add or take them off as
required. It has always been a baffling question as to what to wear during
pregnancy in winter. There are a number of options such as wearing a tank top
or t-shirt, a cardigan, a buttoned shirt or a lightweight scarf to get through the
weather changes. There are ways to be creative and stay warm and look cool too.
5. Regular Exercises
When it is severely cold, it is not easy to
go for a walk as the ice cold and chilly air makes the lungs feel like they are
filled with icicles. For pregnant ladies, it is even more difficult. Some
indoor exercises can be a good substitute to keep yourself fit and safe. You
can go to a local indoor pool, join a gym, go to a local mall or buy a yoga mat
and yoga DVD to stay fit and active during peak winters during pregnancy.
6. Wash Your Hands Regularly
Washing your hands regularly is the best way
to avoid germs especially during pregnancy. After running errands, it is quite
safe to wash hands before coming in contact with any near or dear one. If there
isn’t a sink nearby, use a hand sanitizer. After every bathroom break and
before eating anything you must wash your hands properly, keeping in mind the
safety of the baby in the womb.
7. Stay Indoors as much as Possible
When you are pregnant, your body becomes more
sensitive and vulnerable to diseases. It can be very harmful if your body is
exposed to extreme weather conditions and the mother and the baby can be harmed
by the germs. Some ladies suffer from common cold and cough due to extreme
weather conditions. The sensitive body during pregnancy takes time to adjust to
the changed atmosphere of chilly winds outside after leaving from
the cosy home. All outings should be postponed till the weather
improves and becomes better.
8. Get Cured for Cold
Most pregnant ladies are apprehensive and
fear that it might affect the baby if they take any counter medicine. The fear
is reasonable and understandable, but if you suffer from cold and flu for more
than three consecutive days, you should visit a doctor and get treated for the
ailment. You should also discuss the precautionary measures for it. You must
rest assured that a doctor will always prescribe medicines keeping the well –
being of the baby in mind.
9. Use Moisturizer for Skin
During pregnancy, the skin already becomes
dry coupled with the harsh winter breeze which steals away the moisture content
leaving it dry and lifeless. Dry skin becomes flaky and itchy, and so
the skin requires special care during winters while you are pregnant. Use
lukewarm water for bathing and avoid hot baths no matter how tempting
it may seem. After taking a bath, you must immediately moisturize the skin as
it will take in the moisturizer leaving the skin soft, smooth and supple. Apply
a generous quantity of moisturizer on the elbows, hands, and belly and even
chest. The body will feel grateful for the pamper shown during pregnancy.
10. Watch Your Diet
Winter is fraught with various diseases where
it is synonymous with flu and running nose. It is that time of the year when fruits
should be included in the diet mandatorily. If you are pregnant and steering
clear of the ‘off – the – counter’ medicines, it is advisable to add a lot of
fruits in the diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are sure to
strengthen your immune system to fight the diseases and keep your body hydrated
as well. Including saffron in the diet or milk will keep
your body protected and warm.
11.Protect your feet from chilblain
Chilblain—swelling of fingers due to
poor circulation in cold weather—can be an extremely painful and discomforting
condition to bear. Prevention is better than cure .Keep your feet well covered
and warmly protected .Go for regular pedicures to give your feet some
attention—soaking in warm water, a relaxing massage, and cheerful nail paint
can work wonders, really! (Do speak to your gynaecologist before you have a
foot massage during pregnancy, since there are some medical conditions under
which you’re better off avoiding it.
12.When sick, take a pill
If hit
by a cold bug, ask your doctor for medicine rather than tolerating it. Cold
weather suppresses the body’s immune responses and therefore you need to keep
yourself well protected. There are enough safe drugs that can be taken during
pregnancy to help fight off the symptoms of cold.Speak to your gynaecologist
about the influenza vaccine if you haven’t already taken it.
13.Get regular massages done
This is the best time to pamper
yourself without guilt. Warm oil massages help lift up the sluggish winter
circulation, make you feel great, relax you, and also keep you cozy. Ensure
that the therapist is well-trained to deal with pregnancy massages or stick to
head and feet massages.
14. Invest in a humidifier
The cold weather sucks out all the
moisture from the air leaving it dry. The dryness can lead to dryness in your
nostrils, discomfort in breathing, and skin issues. And if you use a heater,
the problem gets magnified. A humidifier will help in keeping the moisture in
the air.
15.Eat small, frequent meals
The
slow sluggish circulation also leads to slow digestion sometimes. Given the
symptoms of pregnancy—bloating, acidity, gassiness—it is best advised to eat
small but frequently in winter. Take lots of winter fruits and vegetables to
keep the health going
Dr. Suchi Gupta's Gynae Clinic
(Gynaecologist in Gaur City, Greater Noida West, Noida Extension)
Shop No 130, FF, Gaur City Plaza Market, West, Gaur City 1 Rd, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
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