5 Ways to Survive a Winter Pregnancy
Winter can be a magical wonderland—but when you’re expecting, it also brings its share of seasonal hazards. Dehydration, freezing temps and icy sidewalks can all get in the way of you enjoying your winter pregnancy. Here are some hot fixes to get you through the cold snap.
The outside temps aren’t in the 90s, so you’d think dehydration wouldn’t be a biggie right now, but winter air can be really dry—and when you’re going in and out of buildings with heat blasting, you’re likely to find yourself overheated and sweaty.
Hot fix: Drink more water than you think you need to
“Dehydration can cause problems ranging from lightheadedness to preterm labor, so it’s really important to drink plenty of water,” says Andrew Ross, MD, an ob-gyn in Englewood, Colorado. “I tell patients to have a couple liters more per day than they did pre-pregnancy.” Getting sick of water all the time? You can switch things up and sip some hot decaf tea (just run any herbal tea ingredients past your doctor first).
Probably the most highly recommended form of exercise for pregnant women is walking, but when the weather’s not great, you might find yourself glued to the couch instead of on your feet (we don’t blame you—it’s cozy there). But remember: Physical activity can help with pregnancy aches and pains, and it’s good for baby too. Don’t neglect it.
Hot fix: Take a virtual prenatal exercise class
There’s no better motivation for a fitness session than knowing you’ve already paid for it. So sign up for a series of virtual classes you’re comfortable with and designed just for moms-to-be. “Yoga is a great choice for pregnant women because it can help alleviate back pain and even help you control your breathing, which is extremely helpful when it comes time to deliver baby,” says Hetal Gor, MD, FACOG, an ob-gyn in Englewood, New Jersey.
The other issue with not spending time outside is not getting enough sunlight—which can really affect your mood (yup, even more than those pesky hormones are already affecting it). “Make sure you’re getting vitamin D (400 IUs per day),” says Eleanor Friele, MD, an ob-gyn at Swedish Medical Group in Seattle. Not sure whether you are? Ask your doctor if you should be taking a supplement.
We know: Now that you’re pregnant, you’re terrified of getting sick—because it can be tough to figure out which medications are safe to take, and because, well, you’re already feeling not exactly your usual self.
Hot fix: Be diligent about hand-washing
The best way to not catch something is to follow the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for COVID-19, the common cold, flu and other illness commonly seen during the season. Keep your hands clean and to avoid touching your nose and mouth—you just don’t know what germs were on that elevator button! And you really don’t want to be in a shared space with someone who’s been coughing and sneezing (especially without a mask on). If they’re someone you know, politely excuse yourself.
The CDC recommends pregnant women get the flu and COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor might also suggest you get a booster to the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine, depending on when you’ve had the immunization in the past. Confer with your provider on which vaccines you should get and when.
If you’re an urban mama-to-be and you’re trekking to work (or elsewhere) in the ice and slush, you’re probably pretty freaked out about slipping and falling—and rightly so! You’re already more prone to falling, since pregnancy changes your center of gravity, and, while it’s rare that a blow to the abdomen will lead to complications, it’s still a possibility.
Hot fix: Invest in some flat, no-slip boots
“Be sure to wear good, supportive boots—not high heels,” says Shirley Moore, CNM, a certified nurse-midwife at Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare in Illinois. “And avoid carrying anything too heavy.” If you fall and hit your belly, call your ob-gyn just to make sure everything’s okay with you and baby.
Sure, it’s fun to buy maternity clothes, but heavy winter coats can get pretty darn pricey. And it can be tough to rationalize spending hundreds on something you’ll only get a few months of use out of (if that—it all depends on just how cold it gets this winter and how long it stays that way).
Hot fix: Opt for a 3-in-1 coat
You should get a maternity winter coat, especially if you’re in the third trimester during the coldest months. But it doesn’t have to be the most expensive, down-filled coat on the market. Nowadays clothing lines are offering a genius solution: convertible coats that’ll last throughout pregnancy and beyond. These designs often include an extender panel that accommodate your growing bump and fits over your baby carrier once your little one is here, and then zips out once you’re ready to wear normal winter coats again. It’ll keep you toasty warm during your winter pregnancy and offer plenty of bang for your buck. Or, instead of buying your coat, consider renting one instead.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Eleanor Friele, MD, is an ob-gyn at Swedish Medical Group in Seattle with over 30 years of experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine
Hetal Gor, MD, FACOG, is an ob-gyn in Englewood, New Jersey. She earned her undergraduate and medical degree from the University of Mumbai in India, as well as completed her ob-gyn residency at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in New York City.
Shirley Moore, CNM, is a certified nurse-midwife at Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare in Illinois with over 30 years of experience. She earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Benedictine University and her master's degree in nursing from Lewis University.
Andrew Ross, MD, an ob-gyn in Englewood, Colorado with over 20 years of experience. He earned his medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the New York City and completed his ob-gyn residency at Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia.
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