Pregnancy and the holidays are both causes for celebration, but they can also be tricky times to navigate. Pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, mood swings, and fatigue may make it hard to enjoy everything the season has to offer, not to mention the increased cost of holiday shopping with baby on the way! We’re here to help you find ways to celebrate and get more out of your pregnancy and your holiday season. Check out our tips below.
Make this holiday season about you and your baby
It will be tempting to put family and loved ones first during the holidays, however this year it’s all about you and your baby. It’s natural to put other people first during the holidays and focus on them instead of yourself — after all, that’s what makes Thanksgiving and Christmas so special! But this year, it’s all about you. Every holiday decision that the family makes must consider you and your baby first.
What to expect when you’re pregnant during the holidays
Thanksgiving and Christmas are times to be thankful for the things we have and to enjoy the company of family and friends. They are a time of celebration, gathering with family, eating delicious food, and giving gifts to those you love. Expectations for the holidays will be high, but you’ll have to make some adjustments to keep yourself and your growing baby as healthy and comfortable as possible.
You might have a lower tolerance for standing in lines, long shopping days or going from house to house. You will need to eat more, so remember to always pack some snacks and plenty of water. Speaking of food, be sure to let people your loved ones know if you’re sensitive to certain foods (or need any other accommodations) when you visit.
It’s tempting to pull those long days and nights with family, especially if you haven’t seen them in a while, but don’t miss out on getting proper rest! Sleep in as late as you need and turn in early if you want. More rest overall leads to a healthier pregnancy.
Don’t wear yourself out this holiday season
The trick to not wearing yourself out this holiday season is to know and honor your limits. Holidays can come with a seemingly never-ending to-do list. Be sure to pace yourself and focus on crossing one or two manageable tasks off your list at a time.
Stay mindful of your physical limits. You may want to pull out the holiday decorations and bake the holiday cookies and bring up the holiday sweaters from the basement. And you can! Just remember: one or two manageable tasks at a time. And please ask for help when you need it, especially with things that require you to bend down or pick up heavy objects.
Keep in mind to check with your OBGYN before planning to travel through the holiday. Though we may not get to visit our favorite relatives this year because of this, we still have exciting news! It’s that time of the year to indulge in the sweet treats of the season, so be sure to enjoy yourself. If you decide to join a holiday party, ask someone to make you a yummy mocktail or hot cider. Leave enough room for some healthy, balanced treats as well. As they say, moderation is key.
Tips for coping with pregnancy during the holidays
Pregnancy and the holidays each come with their stressors, and this can be overwhelming when you’re experiencing both at the same time. Remember to take care of you and your baby first. Slow down, take time for yourself and allow yourself to ask for help when needed.
Know when to say no. You’re not obligated to go to any events or meet any deadlines that don’t suit your current circumstances, and knowing this will go a long way in reducing your stress. You may even consider doing holidays at home this year. This can mean inviting family, or not. Do what feels manageable and allows you to get plenty of rest. Again, more rest means a healthier pregnancy.
And finally, make sure you have a support system. Family and friends are the heart of this, of course, and be sure to have a support system of moms or moms-to-be who you can lean on and understand what you’re experiencing as well.
For more information about Women’s Health, or If you’re looking for an OBGYN in the Cincinnati area, call us at 513-241-4774, or schedule your appointment.