What to Know About Being Pregnant During The Holiday Season
There’s a lot to love about being pregnant during the most wonderful time of the year—you don’t have to worry about excessive heat feeling oppressive, you likely get some automatic time off if you’re still working, and you’ll receive a great deal of affection and attention at any family gathering.
What else ought you to expect when you’re expecting during the holiday season, though? There are a few things to stay cognizant of as you partake in all of the general merrymaking.
Temptations Abound
Many conscientious expecting mothers are very careful about their diets while pregnant, as they understand the impact it has on their developing babies. If this applies to you, you’ll find that it’s much more difficult to avoid indulging over the holidays.
That said, it’s important not to deprive yourself. Enjoying some of your favorite holiday treats for a few days or a week won’t undo all of the hard work you’ve done in maintaining a healthy diet for months, so go ahead and partake.
Stress Tends to Tick Upward
Many Americans find the holiday season rather stressful, even when they’re not pregnant. Travel, navigating complicated family dynamics, and a general disruption from the norm can all contribute to this stress.
Being that you’re pregnant this holiday season, it’s more important than ever that you find healthy ways to manage the stress you might feel this time of year. Take a few moments to yourself, unwind with a nap, do whatever you need to in order to feel comfortable and calm.
Sleep Falls by The Wayside
Lack of sleep and excess stress tend to go hand in hand, so it’s easy to find yourself extra fatigued over the holidays. The fact is that you simply won’t be able to go, go, go the way you have in the past now that you’re pregnant this year.
Don’t be afraid to excuse yourself from holiday parties early, or stay home from a dinner party or two if the prospect sounds exhausting. Your health comes first, so don’t let the feeling of obligation cloud that. Get your rest so you can celebrate the holidays with a healthy baby next year.
Pregnancy can be one of the most beautiful, and likewise confusing experiences in a woman’s life. You don’t have to navigate the maze of pregnancy during the holidays (or any other time) alone—Women’s Medical Associates of Nashville is always here to lend a helping hand.