3 Benefits of Being Pregnant During the Holiday Season

pregnant woman standing in front of a christmas tree

The holidays are a wonderful time to pause and enjoy the significant things in life, such as friends, family, and for some women, pregnancy. While pregnancy has numerous perks regardless of the season, these perks are amplified during the holidays. Below is a list of the benefits of being pregnant during the holiday season for expectant mothers to consider. 

1. More Rest and Relaxation Time 

The holidays can physically drain anyone, but pregnant women especially. They are tasked with the challenge of juggling time with friends, family, and colleagues, all while trying to maintain enough rest. According to studies, expectant mothers who do not receive enough rest may suffer from a decrease in metabolism, making them more likely to eat carbs and less likely to exercise. How do women who are pregnant during the holiday season ensure they get a proper amount of rest? Here are some measures expectant mothers can take.  

  • Stay off your feet. Pregnant women should avoid standing for long periods of time.  When sitting, they should prop up their feet and rotate their feet at the ankles, and carefully flex their feet to stretch their calf muscles. This will help reduce ankle swelling. 
  • Get enough sleep. Expectant mothers should keep in mind that the amount of sleep they get not only affects them but their baby as well. It is important for pregnant women to at least get 8 to 9 hours of sleep per night. 
  • Take naps.  If it is not possible to manage 8-9 hours of sleep, due to frequent nightly trips to the restroom or other pregnancy symptoms that might interfere with an expectant mother’s sleep pattern, naps are helpful. In fact, 51 percent of pregnant women report taking at least one nap a day.  

2. Expectant Mothers Can Enjoy Food During the Holidays

Pregnant women can enjoy family meals during the holiday season but it is important not to binge on holiday foods. When it comes to food, nutrition is key. Expectant mothers should choose foods that are rich in nutrients and balance heavy holiday meals with well-rounded dishes to support their health as well as keep their blood sugar levels under control. While mothers-to-be should strive to eat healthier food, this does not mean that they must deny themselves of their favorite holiday foods. Expectant mothers can enjoy holiday foods, though it is recommended they consume them in smaller portions. 

3. Holiday Pregnancy Can Bring New Traditions 

Being pregnant during the holiday season can inspire expectant mothers to begin new holiday traditions. Such traditions can help women focus more on their baby rather than the stress that can come with the holidays. Here are some examples of new traditions for women who are pregnant during the holiday season to consider.  

  • Family Photo: This is a holiday tradition that can occur even before the birth of the baby. The mother-to-be can pose with friends or family as she shows off her growing baby bump.  
  • Letter to Baby:  Some mothers write a letter to their children every year and stash the letters away until graduation or another significant milestone in their children’s life.  Expectant mothers can start this tradition by writing a letter to their baby while they are still in the womb.  
  • Yearly Ornament:  This holiday tradition involves the addition of a new ornament every year. Mothers-to-be can begin their ornament collection with an ornament that represents their pregnancy.  

Being Pregnant During the Holiday Season

Expectant mothers have numerous things to look forward to when it comes to being pregnant during the holidays. They can trade standing in lines at malls for propping up on the couch and resting their feet. Their favorite holiday foods can still be a part of their holiday, so long as they eat in small portions. Last but certainly not least, expectant mothers can begin new holiday traditions in honor of their baby.  

 To Schedule an Appointment 

The team at Triangle Physicians for Women is here for you in all stages of your life and we’re happy to offer patients comprehensive care throughout all seasons. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Triangle Physicians for Women, you may do so by calling (919) 678-6900 or requesting an appointment electronically under the Contact Us tab.

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A Word from our Patients

I think Dr. Grana and her assistant (Mandy) are the best. I have been going to TP4W for years – at least 20, and I have never been disappointed with the level of care I have received. I can be a challenge as my level for pain tolerance is low and they put up with me! I can’t help but highly recommend the practice to anyone looking for exemplary women’s healthcare.

Love love love Dr. Grana and her crew. Love going to Holly Springs office. The girls are the best from Lisa at the front desk to all the girls in the back. Your music and atmosphere is great. Thanks for making these appointments fun!! Yes believe it or not, fun!!!

Dr V and the office staff were all very professional, understanding, caring and very efficient. I would be happy to recommend this practice to friends, family and associates. – Barbara M. Lucas

My visit was great! & my past visit have all been great.Kristy helped me even with me being a bit stressed & in a hurry because I had to be seen & my job is super strict. Her urgency to get me seen was phenomenal. I even got to see Heather, she’s awesome & amazing. She helped deliver my baby girl a year ago. My whole family loves her and Dr Sheshadri. We actually can’t wait to get pregnant again hahaha. Everyone treats you with respect and always makes sure your okay & answers whatever questions you have before you leave. Even leaving a message for the nurses,they get back to you so quickly.  This practice really makes you feel taken care of.  We appreciate you all!  – Erika Hooks

My experience with the TP4W staff has been top of the line.  They helped me through three pregnancies and coached me through every step of the way.  Eternally thankful I chose TP4W.  – Britney

TP4W have such amazing doctors, midwives and nurses.  I cannot say enough about Dr. Grana and the rest of the staff for all the help, advice, guidance and medical care they provided me with all of my kids.  She made me feel safe and calm through both c-sections.  My routine care and pregnancy care have always been top notch and I would recommend them to anyone looking for an OBGYN.  – Brooke

We were honored to receive a hand written note..

Dr. Grana, Angie, Jessica, Heather, April, Sarah and the rest of the staff –

Thank you all so much for taking such good care of me through both of my pregnancies and births, especially my latest one on 10/29! most of yall know how nervous I was from having gone through a lot (to say the least) with my first in 2016. You all made me feel so comfortable and at ease before, during and after. And going through a touch year with my dad, you guys always asked how he was doing at every appointment, which was so thoughtful and beyond your job description. I know that you all see many women go through what i did each and every day and deliver many babies and perform many c-sections. But I hope you know how special Ruby’s delivery was to me. You all have amazing jobs! I cannot thank you all enough. Merry Christmas!

Love, Lucy

I have been going to TP4W since 2010/11 and could not be happier.

The staff, nurses, midwives, and doctors are all amazing. I have 2 sons, both delivered via cesarean by Dr. V. Every visit and every provider did everything in their power to give me the birth experience I wanted, and also ensure that myself and my babies were safe and healthy. Dr. V even did everything in his power to help me avoid my first c-section and VBAC with the second, but that turned out to be out of his hands and he was the absolute best surgeon. With my two pregnancies, I experienced a few scares and some unusual circumstances that would be too long and too private to write in a review, but every single hurdle was handled with grace, honesty, and professionalism. I am so thankful for the recommendation from a friend to come to this office. I can’t imagine ever going to another practice.

TP4W is amazing and I am so very thankful I found them 9 years ago!! Amazing partnership between midwives and doctors, sweet nurses and front end staff, and relaxing environment. I literally recommend them to all my friends! I look forward to my appointments and feel like I’m going to catch up with old friends.

I’ve always had wonderful experiences at TP4W. Everyone is friendly, knowledgeable, and thorough in their care. April delivered my son and I can’t say enough wonderful things about her. She is patient and compassionate. I had the best labor and delivery experience thanks to her. I do and will continue to recommend them to my friends and family!