
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.