Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Poonam Rudingwa
Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital
Winter is a comfy season and one of the best parts about the season are layers of blankets and holiday feels. While you may be tempted to go out and stock up on your baby’s essentials, cold weather during pregnancy can be a little challenging. Pregnancy and cold weather are not the best of friends as the season also hosts a range of infections including cold and flu. As the chilly temperature and festivity hits, your nutrition, well-being and wardrobe choices also shift.
If you are thinking about the right choices and some winter care tips during pregnancy, this article is for you. Let us have a look at how you can take care of yourself and the baby during the winter season.
What Are the Challenges of Pregnancy and Cold Weather?
Winter pregnancy comes with some unique challenges that require special care and attention to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. The challenges include:
Dry Skin
Since winter air is dry, it can cause skin dryness and itchiness. Being pregnant can make you more prone to skin sensitivity and dryness. Hence, make sure that you stay hydrated and use moisturizers during the season.
Cold Exposure
The chilly weather can expose you to cold temperatures leading to increased fatigue, discomfort, and more chances of catching respiratory infections.
Limited Sunlight
A decrease in daylight hours in the winter can also affect mood and even add up to vitamin D deficiency. Since vitamin D is vital for bone health, it is crucial to discuss the supplementation with your doctor, especially during winter.
Flu Season
Winter also coincides with flu and pregnancy can make you more vulnerable to catching the infection. In such cases, getting a flu shot from the best maternity hospital in Chandigarh is recommended to protect both the mother and the baby.
What Nutritional Changes Should You Make During Winter Season?
During winter, pregnant women should focus on maintaining a healthy diet to support the growth of the foetus. Also, before making any changes to your diet, make sure to discuss and confirm with your doctor.
Vitamin D
As discussed previously, since winters restrict your exposure to sunlight, hence you may require vitamin D-rich foods in your diet including dairy, fish, or supplements as suggested by your doctor.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 is required for the proper development of foetal brain and eyes. You can find this in fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and so forth.
Iron-rich Foods
Iron is one of the important nutritional requirements during pregnancy as it prevents anaemia and increases blood volume. You can consume iron from fish, beans, lean meat, fortified cereals, and so forth.
Calcium Rich Foods
Similar to iron, calcium is also required for foetal bone and teeth development. You can consume it from dairy, yoghurt, and cheese.
Hydration
Cold weather can also lead to dehydration due to decreased water intake. If you do not wish to drink water more frequently, you can swap it with warm soups or herbal teas to increase your hydration levels.
Iodine
Iodine is important for thyroid and brain development. You can consume iodine from iodized salt and seafood.
To Sum It Up
Embracing a healthy winter pregnancy involves nurturing yourself in the seasonal challenges. Apart from tweaking your diet according to the season, you should also focus on staying active during the season. For instance, you can take brisk walks, and do some indoor exercises such as prenatal yoga to stay active. However, make sure to consult a doctor before making any abrupt change in your lifestyle. If you wish to consult an obstetrician for the same, you can contact us at Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital.
Boost your immunity by eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, staying hydrated, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Talk to your doctor about getting a flu vaccine if recommended.
Light exercise, such as walking, can be safe if the weather and terrain are manageable. Wear non-slip shoes, avoid icy surfaces, and limit exposure to extreme cold.
Use a pregnancy-safe moisturizer, apply lip balm, and avoid long hot showers that strip the skin of natural oils. Consider using a humidifier at home to maintain moisture in the air.
Contact your doctor if you experience flu-like symptoms, fever, or severe discomfort. Rest, stay hydrated, and avoid self-medicating without professional advice.
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