Winter care for pregnant women is essential. Pregnancy causes huge hormonal and physiological changes, making women susceptible to cough, cold, skin problems, discomfort, and infections.
However, not all pregnant women experience the harshness of winters, since some may benefit from the body’s cooling effects. This is very dependent on place. In this essay, we will explore practical winter pregnancy care techniques. Remember, proper winter pregnancy care can guarantee a safe pregnancy and birth.
Dress in Thermals
Thermal dresses are one of the greatest and recognized solutions to improve our health and safety throughout the winter. Pregnant women need to dress in layers to stay warm and preserve blood flow, which decreases as the temperature drops. Take additional care of your hands and feet, as blood circulation to these areas may be reduced.
A Humidifier
Home humidifiers add moisture to the air. Winter cold can dry out the air and reduce moisture content, reducing humidity. This can cause dry skin, itchy throats, itching, dry hair, chapping, infections, and allergies. In a recent study, humidifiers were found to help reduce the incidence of respiratory infections, asthma symptoms, and allergies.
Boost Immunity
Weather can impact immunity in different ways. A study found that variables including higher infectious diseases, decreased physical activity, and high food consumption during the winter can promote elevated cholesterol and sugar levels, lowering immunity and increasing fatalities. Winter immunity is reduced in pregnant women. So they should wash their hands and eat vitamin C-rich foods to boost their immune systems.
Keep Moisturized
Metabolism, endocrinology, vascular and immunology changes during pregnancy can cause major skin changes. Winter, with its low humidity, can further promote skin dryness. They can cause many skin problems in pregnant women that must be treated promptly to avoid complications. Use a moisturizer to protect skin from cold. Always apply unscented, hypoallergenic moisturizer 3-4 times a day, especially after bathing. Some people use baby products if their skin is extremely sensitive.
More Water
To support fetal circulation, maintain maternal and infant blood volume, minimize pregnancy constipation and sustain amniotic fluid, pregnant women require more fluids. A study recommends 8-10 glasses of water per day for pregnant women. Even if we are less thirsty in the winter, experts advise pregnant women to drink enough water.
Get vaccinated
Winter presents several infectious diseases at a time when immunity is low. Influenza vaccine is the first line of defense against influenza and its consequences in pregnant women. She and her child are also safe. That’s why specialists advise getting your flu vaccination every year, and if you’re pregnant, get it after seeing a doctor.
Don’t avoid daily exercise
A half-hour of physical activity reduces the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, low back discomfort, cesarean birth, and urine leakage. High-intensity workouts should be avoided in favor of aerobic exercises like walking and swimming. Experts advise drinking water before and during exercise to avoid dehydration and hyperthermia.
Eat Well
Winters can boost a woman’s appetite, causing her to overeat and lose track of her nutrition. Pregnant women may eat unhealthy foods due to the cold and increased appetite, increasing their risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Avoid unhealthy foods and increase your intake of folate, iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
Keep Appointments
Winter often causes people to be lethargic and miss appointments. Antenatal care benefits both the mother and the baby by reducing risk factors and improving pregnancy outcomes. Always have pregnant checkups and medications on hand, say experts. While going out in the cold can be stressful, take extra precautions like planning ahead and bringing extra winter clothing.
Stay Home
As Much As I Can Aside from doctor’s appointments, pregnant women should stay indoors as much as possible during the winter to avoid cold, cough, and infection concerns. Indoor workouts like yoga can be beneficial for physical activity.
To Sum Up
Winters can be tough or beneficial to pregnant women. If you live somewhere where winters are harsh, make sure to follow the above pregnancy care advice to stay healthy.