There’s nothing quite like the joy and excitement of the holidays, especially with a baby on the way. But the festive chaos can make it easy to overlook the extra care your body requires during pregnancy.
For expert guidance and support throughout these nine months, see Daniel McDyer, MD, and Julian Stephen Suhrer, MD, at Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville. Here, we share our top five tips for enjoying a healthy holiday season while you’re pregnant.
High levels of stress drive up your blood pressure, which is especially dangerous during pregnancy — hypertension raises the risk of complications like preterm labor, eclampsia, and certain defects. Studies suggest prenatal stress may also negatively affect the baby’s long-term neurological development.
To protect your health and your baby, practice saying “no” to holiday events and tasks that feel stressful or overwhelming. Delegate duties like hosting, cooking, or wrapping gifts, and schedule at least 30 minutes of intentional relaxation time each day.
Pregnancy makes you more susceptible to specific food-borne pathogens, including Listeria and Salmonella, that can seriously harm both you and your baby. At holiday meals, be mindful of high-risk foods such as soft, unpasteurized cheeses, cold deli meats, and raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs.
While there’s no need to deprive yourself of your favorite festive desserts and seasonal treats, moderation is key. Fill up on nutrient-dense options that support healthy fetal development, like colorful vegetables and lean protein, and try to limit your consumption of saturated fats, trans fats, and sugar.
Quality sleep is essential when you’re pregnant, as your body uses this downtime to restore energy, repair tissues, and support the rapid growth of your baby. Too many late nights over the holidays can compound pregnancy-related fatigue, raise your blood pressure, and weaken your immune system.
Prioritizing rest means setting and sticking to a firm bedtime, even if the party runs late. Don’t hesitate to leave social events early if you start to feel drained, and take an afternoon nap whenever necessary.
Cold and flu season is in full swing, and navigating crowded stores and indoor gatherings increases your exposure to germs. Pregnancy naturally weakens your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to seasonal illnesses that can be harder to fight off.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu vaccine for all pregnant women — ideally earlier in the season, but it’s not too late if you haven’t received one already. Additionally In order to reduce your risk of infections, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, refrain from sharing drinks or utensils with others at holiday events and take Vitamin D3, 2000 international units daily. Also, gargle with an antiseptic 2-3 times daily after exposure to large groups of people.
Planning is essential to ensure your comfort and minimize risks during holiday travel. For long-distance trips, ensure you have all necessary medical documentation, comfort items like a sleep mask or neck pillow, and plenty of healthy snacks and water.
To prevent discomfort and reduce the chance of blood clots, take frequent breaks to walk around and stretch your legs on long flights and car rides. Always consult with our care team beforehand if your pregnancy is considered high-risk or if your travel dates may conflict with prenatal appointments.
The holidays might look a little different when you’re pregnant, but you can still make the most of the season while prioritizing your health and comfort. To schedule an appointment, reach out to Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville online or by phone today.
