T’s the season for holiday celebrations. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, getting together with friends and loved ones creates moments you’ll remember forever. If there are people you don’t see as often as you’d like, the holidays are the perfect chance to reconnect. It’s also a great time to share the news of your pregnancy.
How much energy you will have to host, prepare, and travel, however, depends on if you’re in your first trimester or further down the road. No matter where you are in your pregnancy, it’s important to pay attention to how you feel and modify your schedule accordingly. Celebrating the holidays when pregnant will undoubtedly look and feel a bit different, and that’s okay! With a few simple tips, you can become more comfortable embracing the new experience with joy.
At South Miami OB-GYN Associates, our team of exceptionally well-trained physicians and nurse practitioners provide comprehensive pregnancy care. Our goal is to help you safely navigate the holiday season when pregnant. Here are our favorite pregnancy tips for enjoying and surviving this special time of the year.
Survival Tips for Holiday Gatherings
It can be tempting to indulge during the holiday festivities. While eating a healthy diet is the goal, it’s ok to treat yourself. However, steer clear of those foods that may compromise your health or give you food poisoning.
To avoid issues or food poisoning while pregnant, steer clear from:
- Alcohol: even small amounts bit may have harmful effects on a fetus
- Eggnog: which may contain raw eggs and alcohol
- Raw foods: such as steak tartare, sushi, or cookie dough
- Unpasteurized cheeses: such as brie and feta
Want to join in the toast for the New Year? Reach for a mocktail. Overwhelmed by the assortment of yummy dishes on the holiday buffet? The best party foods include fresh fruits, cooked fish (such as salmon or swordfish), nuts, vegetables, and beans. These are safe options that will not lead to health issues or potential food poisoning while pregnant.
Pregnancy Tips for Hosting Guests
Hosting guests, particularly if you are near your due date when travel is limited or in your first trimester when you may be experiencing morning sickness, can be a comfortable way to see people without the stress of traveling. To make hosting even more stress-free, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind before sending those invitations.
Pregnancy tips to keep in mind for hosting:
- Ask a partner or friend to help you prepare for hosting (preparing any food, cleaning, or decorating)
- Limit invitations to a manageable number and limit your list this time to easy guests.
- Take shifts entertaining your guests with a loved one; carve out moments of rest for yourself.
Pregnancy Tips for Holiday Shopping
Holiday shopping can be a tiring venture, even if you’re not pregnant. If you plan on visiting a mall or department store, prepare yourself with plenty of water and snacks. This will help keep you energized and hydrated.
As you shop, check in with yourself. Are you feeling good and energized? Sluggish? If your energy is low, but you feel pressed to buy gifts, reach out for help If someone you know is going holiday shopping, they probably won’t mind picking up some items for you.
Online shopping can also be a great option. Depending on shipping times, ordering gifts online removes the stress from traditional mall shopping, and some websites even offer gift wrapping. Choosing this option frees up time to relax and prepare for the baby.
Is Holiday Travel Safe When You are Pregnant?
In most cases, pregnant women can travel safely during their pregnancy unless they are experiencing complications. Our recommendation is to always check with your OB-GYN before booking your itinerary.
Can You Fly During Pregnancy?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “In most cases, pregnant women can travel safely until close to their due dates. But travel may not be recommended for women who have pregnancy complications. If you are planning a trip, talk with your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn), or other health care professional. And no matter how you choose to travel, think ahead about your comfort and safety.”
Here are some pregnancy tips you can keep in mind to make your flight experience more comfortable:
Tips for flying pregnant:
- Consider wearing compression socks for maintaining good blood flow
- Bring hand sanitizer and consider wearing a mask to avoid getting sick
- Arrange how you’ll get any prenatal care if needed once arriving at your destination
- Reserve an aisle seat when flying pregnant if possible, for easier access to the restroom
- Pack your own snacks and take any medication in a carry-on bag; you may have a long layover or delay
- Walk and stretch as much as possible
Driving during Pregnancy
Driving when you are pregnant is considered fairly safe. Unlike flying, there are no restrictions on when you do so. You’ll just want to keep a few things in mind to maximize your comfort and health during the trip.
6 Tips for driving while pregnant:
- Avoid driving when you are nauseous or in labor
- Pack hand sanitizer and cleansing wipes to protect against any cases of flu or viruses
- Stop and stretch every couple of hours to promote blood flow and reduce the risk of clots
- Strap your seat belt below your belly with the strap between the breasts for maximum comfort
- Prepare for a possible car breakdown; have a spare tire, roadside assistance, and jumper cables handy
- Have snacks, a blanket, and plenty of water packed in case you need to wait while something is being repaired
Creative Ideas for Celebrating Your Pregnancy During the Holidays
Celebrating the holidays when pregnant is supposed to be special! Once you have your holiday plans and travel preparations in order, make time to celebrate your growing belly. There are so many creative ways to prepare for your baby on the way:
4 creative ways to celebrate your pregnancy during the holidays:
- Book a family Christmas photoshoot
- Gift yourself some cute maternity Christmas outfits, like Christmas leggings, socks, sweaters, or slippers
- If you haven’t announced a pregnancy yet, organize a fun Christmas-themed pregnancy announcement or gender reveal
- Do something to prepare to welcome the new baby (paint a room, build a crib, write a song, or plan a baby shower.)
How to Support a Pregnant Partner During the Holidays
If your loved one is pregnant during the holidays, you may find they will need more support than usual. After all, the holidays can be stressful enough without the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes associated with a new baby. It’s always a good idea to take extra care during this time to ensure your partner is feeling supported. Here are a few tips for ensuring a comfortable and compassionate holiday season:
- Offer to prepare meals more often
- Take the lead with hosting any gatherings
- Talk to your partner before committing to any holiday plans
- Set up a table for your partner to wrap gifts more comfortably
- Check in with your partner; ask them how they are feeling and if they need anything
- Make time for your partner to have restful alone time
- Run errands and go to appointments together
- Take care of yourself!
Happy Holidays from South Miami OB-GYN Associates
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, South Miami OB-GYN Associates wants to be part of your team. With offices in Downtown Doral and South Miami, we look forward to welcoming you and providing you with the most up-to-date diagnostic and treatment information before, during, and after your pregnancy.
Schedule an appointment with one of our trusted South Florida OB-GYN professionals today online or by calling 305.665.1133.
We wish you and your loved ones a warm and healthy holiday season.
