Babies are born in every season, and, as expectant mothers can tell you, every season has its own unique strains and stresses for pregnant women.
In this blog, expert OB/GYN Dr. Leonardo A. Longoria, at Longoria OBGYN in El Paso, Texas, advises you on how to navigate being pregnant during the winter. Here are his tips for maintaining comfort and safety, and a reminder on the importance of planning ahead.
What types of risks do you run if you’re pregnant in the winter? There are some specific concerns to consider, especially if you enter your third trimester this winter.
While you’re pregnant, your immune system is weaker than usual, putting you at increased risk of contracting seasonal illnesses like colds, the flu, and COVID. Illness can stress your body and your pregnancy, so prevention is key.
Get your recommended flu shot as soon as possible this year, and wash your hands frequently to reduce your risk of getting sick. You may also want to avoid crowded locations to reduce your risk of infection while you’re pregnant.
Depending on the weather and the progression of your pregnancy, you may need to be on alert for fall risks this winter. Ice and snow make it trickier to maintain your footing.
Wear boots or shoes with good, non-slip treads, and hold on to handrails whenever available. If the weather is nasty, stay safe inside. El Paso winters tend to be mild, but it’s best to prepare for the unexpected.
Pregnant women face ongoing challenges when it comes to staying comfortable. Your body is changing and working hard, resulting in daily discomfort. Taking the right steps to manage your comfort can reduce the negative impacts of pregnancy.
You may notice that you’re increasingly sensitive to even slight temperature shifts. While it’s important to your health to stay warm, you may also want to dress in layers so you can adjust as needed. An under-layer that wicks sweat and moisture away from your skin can make all the difference!
Dehydration can become a problem in the winter months. Drink 8-10 glasses of fluids daily, and boost your hydration with fruits like apples and oranges.
If your skin feels dry or itchy, make sure you moisturize after you shower, and use coconut or almond oil for even more intense skin hydration as your pregnancy progresses.
Dryness can accelerate pregnancy-related hair loss, so avoid washing your hair with very hot water this winter and massage your scalp with moisturizing coconut oil. Using a silk or satin pillowcase or bonnet is another way to reduce hair breakage during the winter months.
Talk to Dr. Longoria about your concerns this winter, so you can prepare for the worst that the coldest months of the year can throw at you. If you’ll be giving birth before spring, you should have a plan for labor or an emergency in inclement weather.
Dr. Longoria and his team support you throughout your pregnancy, with check-up appointments, personalized recommendations, and information about what lies ahead for you and your growing family.
For top-quality pregnancy care, schedule an appointment at Longoria OBGYN today by calling our office or booking online.
