Whether you are pregnant in summer or winter, Better to be pregnant in summer or winter each season has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. You will find below some advice to make the most of your pregnancy, whether it is hot or cold, and to take advantage of this period with peace of mind.
Better to be pregnant in summer or winter?
HYDRATE ENOUGH
In order to maintain water balance, it is important to drink enough water. In adults, we recommend a water intake of about 1.5 liters per day in addition to what is absorbed through food. When you are pregnant, it is recommended to drink a little more water.
This is because during pregnancy your body retains moisture more easily and you are likely to suffer from swollen legs and feet. It usually gets worse on hot days, all the more reason to drink enough.
In summer temperatures, drinking regularly seems like a logical move, but in winter too, you need to stay hydrated . So, whether it’s hot or cold, drink enough (at least 1.5 liters of water a day).
PROTECT YOUR SKIN
In summer, the sun seems like a caress on your skin… And yet, hormones make your skin very sensitive . So you get sunburn faster and UV rays can cause pregnancy mask. Dark spots are often less noticeable in the winter, but in the spring when you expose yourself to more UV rays, they reappear darker/darker. Read the article “ Are you pregnant during the summer? Enjoy! to learn more tips on sun exposure during your pregnancy.
Cold, dry air in winter dries out your skin.
So keep your sunscreen and moisturizer handy.
TAKE IT EASY
In summer, the heat can cause uncomfortable situations during pregnancy. You get warm faster and the slightest effort will tire you. In winter, you will have to be careful of ice and snow when you leave your home. Your round belly makes you less stable on your legs, so watch out for falls.
WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING
Arm yourself with a thick sweater and sturdy shoes to stay warm during the winter and allow you to face the bad weather. A light little dress and comfortable sandals to keep you cool in heavy weather. A wardrobe suitable for every season!
TRAVEL IN MODERATION
If you are pregnant, exotic travel to distant lands is not recommended. And this, both in summer and in winter. Prefer a city-trip or an excursion near you . Remember to discuss your travel plans with your GP or gynecologist. Read the article “ Going on a trip when you are pregnant? Here are a few tips ! ” for more information.
Ski ? Sports for which the risk of falling is high are rather inadvisable. Your level of skiing, the progress of your pregnancy and the altitude of the ski area are however determining factors. Discuss your sports activities with your gynecologist or general practitioner.
EAT HEALTHY
A healthy and balanced diet is important when you want to have a child or are pregnant. The food pyramid is a useful tool in this respect. Other points are to be observed in the event of a desire for a child or a pregnancy. Thus, women who want to have a child must increase their folic acid intake and avoid certain foods in order to prevent toxoplasmosis or a food infection, called listeriosis (for more information, read the article “10 tips for a healthy pregnancy “).
The sun is an important source of vitamin D. In countries like Belgium, its synthesis through the skin is only possible from April to October inclusive. A brief daily exposure to the sun of at least 15 minutes is recommended in order to ensure sufficient synthesis by the skin (at least bare head and hands, preferably also arms and/or legs). Vitamin D deficiency is quite common in pregnant women. Your doctor or gynecologist may advise you to take a vitamin D supplement.
By paying attention to your diet, you are already helping your body absorb enough nutrients . Treat yourself to a bowl of fresh soup in winter or a small salad in summer.
PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THE FLU
One last tip for winter: avoid catching the flu. To do this, start by adopting good hygiene in case of coughing or sneezing, as well as good hand hygiene. Pregnant women run a greater risk of developing complications or becoming seriously ill. During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, this risk is even greater. Fever, caused by illness, can also have a detrimental effect on your unborn baby.
Vaccination is advisedfor all women who will be in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of their pregnancy during the flu season. The vaccine is safe in each trimester of pregnancy, but is preferably given from the 14th week of pregnancy. From three months of pregnancy, the flu vaccine is also reimbursed.
For whooping cough, a contagious respiratory disease, vaccination is recommended for every pregnant woman between week 24 and week 32 of pregnancy, whether she has already received a booster shot or not. Pertussis vaccination is free.
Are you pregnant, or even at the end of your pregnancy, and you need information for a healthy pregnancy? Consult your general practitioner and/or gynecologist.
