Essential Tips for Managing Pregnancy in Winters

Pregnant women should exercise particular caution during the bitterly cold winter months since they are more susceptible to respiratory infections as a result of the temperature drop. Pregnant women have a naturally reduced immunity at this time; therefore, it is even more crucial for them to take care of themselves and protect themselves against winter illnesses, which are on the rise.

How Does the Winter Season Raise the Health Risks in Expecting Mothers?

Because most people keep their windows and doors closed throughout the winter, there is less ventilation in the home, which prolongs the time that dust and viruses remain in the air. Even a minor or brief amount of exposure to someone who is not maintaining well can lead to infections, fever, and respiratory difficulty in pregnant women. Flu-related symptoms can potentially become worse at this time—including pneumonia, dehydration, or even preterm contractions in severe cases.

Because of the lower temperatures, the arrival of winter also brings with it hidden dehydration. Apparently to them, many women consume less water, which can lead to cramps, migraines, and lightheadedness.

Maternal immunity and the health of the fetus's bones are both impacted by less sunshine exposure during the winter months, which also lowers vitamin D absorption. Let’s explore some winter pregnancy care tips by scrolling down the article.

Why Do Baby Deliveries in Winters Require Special Care?

Winterborns are more susceptible to seasonal viruses, including influenza, bronchiolitis caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and winter diarrheal infections. Cold weather might impair their nutrition and energy levels, too. For their immunity, early breastfeeding, prenatal care, and maternal immunization are crucial.

Winter is a wonderful season to welcome a baby, but it is also associated with the most viral exposure of the year. Pregnant women may dramatically minimize health risks and ensure a safe arrival for their winter-born kids by taking proper care of seasonal vaccines, practicing good cleanliness, eating a healthy diet, monitoring early symptoms, having adequate water intake, and getting sufficient rest.

Winter Pregnancy Care Tips

Following are some health tips that can help in preventing pregnancy complications in winter:

Prioritize essential vaccinations: Seasonal immunizations, such as the flu vaccine and the COVID booster, can help mitigate serious infectious diseases. The pertussis vaccination also provides neonatal protection. These immunizations lower the risk of problems for both the mother and the infant during the flu season.
Enhance respiratory hygiene: Expecting mothers should steer clear of crowded interior spaces, leave windows slightly open to increase ventilation, wear a mask in crowded public settings, and wash their hands often. The risk of developing a cough or cold is considerably reduced by using hand sanitizer after shaking hands or touching surfaces. Also, avoid touching your face and stay away from someone who has a cold or cough.
Nutrition for immunity and internal body warmth: During winter pregnancy, the body needs healthy nutrients from meals. A winter diet might include warm homemade soups, dals, chicken broth, fresh fruits, veggies, dried fruits and seasonal fruits with lots of vitamin C. Add some protein in the form of eggs, milk, paneer, lentils, or nuts to maintain immune levels. Drinking warm water throughout the day safeguards against dehydration. Moreover, diets rich in zinc, iron and vitamin D enhance body defense.
Dress appropriately and be comfortable: Double-layer clothing to remain warmer while keeping feet covered and preventing direct exposure to chilly air. Try to avoid going from a heated area into cold outside air, since it may reduce immunity and put you at an increased risk of developing an illness.
Watch out for diseases in early stages: Keep an eye out for early warning signs and symptoms, such as a persistent cough, fever, chills, fatigue, breathing difficulties, or decreased fetal activity, especially in winter pregnancy. Early medical care helps keep mother and child safe and prevent complications.
Prioritize relaxation and mental health: Adequate length of sleep, exposure to sunshine, and mild prenatal workouts such as yoga or stretching, with the consent of the doctor, can boost mood and immunity.
Take care of your skin: Certain pregnancy-related skin issues might worsen in the winter. Dry winter air may wreak havoc on your skin, increasing the risk of pruritus. or itchy skin. In addition to being more likely during winter pregnancy due to the increased blood volume, nosebleeds may also be more common in the winter.
Raise the humidity levels in your house: Skin issues as well as nosebleed issues may be resolved by using a humidifier or putting bowls of water throughout your house.
Manage your lower leg swelling: During the second part of pregnancy, lower leg edema is common. To avoid or lessen leg edema, cut down on how long you’re on your feet. By preventing fluid from collecting in the legs, light compression stockings up to the knees can help lessen edema. You may also love some extra warmth!

Conclusion

Pregnancy may be difficult with any season. However, there are some positive aspects of being pregnant during the winter. It may even feel more pleasant at the lower temps. But the flu and cold season are synonymous with winter. Maintain proper hand hygiene to prevent contracting viruses from friends, family, and coworkers. And get your flu vaccination !

If you suffer from a cold and wish to use an over-the-counter remedy, seek meds that are developed for your specific symptoms. Don’t let the cold get you sick this winter. Instead, focus on what’s in store for your family.

Get expert guidance from top gynecologists in Mumbai at Surya Hospitals. Book your consultation now!

FAQs

Q1: Does taking cold drinks negatively impact winter pregnancy?
A: At whatever temperature the food or beverages are, as they enter the stomach and intestine, they will adapt to body temperature. Therefore, drinking cold beverages won't harm your developing child. But always remember moderation is the key. Mothers should likely consume more water than sodas and other drinks.

Q2: How to stay healthy during winter pregnancy?
A: Avoid fast foods, take a nutritious diet, eat something after every small interval, do mild exercise, drink sufficient water, take all necessary vaccinations, get all prenatal tests done, and attend all consultations with your gynecologist.

Q3: Can newborns sense cold in the womb?
A: No, newborns do not become cold inside the womb because the uterus maintains a steady temperature of roughly 37 degrees Celsius, which is crucial for the baby's growth.