Staying Healthy and Active During Your Winter Pregnancy

Some women would rather be pregnant in the summer than in the winter. In contrast, others prefer a colder month for pregnancy. Whenever you find yourself expecting, it's essential to know how to stay healthy and active during that time.

At Collaborative Women's Care in Miami, Florida, Dr. Eduardo Valdes specializes in a wide range of services, including obstetrics and gynecology. He provides tips for women experiencing winter pregnancies, as well as lifestyle and rejuvenation treatments to keep you and your baby safe during the colder months.

Tips for a healthy winter pregnancy

A winter pregnancy is just as exciting as any other time of year, but it comes with its own challenges. Staying healthy and active during the colder months is crucial to you and your growing baby's health.

We offer the following tips to ensure you stay healthy and your baby thrives during the winter months:

Dress in layers

Winter means going from cold outside to warm, heated homes or buildings. To stay comfortable, dress in layers so you can bundle up outside but be cozy inside.

Stay hydrated

Hydration is essential during pregnancy, particularly with sufficient water intake. Herbal teas and hot cocoa are okay in moderation, but be sure they don't contain caffeine to keep your body hydrated.

Wash your hands

The winter means cold and flu season, and being sick while pregnant is miserable. Wash your hands often with antibacterial soap and warm water to eliminate germs and illness.

Get a flu shot

Flu season is officially here, which spells disaster during pregnancy. To keep you and your baby safe, schedule a flu shot to avoid getting sick over the holidays.

Wear the proper shoes

It's important to wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes, especially if you have swelling in your feet and ankles. Wear the proper shoes when walking outside to avoid potentially hazardous slips and falls.

Ramp up vitamin D intake

Being indoors means less exposure to vitamin D and sunlight. We discuss the need for a vitamin D supplement at your prenatal appointments.

Staying active is important

Part of staying healthy during pregnancy involves remaining active and exercising, even in cold weather. Physical activity is beneficial for both your physical and mental health, as well as the well-being of your growing baby.

Not all types of exercises are safe during pregnancy. Still, the following activities are a great way to stay in shape during a winter pregnancy:

• Prenatal yoga
• Swimming indoors
• Walking
• Low-impact cardio

Please speak with us about how you plan to stay active during the winter months. We help you navigate exercise to ensure you and your baby stay safe while being active.

Other tips for a winter pregnancy

Along with specific winter tips and staying active, there are a few other things you can do during a winter pregnancy, and they include:

• Get plenty of rest
• Listen to your body
• Manage stress
• Delegate holiday tasks
• Avoid risky activities
• Consult us with any concerns

Resting and listening to your body are critical, especially as your pregnancy progresses. If you have any concerns or want to discuss other healthy habits, we are here to help.

To schedule a prenatal appointment, please call our Miami, Florida, office to speak with Dr. Valdes or request one using our convenient online booking feature.