Our top tips for having the best Christmas while pregnant
Christmas can definitely be the most wonderful time of the year, but when you’re pregnant it’s always going to be a bit different. Here are our top tips for navigating Christmas with your bump in tow!
Don’t try to do it all.
Tiredness during pregnancy is such an under-estimated challenge. Your body is looking after itself while also growing a baby and at a time of year where we tend to burn the candle at both ends, burn out can happen fast. So plan your time out to make sure you don’t overdo it - several evenings out in a week, or a late night followed by a busy day are going to take their toll. This might mean letting down people you would normally hang out with or not attending some events that you would traditionally love to be at, but look on the brightside, more time to relax at home with your favourite Christmas movie.
You don’t have to drink to have fun!
OK, we all love a glass of our favourite tipple at Christmas time, but there are so many upsides to not being at the bar when last orders are called! Put aside the money you might normally spend on nights out for a treat for you, maybe some new clothes or a bit of a pamper. Relish avoiding those Christmas hangovers, being the first one up in the morning and fresh as a daisy (morning sickness aside!). Prepare a drink that you still enjoy so that you’re not totally missing out. We have a series of Christmas mocktail recipes going live on our Tik Tok from next week!
Accept help
I like to think of the pregnant person in the room as the special guest. They should be waited on hand and foot and indulged with whatever they’re currently craving. If this is a little too much to ask of your loved ones (fair enough!), you can still accept small bits of help that you might normally brush off. Can someone else walk the dog, peel the potatoes or take the cards to the postbox? Would you like to host a party, but actually a friend might be better placed to do so this year? Accept it all! You are working hard to just grow that baby and this year, that’s enough!
Embrace the grazing season
During pregnancy, one of the most commonly used phrases from the outset is ‘eat little and often’. At Christmas, a time of indulgence, this can be surprisingly hard. We often eat huge, rich meals and in fact what you need is continuous grazing! So change up your food strategy this year and make sure you eat often to keep your energy up and sickness at bay, but don’t over eat lots of rich food all at once, which might cause heartburn and discomfort. And remember, stay hydrated, water is your best friend!
Stay safe
On a serious note, you must look after yourself throughout pregnancy and this includes Christmas time. Your immune system won’t be as strong as normal, so you can be more susceptible to the usual bugs doing the rounds. Perhaps ask friends and family to let you know if they’re feeling unwell and you can change your plans. Your GP might be working reduced hours over Christmas, so make sure you know who you should call ‘out of hours’ if you have any concerns about your or your baby’s health. Save your midwife and maternity triage unit’s number to your and your partner’s phone in case there should be an emergency while you’re out and about.
Enjoy this special time
There is a unique joy in expecting a baby at Christmas time. Everything you do, you might be wondering how it will be different next year with your little one in your arms. So enjoy all those special moments in anticipation of what’s to come. Indulge in all the self care that makes you happy and fills you with all those good hormones. Remain active and get plenty of fresh air if you can, but also take advantage of a few lie ins if you have time off work or family members around to take care of other children.
Swot up
And finally, I couldn’t resist encouraging you to spend a few cosy hours watching one of our packs. Watching the Pregnancy Pack or Hypnobirthing Pack is the ultimate way to focus on yourself and your and your baby’s needs from the comfort of your own sofa, soaking in the knowledge that will equip you for a positive pregnancy and birth experience.
We wish you all the very best for the festive season!