Flu Blues: How To Stay Well During Winter While Pregnant
Written by Jana Angeles
When you’re pregnant, the last thing you want is to get sick. While your body is still getting used to the abrupt body changes and change of appetite, you’ll have to look out for yourself even more when Winter comes around. It’s hard to be around family when they are sniffing mucous, sneezing constantly or having coughing fits that never seem to end.
So, the best thing you can do is to ensure that you take the best steps to prevent yourself from getting the flu while you’re carrying the baby. Here are some tips to consider that could help you stay well during Winter while pregnant…
Be physically active
If you’re in your second trimester and you’re struggling to move, consider doing exercise that is less rigorous such as walking or yoga. It helps to be physically active because you keep yourself warm and can contribute to a healthy mindset. It can also benefit you during the days where your mood swings or hormones get out of control.
It gives you something to do, instead of being cooped up at home. If you’re struggling to find a physical activity to participate in, ask your close friend to join you, even if it’s a short walk around the block. Being physically activity can help you feel refreshed and gets your body moving!
Get the flu shot
It’s recommended to take the flu shot before Winter rolls around. For pregnant women, it’s important to take the flu shot as their immune systems aren’t as strong during pregnancy. If they do end up with the flu, it could lead to further health complications. To avoid this, taking the flu shot is recommended and gives you that added layer of peace of mind.
Drink lots of water
Staying hydrated is important because it maintains the amniotic fluid that is in your body while pregnant. Not only that, it avoids you from getting dehydrated, which can happen if you expose your body to heat a little too much. When you’re around the heater or fireplace and have layers of clothing, it can all get out of control if not managed properly. It’s important for pregnant women to maintain their health properly by drinking lots of water!
Get enough calcium
Pregnant women are more prone to osteoporosis, so it’s recommended that they increase their daily dosage of calcium – whether it means increasing their intake of foods high in calcium or taking natural supplements for a health boost. Eating leafy greens, yoghurt and nuts are all great sources of calcium and can help maintain the health of you and your child properly.
Stay home if it’s too cold
While it’s tempting to head out for a day of shopping or going to your favourite restaurant for a big bowl of soup, avoid being out of the house if the weather for the day is too cold. It’s important to stay home during those days, since you’ll be less prone to getting the flu.
You also have to consider how many people in public have the flu and if you plan on taking public transport, the chances of getting sick increases. Instead of leaving the house to do the activities mentioned above, get some leftovers and create your own soup recipe and take advantage of online shopping, while in your pyjamas, of course!
While some of us love the cold and others not so much, it’s important that we take care of ourselves when it comes to our health during Winter. Not only is it important to do the above steps in preventing the flu while pregnant, we need to also monitor the changes that happen in our body and understand the reasons why getting the flu isn’t a very good idea during pregnancy.
All mothers are encouraged to utilise their time during Winter wisely by eating nutritious food, getting more physical activity and avoiding any family member that is sick where possible. It’s easy to get sick, but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take every step that could help prevent it from happening!