Navigating Pregnancy During the Winter

There are a number of benefits that come with being pregnant during the winter months. For one, you can feel more comfortable thanks to the cooler temperatures. In addition, you have the ability to layer so that you can more easily be comfortable throughout the day.

However, with the benefits, there are also some winter hazards that pregnant women need to be aware of in order to keep themselves and their babies safe.

Wash Your Hands More Frequently

While hand washing is important for everyone, it is extremely important for pregnant women to keep sickness at bay. Since the winter tends to be a time when germs are running rampant and people are stuck in close quarters, extra precautions need to be taken in order to keep you and your unborn child safe from winter sickness.

In addition to washing your hands regularly, you also want to make sure you are:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Taking a prenatal vitamin
• Sleeping at least seven to nine hours a night

Leave the Snow Alone

In the Chattanooga area, you never know what type of weather the winter will bring. While one day you could be in shorts, the next minute you could be bundled up for a sleigh ride.

If the snow does fall this winter, it's important that you leave the shoveling and windshield-clearing to others. When you are pregnant, your ligaments are loose, which can cause issues when you are trying to bend and twist to remove snow and ice.

Therefore, stay protected by letting someone else do the work for you. It isn't worth the injury you could experience doing it yourself.

Watch Your Step

During the winter months, especially when the temperatures are hovering near freezing, black ice and other slippery conditions can often be found when walking outside.

In addition, the Chattanooga area has had record levels of rain in the past few months. That rain, in and of itself, makes the ground slippery and hard to navigate.

To prevent falls and potential injuries, make sure that you watch your step when walking outside during this time of year.

You might also want to consider buying comfortable, skid-proof shoes that can help ensure you keep your footing, even when the ground's slippery.

Are you welcoming a new addition to the family? VisitParkridge Eastto learn about what we have to offer for moms and babies.