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Topic: How to stay healthy and safe when pregnant at Christmas

Being pregnant at Christmas can be a bit different to your usual festive affair. Instead of enjoying Prosecco and parties, it can be draining to navigate festive fun when you’re feeling exhausted and achy. However, there are lots of ways to make the most of the holidays while staying healthy and safe.

Pregnancy at Christmas

Christmas is often a busy period packed with social events, work parties and family gatherings. When you’re pregnant, though, it’s common to feel fatigued and lacking in energy – which can make a full diary seem daunting. Instead of organising your social life and planning party outfits, you may find yourself wanting to spend more time on the sofa in your pyjamas.

“Pregnancy can be tiring, especially at a busy time like Christmas, so try not to put pressure on yourself and let people know if you need help,” says Tina Prendeville, a midwife for the pregnancy charity Tommy’s. “Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, because you’re doing what you need to look after yourself and your baby.”

Overindulging in food and drink

It is also fair to say that alcohol often plays a part in festivities for many of us. However, with experts still unsure exactly whether any amount of alcohol is completely safe for women to have while pregnant, doctors recommend that you avoid it completely if you can. Suddenly, you may find yourself wanting to go home early from your work Christmas party, while others make the most of the free bar.

Christmas is also a time when we tend to overindulge in rich foods too, which can cause problems if you are pregnant. Eating too much – or indulging in heavy meals – can cause indigestion and heartburn, which are already common problems in pregnancy.

It’s also advised to avoid certain festive foods too. Cheese boards are everywhere during the festive period, but mould-ripened soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert and blue can contain listeria bacteria which can be harmful to unborn babies.

Mood changes during pregnancy

Being pregnant is also a big life event and it’s common to feel anxious, overwhelmed or sad. However, these feelings and emotions can be difficult to deal with over Christmas, when you’re surrounded by celebrations and joy. Hormone changes can also wreak havoc on your mood and the way you feel, making you feel less than festive.

Topic Discussed: How to stay healthy and safe when pregnant at Christmas

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