10 Essential Tips For Moms Pregnant During the Holidays
:extract_cover():upscale()/ps-image-unavailable.png)
Being pregnant during November, December, and January makes the holiday season even more special. With this major reason to celebrate with friends and family it might take some of the strain out of this festive time, but there are still things that moms-to-be need to be aware of. From what foods to avoid during the abundance of parties and large dinners to getting through everything with the least amount of stress as possible, these are the 10 tips that every mama expecting during the holidays needs to know.
Stay Close to Home
If you typically travel over the holidays or always have a packed schedule bouncing from home to home for special visits, this is the year to break tradition and take a much-needed break. The holidays can be a stressful time, even when you're not pregnant, so give yourself some extra comfort by sticking near your healthcare professionals (just in case!) while also taking it as easy as possible despite the end-of-year chaos.
Skip the Cheese Plate This Year
Pass on the cheese plate if it contains unpasteurized dairy products to avoid the risk of listeria. Selections to be wary of include Brie, feta, Roquefort, queso fresco, and Camembert. Other small bites that should also be skipped include smoked seafood and refrigerated pâtés.
Request Your Doctor's Holiday Schedule
You're not the only one with a jammed schedule during the holiday season. Asking about your doctor's schedule ahead of time will not only help with any possible planning, but it will give you some peace of mind in the upcoming days.
Decline the Eggnog Even If It's Kid-Friendly
Even if virgin eggnog seems like the perfect option, just because it's alcohol free doesn't mean it's safe to consume during pregnancy. This seasonal drink is oftentimes made with raw eggs, so pass unless you are certain it is a pasteurized version.
Know Your Limits — and Stick to Them
Don’t feel obligated to attend every party or shop for the absolutely perfect present for each person on your list. You're already working on the best gift of all and wearing yourself out during cold and flu season isn't going to make for an enjoyable celebration.
Avoid Potentially Undercooked Meat
Many moms-to-be know to be weary of turkey on Thanksgiving day, but other undercooked animal foods can contain viruses that are harmful to the fetus. During festive dinners, pregnant women should be aware that red meat, poultry, certain seafood, and eggs can be dangerous if they are not thoroughly cooked.
Utilize Those Leftovers
Whether you are having the party at your house or are being offered some leftovers to bring home with you, take all of the leftover options you can and place them directly in your freezer. Having these meals for the days and weeks after your baby is born, without having to think twice about them, is a major perk of being pregnant over the holidays.
Resist That Taste Of Cookie Dough
As tempting as just one lick is, cookie dough and any item with raw or undercooked eggs can contain salmonella so avoid even a small taste while baking your seasonal treats.
Rethink Overeating
Being pregnant over the holidays isn't a free pass to completely overindulge during every celebration. From unpleasant heartburn and bloating to unhealthy weight gain, it's important for moms-to-be to enjoy their meals while still remaining conscious of what they're eating.
Know Your Actual Caffeine Intake
Not only does a hot cup of coffee pep you up before a big gathering and warm you up during a particularly cold day, it will almost always make its rounds after an evening celebration. Although consuming caffeine while pregnant isn't off-limits, if you stick to the recommended less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day, you can easily hit that with just one cup. Tea isn't always a better substitute as it also contains caffeine, so don't forget to consider those cups of non-herbal tea.