5 Challenges of a Winter Pregnancy

Extreme weather not only affects the experience of the pregnancy it also poses serious health threats to the mother and the fetus. Awareness is the key to survive a winter pregnancy successfully. Here are five challenges that you might face during a winter pregnancy and tips on dealing with them according to top gynecologists in Pakistan.

1- Flu:

Flu is a common problem of the winter. The pregnant woman is more vulnerable to the influenza virus as compared to other people.  The immune system of a pregnant woman has to protect two entities, the mother and the embryo. This means that the immune system is not at full capacity when it comes to protecting the mother’s body.

Flu is not a dangerous condition but it is very uncomfortable and can ring other complications with itself. Flu is likely to create dehydration which can disturb the ratio of the amniotic fluid. Flu is also likely to cause fever which has been associated with a risk of miscarriage.

To avoid the uncomfortable flu and the risks that come with it, it is important to get vaccinated. Make sure you do it under the supervision of a gynecologist.

2- Weight gain:

Weight gain is a common issue encountered in the winter. The metabolisms get slow because of the general sluggish lifestyle. Weight gain is obvious in pregnancy but to keep it to a healthy level is very important. Minimal physical activity due to spending a lot of time indoors can really spin the needle on the scale.

Unhealthy weight gain in pregnancy can bring complications for the delivery process. In some cases a normal delivery might not remain a tangible option and the surgery might be required. To avoid such complications, it is important to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy.  According to Mayo Clinic, an average weight woman should not gain more than 16 Kgs during pregnancy.

Regular exercise and a diet chart made under the supervision of a dietitian can be helpful in maintaining a healthy weight.

3- Dryness:

Dry skin is a general issue that pregnant women face but it is likely to get more pronounced in winter. Pregnancy brings with itself a lot of hormonal changes. These hormonal changes cause the skin to loose moisture and become dry. The skin also has to stretch to accommodate the growing fetus. This stretching leads to a loose and flaky skin especially in the belly area.

In winter, the air is also dry and thus the skin loses moisture quickly to its surroundings. Thus cold weather speeds up the drying process causing the skin to crack in extreme cases. Drinking plenty of water and using humidifiers in the house can help deal with this problem.

4- Immobility:

The cold weather is likely to force pregnant woman indoors. While spending time indoors on cold days is advisable, it is likely to minimize physical movement. Lack of movement during pregnancy not only leads to weight gain, it also is bad for blood circulation. Immobility can also be frustrating and can thus lead to a lot of stress. Stress is dangerous in pregnancy as it can lead to high blood pressure. Abnormal blood pressure can lead to a miscarriage in extreme cases.

Working out indoors under supervision is a great alternative to outdoor walks. It will not only keep your weight in check, it will also reduce stress and improve circulation.

5- Winter depression:

Winter depression is a real problem and is four times more common in women than men. Pregnancy itself has been associated with feelings of loneliness. Hormonal changes during pregnancy also bring about mood swings which combined with winter sadness can send a pregnant woman in severe depression.

Indoor activities such as reading, journaling and cooking can help deal with winter depression during pregnancy. All these activities are known to reduce anxiety and keep one busy too. Exercise can also help as it releases serotonin which is known to help with depression.

If you are expecting this winter, you should visit a gynecologist regularly. You can also visit our website at oladoc.com, read up on pregnancy and look for top gynecologists in Peshawar, Karachi and Islamabad.

You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 to get directed to the specialists that are suitable for your specific concerns.