Pregnancy can be a daunting experience but cold weather can make things even more challenging. Fall can be a very pleasant season but for a pregnant woman it is the season of precaution. Here are some precautions that you must take according to top gynecologists in Pakistan if you are expecting in winter and want to be safe and comfortable.
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1-Vaccinations:
Winter brings with itself a lot of seasonal illnesses such as cough and flu. Pregnant women are comparatively more vulnerable to seasonal diseases. A seasonal disease like the flu is not dangerous but its symptoms such as fever might bring other complications. It is crucial that pregnant women get vaccination for all the seasonal illnesses especially for flu and whooping cough.
Experts at oladoc, highly encourage getting a flu vaccine as it not only helps the pregnant woman avoid the flu, it also prevents the child from getting flu for months after birth. Along with the flu shot, it is advisable to get vaccinated for Rubella and Hepatitis B.
2-Body temperature:
Maintaining body temperature is another challenge of a winter pregnancy. During winter, temperatures are fairly high indoors because of heating systems and outdoors are very cold. In such a situation, it is important to be clothed appropriately. Clothes that are too warm can cause heavy sweating indoors and lighter clothes can cause shivering outside.
One way to deal with alternating temperatures is to wear layers. The benefit of wearing layers is that you can easily remove or add a layer accordingly. It is thus important to shop properly before the fall approaches.
3-Diet:
A healthy diet is important for any pregnancy but for a winter pregnancy it is essential. During winter, there is very less exposure to sunlight which means a deficiency of vitamins and minerals. These deficiencies need to be compensated through food.
Foods such as beans, fruits, meat and nuts that are rich in electrolytes and vitamins should be consumed on a regular basis. Bones are more susceptible to pain in winter and problems like osteoporosis may arise. Aching bones in winter is a result of lack of vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for absorption of calcium. Calcium is essential for bone strength. It is thus necessary that milk is incorporated in the diet.
4-Hygiene:
In winter, exposure to germs is more probable because more time is spent indoors. Air in confined spaces is more contaminated and people are in close contact with each other. Thus there is a greater chance of catching the germs in winter. For a pregnant woman it is crucial that she avoids these germs as much as possible.
One way is to take extra care of personal hygiene. Wash your hands multiple times with regular intervals. Basic hygiene routines such as brushing teeth, bathing and cutting nails should not be skipped at all.
5-Injuries:
Winter injuries do not heal easy and the pain is often unbearable. Injuries can be fatal for the fetus and can lead to miscarriages in case of severe trauma. To avoid injuries in winter, when the roads are slippery due to rain or snow it is important to wear the appropriate foot wear. Do not risk wearing heels; always go for flats during a winter pregnancy. Also avoid any winter sports as they increase the chances of an injury.
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 Karachi, Lahore, 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.
