Gravidanza a Natale

Natale and the festive season is often a busy period packed with social events, work parties and family gatherings. When you're incinta, though, it's common to feel tired and lacking in energia - which can make a full diary seem daunting. Instead of organising your social life and planning feste outfits, you may find yourself wanting to spend more time on the sofa in your pyjamas.

Tina Prendeville, a midwife for the pregnancy charity Tommy's, dice: "Gravidanza can be tiring, especially at a busy time like Natale, so try not to put pressure on yourself and let people know if you need help. Chiedere aiuto è un segno di forza, non di debolezza, perché stai facendo ciò che è necessario per prenderti cura di te stesso e del tuo bambino."

Esagerare con cibo e bevande

It is also fair to say that alcol often plays a part in festivities for many of us. However, I medici raccomandano di evitare completamente l'alcol durante la gravidanza. Improvvisamente, potresti trovarti a voler tornare a casa presto dalla festa di Natale del lavoro, mentre gli altri approfittano del bar gratuito.

Natale is also a time when we tend to overindulge in rich ricchi too, which can cause problems if you are pregnant. Eating too much - or indulging in heavy meals - can cause indigestione e bruciore di stomaco, which are already common problems in la gravidanza.

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

Cambiamenti d'umore durante la gravidanza

Being pregnant is also a big life event and it's common to feel ansioso, overwhelmed or triste. However, these feelings and emotions can be difficult to deal with over Natale, quando sei circondato da celebrazioni e gioia. I cambiamenti ormonali possono anche sconvolgere il tuo umore e il modo in cui ti senti, facendoti sentire meno festoso.

Fai del sollievo dallo stress una priorità

Small changes can make a big difference to the way you feel and help to relieve lo stress over Christmas and the Capodanno.

"Have a think about ways to take some of the lo stress out of the season," says Prendeville. "If it's tiring to walk around the shops, could you buy presents online, or get Natale dinner groceries delivered? Can anyone help peel the parsnips or put a wash on, to free up some time and space for you?

"Se è scomodo lottare con la carta da regalo intorno alla tua pancia, forse invita qualcuno a darti una mano, o paga un extra per i servizi di confezionamento regali? Assicurati di avere qualcuno da chiamare se le cose diventano un po' troppo impegnative."

Non aver paura di rifiutare gli inviti

È allettante dire di sì a ogni singolo invito che ricevi, ma è importante pensare a come ti senti e se hai davvero voglia di socializzare. Potresti sentirti in colpa a dire di no, ma ricorda che hai una scusa per restare a casa se lo desideri.

"It's OK if you can't get into the festive spirit, or don't have the energia to celebrate. However you feel, you shouldn't judge yourself," Prendeville says.

However, it's still important not to isolarsi yourself during pregnancy. There are other ways to enjoy the holidays, such as meeting friends for coffee, having people over to watch Christmas films, or getting stuck into alcohol-free mocktails.

Prenditi cura di te

It can be a challenge for anyone to eat healthily and evitare l'alcol during the Christmas party season, but it's vital to keep looking after your health throughout la gravidanza.

"Remember you don't actually need to mangiare for two, no matter how tempting the mince pies may be," Prendeville adds. "Stock up on your favourite non-alcoholic drinks for celebrations at home, or ask bartenders to make virgin versions of your favourite cocktails. Try to eat regular, balanced meals and stay as active as you can."

Alimenti da evitare durante la gravidanza a Natale

It is advised to avoid certain ricchi and drinks that could harm your baby, including energy drinks, alcohol and mould-ripened soft cheeses like Brie, soft blue cheeses and unpasteurised milk. Unpasteurised dairy products may contain listeria, un tipo di batterio che può causare problemi nei feti.

You should also avoid undercooked or raw meat and poultry, liver, pate, vegetarian pâté and game meats such as goose, which can increase the risk of a parasitic infection called toxoplasmosi. Non mangiare uova parzialmente cotte o crude che non abbiano il marchio British Lion, e limita la quantità di pesce azzurro e tonno che consumi, poiché possono contenere inquinanti e mercurio.

Sii gentile con te stesso

This time of year can be very emotional, as we might be reminded of lost loved ones we wish we were celebrating with. Gravidanza can also be a difficult time in general, particularly if you're struggling with your giornata di salute mentale.

"We often want special occasions to be picture perfect, but it's important to set realistic expectations and give yourself permission to let Natale be just like any other day if that's what you need," says Prendeville.

"Siamo tutti diversi, quindi l'unico consiglio che si applica a tutti è di essere gentili con se stessi, cercare di non lasciare che la stagione delle feste interrompa le routine che aiutano il tuo benessere mentale e fisico, e chiedere supporto se ne hai bisogno."

If you are experiencing ansia, depressione or any other mental health problem in la gravidanza, it's important to speak to your doctor. They can advise on the best course of action for you, whether it is terapia della parola, medication or specialised prenatali care.