This holiday season is extra special for you because you’re pregnant. You want the best for your baby-to-be, and good nutrition helps ensure it. Pregnancy 101 is all about consuming healthy foods to help your baby grow.
This season, you’re likely faced with one festive event after another. They can be nutritional minefields. Rich desserts, calorie-laden casseroles, and fat-laden charcuterie boards abound. Add a packed social calendar and a few late nights, and even the healthiest intentions can go sideways.
At Novel OB/GYN, board-certified Dr. Lorena Tinoco and Dr. Madelyn Gonzalez provide expert prenatal care throughout your pregnancy. We help you prioritize your health and that of your baby during a busy and sometimes stressful holiday season.
Surviving (and thriving) during the holiday season
With a bit of planning and common sense, you don’t have to deprive yourself of fun holiday treats. The following are some tips to help you enjoy your holidays and protect your body and your baby:
Holiday parties often include a full-course menu with appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts. Nutrition is essential when you’re pregnant because the nutrients you consume directly support your baby’s growth, brain development, and bone formation.
That’s why it’s important to be selective in what you eat.
Do some investigating before you go to holiday parties. If the feast includes proteins and other healthy foods, fill your plate with those first, so you feel full. Then, you can splurge on a holiday dessert.
When you choose a dessert, pick one that’s small. Take tiny bites and eat slowly. Savor the flavors and make them last. That way, you can enjoy small portions of your favorite holiday foods guilt-free.
Holiday buffets often contain unhealthy foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat. Try to stay away from the following selections:
Don’t arrive at the party hungry. Make sure you eat healthy protein before you go. A couple of eggs or a sandwich filled with lean protein helps prevent you from overindulging at the cookie and brownie bar.
Have your water bottle with you when you leave the house. Keep hydrating frequently because cold weather can mask dehydration.
Start with a healthy appetizer when you approach the buffet table. Eat a protein-rich food for every sweet treat you choose.
You’re avoiding raw eggs and unpasteurized ingredients while pregnant. Some desserts or dressings may include them. It’s best to steer clear of the rum or bourbon balls if a friend says they can taste the alcohol in them.
When you’re tired, your food cravings may become more intense. Don’t be afraid to just say “no” to a holiday event when your body tells you it’s time to rest.
Has your doctor told you that you’re in a high-risk pregnancy category because of a condition, such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, or preeclampsia?
Being mindful of what you eat during the holidays is important because your body is likely more sensitive to spikes in blood sugar, salt intake, and dehydration. We can help you develop a personalized plan that is geared to your diagnosis and lifestyle.
Even if you didn’t have diabetes before you became pregnant, you can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. If you develop it, we advise you on ways to keep your blood sugar under control so that you can enjoy the holidays.
If high blood pressure is an issue, we counsel you about low-sodium meal options and hydration strategies to help keep swelling and fluid retention under control.
If you’re dealing with morning sickness or food aversions, we help you identify nourishing, gentle foods to keep your strength up.
For state-of-the-art OB/GYN care, call Novel OB/GYN or request an appointment through our online portal today.
