Women's Health

12 ways to a stress-free, pregnant holiday
Preparing for the baby and the holidays can stress any expectant mom. Mae Ann Pasigpasigan offers some tips.

Deadlines are to writers as Christmas is to expectant moms.

"[The holidays] make you feel like you have so much to do with so little time," says Jing Lupena, a 29-year-old mom who has spent three Christmases heavy with child. "It's always a new experience getting through the holidays because each pregnancy is different. It can be both stressful and exciting."

Preparing for the baby and the holidays can stress any expectant mom. Pregnant women may want to have a picture-perfect holiday or desire to recreate the memory of a happy childhood Christmas. Concerns about pregnancy double, too. They may feel they're not looking their best because of a growing belly. They become anxious being caught in a festive room with smokers. They worry if they're eating enough-or too much.

It is important for expectant moms to deal with stress. Stress not only affects their body functions but the baby's, too. Studies have linked stress with high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems and a weak immune system. It has been shown to increase the risk for miscarriage late in the first trimester. Stress during pregnancy has also been associated with delays in an infant's motor and mental development and may be a risk factor for later developmental problems, according to the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

To have a stress-free Christmas, try the following tips:

1. Make a list and check it twice. Planning ahead gives you control. To beat the holiday rush, write down your to-do lists.

Make sure you are being realistic. Break big tasks into small, manageable ones. Choose your priorities well and stick to them. "Don't panic and try to fit everything in one day," says Lupena.

2. Dress in holiday style. Look your best, feel your best. Wearing a flattering dress during the season will bring confidence. Find out what color or style looks good on you. Don't forget to take care of your crowning glory. A haircut that's well-maintained can light up your face. You can wear your hair long or choose to have it trimmed. Stay away from hair colorants. These products have not been proven as safe for pregnant women.

"Wear comfortable shoes," Lupena suggests. All that walking can put a strain on your back. During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles lose their tone and hormones affect your body. Shoes that offer excellent support can reduce stress on your spine.

3. Healthy holiday eating. Eat healthfully during Christmas. It's hard to resist the temptation of roast suckling pig or triple-layer chocolate cake. But remember that moderation is the key. Indulging yourself with calorie-rich foods will make you gain more weight than necessary.

The amount and frequency of meals for pregnant women actually vary on the age of pregnancy, says Dr. Myrna Ragasa-Habaña, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center. "Pregnant women are allowed to eat as much as they can during the first and second trimester. On the last 3 months of pregnancy, they should choose food wisely and avoid carbohydrate- and fat-rich meals and salty foods."

Be careful of what you eat. Eating raw meat can cause toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that poses a very serious threat to the developing fetus. Although it's rare for pregnant women to get the infection, it's better to eat safe, properly cooked food.

Don't drink alcoholic beverages. The safe level for alcohol consumption among pregnant women has not been established. Your safest bet is to avoid alcohol. This is important during the first trimester when the fetus is developing and more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. Women who drank while pregnant may give birth to children with fetal alcohol syndrome or FAS.

FAS is a lifelong yet completely preventable set of physical, mental and neurobehavioral birth defects associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. It is the leading known cause of mental retardation and birth defects.

If you have morning sickness, eat small meals during the day so you won't feel hungry. Rich and fatty foods abundant during the season can make you feel worse. Avoid foods with smells that bother you.

4. Bear gifts. Shop weeks ahead. It's inconvenient to shop during the week before Christmas. Make a list of people you want to give gifts to and think about what they would like to have. Decide how much you can afford to spend. It can be tempting to overspend, so think wisely.

Bazaars can be a great source of gifts and excitement, says Lupena. "But bazaars have their downside, too. The holiday crowd made me feel so exhausted and dizzy when I went shopping. Plus there's always the problem of long lines in the restroom."

Consider buying online. It will save you time.

5. Yuletide romance. Don't lose the romantic spirit during the holidays. This may be a perfect time to try different forms of intimacy, considering the pregnant woman's changing body. Intimate activities such as kissing, hugging and caressing can be enjoyable to both partners. Note that expectant moms tend to be more sexually responsive during the second trimester. Vaginal lubrication increases as the baby drops in the lower pelvis during this time.

6. Listen to your body. Learn to say no to certain requests. If you feel any discomfort, consult your doctor. Don't forget your prenatal exams. During these visits, your doctor will monitor your baby's development by measuring the growth of the uterus, listening to the baby's heartbeat and taking your blood pressure and weight, and closely monitoring any signs of complications.

7. Dance the jingle bell rock. Exercise is a great stress reliever. Low-intensity activities like walking, stretching and slow dancing are ideal for women who have not regularly exercised. It is best to consult your doctor before exercising.

Ragasa-Habaña recommends walking during the last month of pregnancy. But in high-risk pregnancies, such as those with a history of miscarriage, the pregnant woman's activities should be restricted. "Shopping is a no-no," she adds.

8. Decide how you want to spend your holidays. Not everyone wants to be in a social gathering. If you want a quiet and solemn Christmas, go ahead. If you want to travel, take extra precaution. The best time for pregnant women to travel is during the second trimester. Consult your doctor.

9. Division of labor. Decorate with the whole family. A husband must realize that his pregnant wife cannot do all the things that she used to, advises Ragasa-Habaña. He must help out in the preparations during the holidays-shopping, cooking and decorating.

10. Laughing all the way. Although Christmas is a season of joy, it can make some pregnant women feel sentimental. Others miss faraway relatives or friends. But learn to think positively. Laugh a lot. Keep the optimism and welcome your pregnancy, says Ragasa-Habaña. Focus on your love for your child. It will do wonders for you and your baby.

11. For auld lang syne. Remember friends and send them cards. This is the best time to get in touch. Reminiscing happy thoughts and writing them down can strengthen the bonds of friendship.

12. Take a cup of kindness. Help others who are in need. Giving presents, no matter how small, touches the heart of both giver and receiver. There is always joy in giving.