Winters are definitely harsh in Quebec, which can be particularly problematic for pregnant women! How to dress, keep warm… and get through the cold season?
Coat
Obviously, all seasons come with their own set of drawbacks, that being said, winter is a bit more “expensive” season than the others for the pregnant woman: and not only because of the electricity bill! Indeed, in winter, you have to dress properly and, when you are pregnant up to your neck, your clothes from previous years no longer fit…
Of course, with our harsh climate, it is essential to have a good winter coat. However, a good winter coat is also very expensive! We understand then that it is a little unpleasant to invest so much money in a piece that we will not put back the following winter. The best thing is to buy a convertible model, which will evolve according to your curve, throughout the pregnancy. In this way, you can wear it during your pregnancy, and even after.
Instead of buying a new coat, you could also fall back on the kokoala extension: a lined panelcompatible with the zipper of your coat and which serves as an extension, when you are pregnant, and as a carrying accessory, once the baby has arrived. What's great is that the kokoala extension is unisex: so dad can also use it to cover and keep baby warm during long winter walks!
We avoid falls
Good boots that keep your feet warm are essential. But they also need to be non-slip. Indeed, with reduced mobility, at the end of pregnancy, the last thing you want is to find yourself with all four irons in the air, right? The best thing is still to get crampons. No, it's not chic, but neither is a bad fall, and is very dangerous… Moreover, if you suffer from water retention, it could well be that your well-fitting boots are no longer very comfortable: maybe they just don't fit anymore! Most good winter boots are quite wide, and you should get by without too much trouble. But if not, you could try stretching them out a bit, by placing a plastic bag (Ziploc) filled with water inside each boot and leaving them overnight in the freezer. By taking more extension, the ice will indeed widen your shoe. That being said, there is no going back, and your boots will probably be too big the following winter…
Cold
Cold, we know that well,Quebec! Not always pleasant, it also puts the body to the test. Indeed, to fight against colds and regulate our temperature, your heart rate accelerates, which increases blood pressure. This is why pregnant women are recommended to avoid going out for long periods and, above all, to limit physical exertion, especially when it is very cold. You might as well cover yourself up.
Heating
Living in an enclosed space is perfect for… viruses! It is therefore recommended to ventilate the house at least once a day, for about 5 minutes, even if it is cold. In addition, heating dries the airways. If you have asthma or are prone to sinusitis, get into the habit of rinsing once a day.
Also beware of carbon monoxide poisoning! Have your appliances checked before using them, and avoid auxiliary heating with kerosene, kerdane or kerosene.
And before booking a day at the spa to warm up this winter, take the time to read our article Pregnancy - Spa, sauna and hot tub.
Skin
The skin of pregnant women also takes it for her cold, in winter! It is therefore necessary, more than ever, to drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty, and to moisturize the skin with specialized and natural products. Moreover, if the sun is less powerful than in summer, itsrays are still dangerous and too long exposure could give you a… pregnancy mask. Remember to wear sunscreen during your outdoor activities. Don't forget to protect your lips well too!
Virus and company…
Winter is of course the season par excellence for assignments of all kinds: colds, flu and company are having a blast! It is not abnormal to catch a small cold at a bend in the road, but be sure to ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any medication. This could be a great opportunity to revise your vaccination record and confirm with a professional what should be done.
And, to avoid getting sick, follow the rules of hygiene. We wash our hands often, we cover our nose and mouth with a tissue when we cough, we avoid getting close to sick people… And take your vitamins!
