Being pregnant at Christmas - a survival guide

The festive season can be stressful at the best of times, and if you’re pregnant you’ll need a few strategies to see you through. From avoiding the high street to keeping your cool at the office party – here’s our Christmas pregnancy survival guide.

By Lynne Roberts

Be creative

The season of goodwill is traditionally awash with alcohol, so if you haven’t yet announced your pregnancy you’ll need a cast iron excuse for not drinking, especially if you’re normally known for enjoying the odd tipple. Blame a headache, antibiotics or a big meeting the following day, and if that won’t cut it with eagle eyed friends get crafty and lie about what you’re drinking.

Make sure you only have a drink when it’s your round and pass off fruit juice for cocktails or lemonade for a G&T – then put your morning sickness down to a hangover the next day.
The office party

You don’t want to be a party pooper but you can’t stay up past 10 and haven’t got a thing to wear… On the one hand it’s a great excuse to get glammed up, and you might not get the chance again for a while.

On the other – it’s not an endurance test, so if you can’t face a late night don’t have one. Put in an appearance but leave early – you’ll be out of the firing line when the mistletoe comes out and can take advantage of the fact that everyone else will be having a lie in the next day.
Make the big announcement

If you haven’t told anyone you’re pregnant then Christmas could be the time to share the news, whether it’s slipping a scan pic into your cards or raising a toast after dinner.

You won’t have to think of any more excuses for not drinking and will give everyone one more good reason to celebrate. Lilah, 34, says “I waited until everyone had finished unwrapping their presents then announced that there was one more gift to come but it wouldn’t be along until June – it was a real showstopper!”
Enjoy your food

Alcohol may be off the menu, but this is one time you can enjoy your food without planning a post-holiday crash diet. Don’t overdo it though, as gorging on oily, rich or spicy foods is just likely to trigger your morning sickness or heartburn.

Stock up on whatever you’re craving but stick to small portions, eat plenty of fruit and veg and keep your fluids up. Stay safe by making sure your turkey’s thawed and cooked properly and staying away from mould ripened or unpasteurised cheeses.
Be selfish

It may be better to give than to receive, but this is your last chance to pamper yourself for a while. And while that tiny baby jacket may be sweet, do you really want it for Christmas?

Let friends and family know what you really want and ask for indulgent aromatherapy oils, body lotions and products to keep your pregnancy skin glowing. Be selfish. A little me-time could soon be a thing of the past, so drop hints for a manicure, spa session or relaxing massage.
Avoid stress

Are you dreading the annual trudge around a crowded high street? Too much stress could affect your baby’s development as well as your own health, so make life easier by shopping early and doing as much as you can online.

In years to come it will be you who ‘does’ Christmas, so this time do yourself a favour and leave it to someone else. Enjoy being waited on, and keep your plans open so you can bow out at the last minute if you need to – especially if it means avoiding the traditional family bust-up.
Don't overdo it

An endless round of family, shopping and social events can leave you exhausted, especially if you’re finding it hard to sleep at night. You don’t have to accept every invitation that comes your way, so choose wisely and give yourself time to rest in between social engagements.

If you know you’re going to be out late take an afternoon nap, and don’t feel obliged to stay until the end - no one will expect you to be the last man standing.
Make time for your partner

Making time for each other can be hard in the middle of the festive season, but this will be the last year it’s just the two of you, so take some time together while you still can.

Go out for a quiet dinner, stay in and watch a movie or buy him a special present. The stronger you are as a couple now, the better you’ll deal with the demands of a newborn, so create a few happy memories to keep you going through those sleepless nights.
Put your feet up

If you’re heavily pregnant then last minute shopping, Christmas queues and standing for hours at parties can only mean one thing – swollen ankles. Cramming your poor feet into towering heels will only make them worse, so unless you’re Victoria Beckham, don’t!

Kick them off at the first opportunity and take a seat whenever it's offered. Rotating your ankles at the end of the night can help, as can sitting with your feet propped up higher than your heart.
Turn the heat down

Does the party season bring you out in hot flushes? During pregnancy hormonal changes and an increased blood flow can leave you feeling uncomfortably warm and you may also find you sweat more.

If a crowded party is one degree too far, try carrying a hand held fan or water spray to help keep you cool. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and step outside for some fresh air if it all gets too much. And make sure it is just a flush and not a fever – if your temperature remains over 37.5 give your GP a call.
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