Pregnancy at Christmas

Weihnachtszeit and the festive season is often a busy period packed with social events, work parties and family gatherings. When you're schwangere, though, it's common to feel tired and lacking in energy - which can make a full diary seem daunting. Instead of organising your social life and planning party 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, says: "Schwangerschaft can be tiring, especially at a busy time like Weihnachtszeit, so try not to put pressure on yourself and let people know if you need help. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, because you're doing what you need to look after yourself and your baby."

Overindulging in food and drink

It is also fair to say that Alkohol often plays a part in festivities for many of us. However, doctors recommend avoiding all alcohol completely during your pregnancy. Suddenly, you may find yourself wanting to go home early from your work Christmas party, while others make the most of the free bar.

Weihnachtszeit is also a time when we tend to overindulge in rich Lebensmitteln too, which can cause problems if you are pregnant. Eating too much - or indulging in heavy meals - can cause Verdauungsstörungen und Sodbrennen, which are already common problems in Schwangerschaft.

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

Mood changes during pregnancy

Being pregnant is also a big life event and it's common to feel ängstlich, overwhelmed or sad. However, these feelings and emotions can be difficult to deal with over Weihnachtszeit, when you're surrounded by celebrations and joy. Hormone changes can also wreak havoc on your mood and the way you feel, making you feel less than festive.

Make stress relief a priority

Small changes can make a big difference to the way you feel and help to relieve Stress over Christmas and the Neujahr.

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

"If it's uncomfortable to wrestle with wrapping paper around your bump, maybe invite someone over to help you, or pay extra for gift wrap services? Make sure there is someone you can phone if things get a bit much."

Don't be afraid to turn down invitations

It's tempting to say yes to every single invitation you receive, but it's important to think about how you feel and whether you are really up to socialising. You may feel guilty about saying no, but remember you have a excuse to stay in if you want to.

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

However, it's still important not to isolieren 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.

Look after yourself

It can be a challenge for anyone to eat healthily and avoid alcohol during the Christmas party season, but it's vital to keep looking after your health throughout Schwangerschaft.

"Remember you don't actually need to eat 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."

Foods to avoid during pregnancy at Christmas

It is advised to avoid certain Lebensmitteln 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 Listerien, a type of bacteria that can cause problems in fetuses.

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 Toxoplasmose. Don't eat partially cooked or raw eggs that don't have a British Lion stamp on them, and limit the amount of oily fish and tuna you eat, as they can contain pollutants and mercury.

Be gentle with yourself

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

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

"We're all different so the only advice that will apply to everyone is to be gentle with yourself, try not to let the holiday season disrupt any routines that you find help your mental and physical well-being, and ask for support if you need it."

If you are experiencing Angstzustände, Depressionen or any other mental health problem in Schwangerschaft, it's important to speak to your doctor. They can advise on the best course of action for you, whether it is Gesprächstherapie, medication or specialised antenatal care.