For some mums-to-be, a winter pregnancy is a welcome reprieve from the heat of summer. Yet as the nights draw in and the temperature falls, there is a whole new set of challenges that you will need to think about.

Here are some tips to help you beat the seasonal blues and stay fighting fit during this year’s cold snap.

Clothing

The colder winter weather doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to don thicker clothing.

In fact, a mother’s body temperature is naturally elevated during pregnancy, which means it may be better to wear layers of thinner clothing instead. You can then add or remove layers as and when you need to.

Bear in mind that skin is increasingly sensitive during pregnancy, so it is best to steer clear of woollen clothing that can cause itching. Instead, opt for cotton, cashmere and softer materials that won’t irritate your skin.

Eating

During pregnancy, cravings make it harder to keep track of what you are eating but in winter, make an extra effort to add fruits and vegetables to your diet – especially those which are high in Vitamin-C.

Some mums-to-be swear by adding saffron to their diet, as it promotes body warmth and has a variety of additional health benefits.

If you fancy a warm drink, remember to skip any tea and coffee. Pregnant women are advised to limit caffeine to no more than 200mg per day. Instead, opt for a calming hot chocolate or herbal tea.

Stay fighting fit

With a higher chance of snow expected during winter, it is particularly important that you are prepared in case of a medical emergency.

Make sure you know your local GP’s opening hours, and practice driving along a few different routes to the hospital in case of poor weather conditions.

If you catch a winter bug, bear in mind that some medicines are off limits. Check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter treatments. Take advantage of the flu vaccine as well, as pregnancy depletes your immune system.

Stay hydrated

It might seem strange, but there is an increased risk of dehydration during the colder months due to the combination of cold air and blazing indoor heating systems.

Make sure you keep a bottle of water with you wherever you go, especially if you make a long journey in the car.

While hot baths may sound like a nice idea, remember that soaking in warm water will dry skin out. If you bathe, moisturise skin straightaway and take special care with your tummy.

Stomach skin stretches during pregnancy and can end up feeling itchy and cracked if you aren’t careful.

Be organised

As businesses close for Christmas and winter weather descends, getting organised can be trickier than normal.

Fortunately, we have designed our service so that you don’t have to worry about the logistics of cord blood collection during winter or summer.

We operate a 24/7 service 365 days a year – so you can choose to safely, simply and efficiently preserve baby stem cells at any point during your pregnancy.