While the spring season, when the weather gets warmer and nature wakes up after the cold and gloomy days of winter, offers the opportunity to spend more time outside for expectant mothers, some important rules should not be neglected. Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Aysel Nalçakan says, "Due to the continuing risk of Covid-19 infection during the pandemic process, it is necessary to pay attention to masks and social distance, and to take necessary precautions against seasonal and allergic diseases that increase in spring." Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. Aysel Nalçakan explained the rules to be considered in order to have a healthy and comfortable pregnancy in the spring months, and gave important warnings and suggestions.
Avoid pollen
The amount of pollen in the air begins to increase in spring. It is especially important for pregnant women with allergies to try to stay away from tree, flower and grass pollen. These allergens can cause sneezing, watery eyes and itching, coughing, runny nose and nasal congestion. Therefore, while enjoying the beautiful weather in spring, do not go out as much as possible in windy and dry weather. Take a shower to get rid of these allergens after coming from outside. However, if your complaints persist for a long time or progress, consult your doctor.
Exercise regularly
Exercise during pregnancy is very important for both you and your baby. In addition to preventing weight gain, regular exercise is important to reduce waist and back pain, make you feel better physically and psychologically, facilitate normal birth, reduce swelling and edema, prevent possible body deformities that may occur during pregnancy, and return to the old body appearance in a short time after birth. It is important. There is no harm in exercising unless your doctor forbids it. The most comfortable and easy exercise you can do outside in the spring is walking. Again, swimming, yoga, pilates and non-weight fitness programs can also be good options.
Don't be fooled by appearances in shoes and slippers
Depending on the structural change of the body during pregnancy; The choice of shoes becomes more important than you think because of the change in the center of gravity and the distribution of the load on the feet, and edema in the feet. It is important to choose comfortable, wide and soft soles for shoes and slippers, and if high-heeled shoes are to be chosen, they should be at a height not exceeding 5 cm. When choosing shoes and slippers, it will be of great benefit to not be fooled by the image and to make the choice in favor of being healthy and comfortable.
Do not dress too thick or too thin
It is recommended to prefer cotton clothes that allow the body to breathe instead of synthetic and nylon clothes, which may cause your skin to sweat and increase dryness in the spring. It is beneficial to wear clothes that you feel more comfortable in, rather than very tight clothes. In your underwear preferences, it is important to choose those made of cotton fabrics. Even if the weather is sunny, be sure to carry a thin coat with you.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet
The increase in fruit and vegetable varieties in the spring provides a healthier and more varied diet. Thus, the chance of meeting the vitamins and minerals that pregnant women need from food increases. However, it should not be forgotten that fruits and vegetables should not be consumed without washing them well. Contrary to the winter months, we need to pay attention to a more nutritious and balanced diet, as our energy consumption increases in the spring months when we leave the sedentary life. Do not forget to consume protein-rich chicken, yogurt, eggs and lentils, calcium-rich almonds, cheese and fish, iron-rich meat, fish and grapes. It is very important to avoid fatty, sugary foods and canned products during pregnancy.
Drink water even if you're not thirsty
Fluid intake is very important during pregnancy. With the increase in air temperatures in the spring months, 2-3 liters of fluid should be taken per day. The fluid need to be taken can also be met by consuming beverages such as ayran, fruit juice and soda other than water. Do not wait for thirst to drink water.
Take measures to reduce edema
As a result of physiological changes during pregnancy, water retention occurs in the body to meet the increased blood demand, and more blood circulates in the body. Some of the circulating blood leaks into the extravascular tissues and accumulates between the cells there; this is called 'edema'. Especially in the later weeks of pregnancy, edema is more common in spring and summer months when the air temperature increases. The best way to get rid of edema is to consume plenty of water. In addition, exercising, eating rich in protein, trying not to stand for a long time, and being in the left side position while lying down will also help reduce the formation of edema.
Pay attention to these rules to avoid constipation
Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Dr. Aysel Nalçakan “Constipation during pregnancy is a very common problem. The pressure of the growing uterus on the intestines and the slowing of bowel movements due to hormonal changes increase the problem of constipation. However, it is important for pregnant women to know that constipation is not a big problem. Otherwise, with the increasing stress, this situation may become more unresolved. In the prevention of constipation, it is important to consume plenty of water, to eat rich in fiber foods, to consume plenty of vegetables, fruits and pulpy foods. Since the variety in fruits and vegetables increases in the spring period, increasing the consumption of these foods will help increase bowel movements. Apricot and plum compote can be drunk to reduce constipation, and bowel movements can be accelerated by drinking a glass of warm water in the morning.
Moisturize your skin
As the weather warms up, moisture loss through sweating increases. During pregnancy, there may be a further increase in skin dryness due to hormonal changes. The best way to moisturize the skin is to consume plenty of water, but taking care of your skin regularly from the outside is important in maintaining the moisture balance of the skin. You can use natural oils such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, almond oil, or choose products containing peptides that stimulate collagen production or moisturizers containing topical hyaluronic acid. While moisturizers act as a barrier against factors that dry the skin, they also help reduce the formation of cracks.
Protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun
While taking advantage of the sun in the spring months, it is necessary to take care to protect your skin, which becomes even more sensitive during pregnancy, against UV rays. For this reason, sunscreen should be applied at least 20-30 minutes before going out in the sun and should be renewed every 2-3 hours if the time spent in the sun will be extended. During pregnancy, mineral-based physical protectors such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which form a layer on the surface of the skin, reflect the sun's rays and protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Mineral-based physical protectors are not fully absorbed from the skin, so this type of sunscreen cream is recommended during pregnancy. Since sun rays are important in the synthesis of vitamin D, you can benefit from the spring sun as of 07:00-11:00 in the morning and 16:00 in the afternoon.
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