If you’re in the mood to plan a pregnancy, it’s worth thinking about when to have your baby, weighing the pros and cons.
A baby conceived in spring will be born in winter. Whether this is good or bad is hard to say, as there are many pros and cons to pregnancy in the heat of summer, the abundance of autumn and having a baby in the cold of winter.
Pros of winter birth
- Spring is a time of nature’s rebirth and an emotional uplift, a time of love and positive emotions. In the first trimester of pregnancy, when your belly is still very small, there is nothing to prevent you from spending a lot of time outdoors and continuing to be active.
- The third trimester falls in the autumn-winter period, when there is no exhausting heat, and during the first two trimesters the organism gets enough vitamin D. Which is good not only for the mother, but also for the future baby. As we know, this vitamin is essential for the absorption of calcium, which is so necessary during pregnancy.
- The most difficult period with a newborn is in the cold season, and by the arrival of the heat the baby is a little older and with him you can even go on a short trip.
- The time for the first complementary feeding of a baby born in winter is in late summer and early autumn, when seasonal fruit and vegetables (apples, pumpkin, cauliflower and others) are ripening, so you can start introducing the baby to solid food not from jars.
Cons of winter birth
- Spring conception has its disadvantages – the first trimester is a period of avitaminosis, but pretty soon fresh herbs and berries appear. The plus or minus in spring conception also depends on the month in which it takes place.
- The third trimester of pregnancy in winter is a challenge for the mother-to-be. Apart from the fact that you have to get dressed for a long and difficult walk, the ice and snow make walking quite dangerous for the pregnant woman.
- Winter and late autumn are a time for colds and respiratory viral infections. Given that taking medication in the third trimester is very problematic, it is important not to catch the flu, especially during an epidemic.
- It can be difficult to go for walks in the first weeks of the baby’s life – especially if it is freezing outside. And you might need more clothes for your baby than for a warm-weather baby.
Some tips from mothers who have given birth in winter
- If you are planning to conceive in the spring, consult your doctor – you may need to take vitamins, but your doctor will advise you on which ones.
- Given that the third trimester and then walks with your newborn fall in the cold season, take care of your clothes and shoes. Mums advice choosing a warm, but lightweight synthetic-filled jacket, 1-2 sizes bigger than usual, or a special sling-jacket. Shoes are better with flat non-slip soles, easy to put on (possibly with Velcro).
- Try to avoid particularly crowded places, but walk more outdoors. You may want to consider a flu and Covid vaccination.
- For winter walks with your little one, you need a warm pram envelope and, of course, baby-proofing cream for little cheeks.
- In winter, the air in the flat is dry and, if the window is open in frosty weather, it dries it out even more. This is very bad for the baby, so it’s worth buying a humidifier.
As we can see, winter childbirth has its advantages and disadvantages, most of which are fairly easy to overcome. The main thing is to have the right attitude and confidence that everything will be fine.
