Blue Almonds have teamed up with Marina Fogle and Dr Chiara Hunt who are the founders of The Bump Class.
The Bump Class is London’s most talked about antenatal class and can be found at The Portland Hospital, Parson’s Green and South Kensington. Their Early Pregnancy course gives an overview of all your options during pregnancy and is free to Blue Almond customers. Sign up now at www.thebumpclass.com using the code ‘teambump.’ They'd love to have you.
Marina has written an invaluable guide for all our lovely expecting Mums about how to survive Christmas when you are pregnant.
How to Survive the Christmas period when you are pregnant
Pregnancy is mostly always challenging at some point. Let’s face it, growing a new human being, capable of living, breathing and thinking all by themselves is never going to be straightforward, but somehow the festive period seems to add an additional layer of stress and complication.
Christmas Parties
Christmas parties are often the time when people let their hair down, fuelled by cocktails which you can’t have. Being around drunk people is challenging at the best of times, but add into the mix swollen ankles, a baby that might be constantly kicking you in the ribs, a perpetual need to pee and hot flushes, Christmas can be a killer. So here are some tips to make it bearable.
Christmas seems fuelled by alcohol but drinking alcohol is not recommended at any point in your pregnancy, particularly not in the first trimester when the most important developmental changes are taking place. That doesn’t however mean you can’t enjoy a nice drink. Stock up with non-alcoholic drinks that you enjoy. We love the Seedlip spirits which feel like a good old fashioned drink but are alcohol free. Make sure you’re mixing your drinks with plenty of water and that you’re near a loo to empty your poor squashed bladder.
Endless standing up at drinks parties is hell for your already swollen legs. Be discerning – accept that this year you will go to fewer parties and those you do go to will probably end earlier for you. And while that can seem boring remember it’s not forever and you’ll soon have a little bundle of baby in your arms that will make it all worth it. Make sure you wear suitable shoes – if you have to wear heels take advantage of the current love of a block heel rather than a wobbly stiletto and seek out a corner to sit down and catch up with friends rather than standing the whole night.
Christmas Shopping
Negotiating the shops at Christmas is more challenging than ever – so take advantage of the fact that in the twenty-first century we no longer have to go to shops to buy things. Make a comprehensive list of those you need to buy for and in good time settle down on a sofa and do your shopping online with your feet up.
Sleep
The most indulgent thing a pregnant woman can do during the holiday period is not eat, drink or be given presents, it’s sleep. Most of us manage to get a bit of time off so use this time to have lie ins, early nights and daytime siesta. Acknowledge the tremendous work your body is doing to create a whole new person and give it the energy to do this. You will emerge happier, more resilient and with a nice big healthy bump as a result. If you are staying with noisy relatives, bring ear plugs!
Delegate
If you’re hosting Christmas or dealing with other children, delegate responsibility. The year you’re pregnant you should be doing as little as possible, so rope in the relatives and give them clear jobs to do. It’s sometimes hard for alpha women to accept help, but it’s the only way to go.
Manage Expectations
Because your emotions are high and your tolerance low, this might not be the best Christmas you ever have, but remember it doesn’t need to be. You have plenty of Christmasses ahead of you, so try to engineer it to provide you with the rest and relaxation that your body is craving and instead look forward to the exciting year ahead of you. It’s rarely the perfect time to be having a baby, but when that baby arrives, it’s always the perfect baby.
