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Not enough sun? Long live vitamin D!
Maternal vitamin D concentration plays a primary role in fetal bone growth. According to a British study *, if the mother-to-be is lacking, the child has a higher risk of suffering, as an adult, from osteoporosis. This vitamin is produced mainly by the body thanks to the action of the sun’s rays on the skin. However, when the days are gray and too short, nearly a third of pregnant women do not synthesize enough. This deficiency can then cause hypocalcemia in the newborn.
Even more surprisingly, American researchers ** found that even a slight drop in vitamin D doubled the risk of pre-eclampsia (also called pregnancy toxemia).
To prevent these complications, doctors almost systematically supplement future mothers. Nothing binding, rest assured. This vitamin is taken as a single dose at the beginning of the seventh month. The little extra to increase your reserves? Eat enough fatty fish and eggs.
* Lancet 2006. Southampton Hospital.
** Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Université de Pittsburgh.
A peach skin in winter is possible!
For nine months, the skin of future mothers is quite upset. Because under the action of hormones, dry skin becomes more dry, while excess sebum promotes the appearance of acne on oily skin. And in winter, the cold and humidity do not help. Your skin becomes irritated and more sensitive. Chapped lips, redness and itching are sometimes part of the lot too. To fight against these various inconveniences, effective protection is therefore essential.
Cleanse your body with a soap-free shower gel or pH neutral bar that preserves the hydrolipidic film. For your face, bet on an organic product and its natural ingredients, much better tolerated than cosmetics that use chemical molecules. Above all, don’t skimp: apply a good layer of moisturizer every morning and repeat the operation during the day if necessary. Also use the lip stick. Finally, if you are going to the mountains, no deadlock on sun protection with a high protection factor! Even in winter, the sun can cause unsightly brown spots around the face: the famous pregnancy mask.
Below 0 ° C, take out the cap
According to a Norwegian study *, women who give birth during the winter months have a statistically 20 to 30% increased risk of suffering from pre-eclampsia (kidney complication). Researchers are wondering about the role of cold. If in doubt, adopt the right reflex: cover yourselves well ! Without forgetting to pull your cap up to your ears. It is in fact at the level of the skull that the greatest loss of heat takes place. Also protect your nose with a scarf, so the cooling of your lungs will be more gradual. No need to turn yourself into a Bibendum!
Layer several layers of thin clothes, preferably cotton or natural materials. Indeed, synthetic fibers do not allow the skin to breathe. However, sweating and the feeling of heat are increased during pregnancy – the fault of hormones – and you might find yourself drenched in no time. Positive point of winter : when you are pregnant, you can tolerate your big bottle better than in the summer heat.
*Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, novembre 2001.
Winter sports, yes, but without risks
Unless there is a medical contraindication, a physical activity moderate is recommended during pregnancy. But in montagne, caution! A fall quickly happens and trauma, especially on the stomach, can be dangerous for the baby. So, no alpine skiing beyond the fourth month or cross-country skiing after the sixth month. For the same reasons, avoid snowboarding and sledding, and always stay below 2 meters, otherwise beware of mountain sickness. In the snow-covered streets, also watch out for slips! The risk of sprains or strains is greater when you are pregnant. Progesterone causes ligaments to stretch, and as the body’s center of gravity is shifted forward by the volume of the uterus, the balance becomes unstable. It is therefore better to provide good shoes that fit well around the ankle. Thus equipped, you can fully enjoy a beautiful walk or a snowshoe hike. But don’t forget a small snack in your backpack to compensate for the energy losses.