The Pros and Cons of Giving Birth in Winter

When your baby’s due date falls in winter, this creates a unique situation. When you’re expecting a winter baby, the measures you must take are very different than those you take in other seasons.

It’s very important to pay attention to the details. After all, you want this experience to be enjoyable, no matter what time of year.

Nature follows its own course, and pregnancy does as well. Unless you’re planning on having a C-section, you can’t know for certain the day and hour of your child’s birth ahead of time.

However, you can know an approximate range of dates during which your little one will come into the world.

How should I dress my newborn when it’s cold out? Is it okay to go outside with my baby during the winter? These are some of the most common questions mothers ask when planning a winter birth.

Some women feel overwhelmed by the though of having a baby during the winter. Yet there are also women who feel it’s the best time of year to welcome new life. Each woman has her own opinion . 

The benefits of giving birth in winter

The later months of pregnancy mean that the joyful moment of receiving your little one is just around the corner. But for the future mom, the third trimester also means a long list of discomforts that get worse as pregnancy advances.

In this sense, a winter due date has its advantages. The typical cold temperatures of winter help mothers deal better with the discomforts of advanced pregnancy and postpartum.

For example, hot flashes are one of the biggest bothers during advanced pregnancies.

Some expecting mothers go so far as to say that it feels like they have an oven inside of them. This sensation is much more manageable in winter than during the rest of the year.

Winter is also a perfect time to enjoy the warmth of your home. Relaxed plans, long afternoons on the couch with a blanket, etc. Without a doubt, lazy winter activities are just what your body needs at this time.

You can pamper yourself, rest and peacefully get ready for the arrival of your beloved baby.

Some downsides to giving birth in winter

Winter‘s cold brings up a lot of question about how to protect your little one. But it also means we can enjoy the season’s fashion and festivities.

As long as your baby is properly bundled up, you can both enjoy a short winter stroll outdoors.

What’s the first problem that comes to mind when you think of winter? The cold. With low temperatures and a tendency towards poor weather conditions, you may feel a bit lethargic.

In winter, the sunlight tends to give the impression that the days are shorter and the nights are longer.

So, you might also get the feeling there isn’t enough time to do anything. But this is a great season to get out and see the lights, do some Christmas shopping, and enjoy the season’s magical festivities along with your little one.

Get out as much as possible, and bundle up!

Any excuse is a good excuse to get outside. Going for a walk is a healthy, low impact way to exercise that is good for both you and your baby.

For a woman who’s just given birth, getting out and exercising is beneficial emotionally and physically. Even if it’s cold out, newborns also need fresh air to experience the outside world and sunlight.

As far as clothing goes, you should choose comfortable and warm articles. Knit fabrics, like soft wool, will help your baby preserve body heat.

At the same time, you should choose layers that are easy to put on and take off in case you encounter sudden temperature changes. For example, if you go to the store or to visit loved ones, you’ll need to take a layer off your baby once you get indoors.

Lastly, avoid going outdoors with damp clothing. Clothing may take longer to dry in the winter months and hold in humidity for quite some time.

If you or your baby go out with damp clothing on, you’ll both be more vulnerable to the common cold. Therefore, you must be very careful.

When dressing your baby, the rule of thumb is to add one more layer of clothing than what you have on. Make sure your baby’s head is well protected, as this is the part of the body where a lot of heat is lost.

Many people talk about the “ideal time of year” to have a baby. But the truth is, it’s a matter of taste. Every season has its pros and cons. But no matter when your little one makes his or her appearance, the moment will be sure to be filled with indescribable joy.