Healthy Holiday Habits for Expecting Mothers

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Healthy Holiday Habits for Expecting Mothers

December 4, 2025

The holiday season is a time for celebration and connecting with family and friends. But, if you are expecting, you may also feel the pressure of balancing all the festive traditions with the physical and emotional needs of pregnancy.

Jillian Henry, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, has a few realistic healthy holiday habits to help you feel your best while still enjoying the season.

Keep a Balanced Plate

When possible, fill half of your plate with fruits and half with vegetables. Enjoy your holiday favorites, including desserts, in moderation. No need to skip them entirely!

Stay Hydrated

Holiday foods are often salty, and indoor heating can increase dehydration. Keep a bottle of water with you, and consider adding electrolyte or flavor packets if that helps you drink more. And of course, avoid alcohol throughout pregnancy.

Prioritize Rest

Holiday schedules can be draining. Be sure to incorporate quiet time to rest and nap. Give yourself permission to say no to certain events or stay for shorter periods of time.

Body Movement

Movement supports energy circulation and mood. Try taking short walks after meals. Always remember to listen to your body and avoid overdoing it.

Manage Holiday Emotions

The holidays can be emotional and overwhelming. Here are a few ways to help you cope: deep breathing for 2-3 minutes, remind yourself you can say no without guilt, and don’t forget to ask for help with cooking, shopping or hosting events. Most importantly, focus on joy – not perfection. It’s okay if traditions look a little different this year.

Jillian Henry, NP, OB/GYN

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COVID-19 Screening Sites in Acadiana

Iberia Medical Center
May 14, 2020
1 min read

NO Cost COVID- 19

Drive-Through Testing in Acadiana

In partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health-Office of Public Health, the Louisiana National Guard, and Parish/City Governments, COVID-19 Drive Through testing is available:

	Date	Parish	Facility	Address	City
Monday	8/10/20	Lafayette	Carencro Community Center	5115 N. University Avenue	Carencro
Monday	8/10/20	Iberia	Lloyd G Porter Stadium	423 E. Pershing Street	New Iberia
Tuesday	8/11/20	St Martin	Magnolia Park	100 Magnolia Drive	St Martinville
Tuesday	8/11/20	Vermilion	Erath City Hall	115 W. Edwards Street	Erath
Wednesday	8/12/20	St Landry	Beau Chene High School	7076 LA Hwy 93	Arnaudville
Wednesday	8/12/20	Acadia	South Rayne Community Center	403 4th Street	Rayne
Wednesday	8/12/20	Iberia	Loreauville Park	601 Ed Broussard Road	Loreauville
Thursday	8/13/20	Evangeline	Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church	6559 Pine Point Road	Ville Platte
Thursday	8/13/20	Vermilion	Old Abbeville Health Unit	401 South St Charles Street	Abbeville
Friday	8/14/20	St Landry	North Central High School	6579 LA HWY 10	Washington
Friday	8/14/20	St Landry	Greater Shiloh Baptist Church	217 LA HWY 10	Opelousas
Friday	8/14/20	Iberia	Ward 8 Rec Center	803 Hubertville Road	Jeanerette

Testing is from 8:00am to 1:00pm

Bring ID and wear a Mask
Anyone 5 years of age and older can be tested
It is a self-administered nasal swab test
Results will be available online. Currently results are available within 7-8 days
Testing may be cancelled due to weather conditions