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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

COVID-19 Screening Sites in Acadiana

Federal COVID-19, Drive-Through Testing Sites Continue in Acadiana 

LDH and LANG has partnered with parish governments in Region 4 to offer COVID-19 drive through testing. 


Acadia Parish:

Monday August 3rd and Wednesday August 5th  – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Acadia Rice Arena. 159 Cherokee Drive. Crowley. 70526

Tuesday August 4th   – 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

St Anne Blvd behind the Church Point City Hall.  St Anne Blvd, Church Point 70525.



Iberia Parish: 

Wednesday August 5th    8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

King Joseph Recreation Center.  701 Hebert Street, Jeanerette 70544



Lafayette Parish: 

Monday August 3rd  through Wednesday August 5th    8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

ULL Cajun Field.  2351 W Congress Street, Lafayette LA 70506 (enter from Gate 3 on Congress Street)



St Martin Parish:

Monday August 3nd  and Tuesday August 4th    8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Parc Hardy. 1290 Rees Street, Breaux Bridge LA 70517.


Pre-registration is strongly encouraged and should be completed at www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com. Under test locations, click “Louisiana” then choose site, date, and time that you plan to attend. 


  • People will be allowed to register at the site, but can expect longer waits.

  • Testing will be available for any Louisiana resident at least 5 years old. Guardians must accompany anyone under 16.

  • Testing is open to everyone. No ID is needed for testing.

  • People must provide a phone number and email address.

  • The testing site will be conducted as a drive-thru test site. Once on site, those being tested will need to wear a mask and stay in their cars. There will be separate lines for those who have pre-registered and for those who must register on-site.

  • The site will use a self-administered nasal swab test that will allow those being tested to swab their own nose on site while in their vehicles. This will be observed by trained personnel to ensure the sample is taken correctly, and drop the sealed sample into a container on their way out of the drive-thru site.

  • This mobile testing site is a being stood up with the Federal Government in coordination with LDH and local partners. 

  • This mobile tests site is part of the federal government’s effort to support communities that have been identified as COVID-19 hotspots, or communities where there has been a recent and intense level of new cases and hospitalizations related to the ongoing outbreak.

How will results be obtained? 

  • Results will be emailed, and posted online at  www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com.

  • It is expected to take three to five days to get test results.

  • People who test positive will also be contacted by phone. There is no phone number for people to call to get their results.

For more information, contact the LDH Region 4 Office of Public Health at (337) 262-5311.


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