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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

SIDS Awareness Month

October is SIDS Awareness Month. 


Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) accounts for a large portion of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) in the United States. According to the CDC, SIDS is the unexplained death of an infant under one year of age.  While the cause of SIDS may be unknown, a safe sleep environment can help reduce the risk.


ABCs of Safe Sleep

ALONE - Infants should always sleep alone in a crib or bassinet that meet current safety standards.

 

BACK – Infants should be placed on their back to sleep, for naps and at night, until they are one year old. This is the safest position for infants and has shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.

 

CRIB – Infants should sleep in a safe and properly equipped crib or bassinet. The sleep surface should be firm and covered with a fitted sheet. The crib or bassinet should not have any soft objects, loose bedding, or bumpers that could increase the risk of suffocation or other accidents.

 

It’s important for all caregivers—parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, babysitters, child care providers, and anyone who might care for baby—to learn about safe infant sleep to help reduce baby’s risk.

 

Have more questions about SIDS? Ask your physician.

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