While some climates around the world remain fairly constant all year round, the United Kingdom plays host to some very different seasons. And at their most basic, they can be divided into 'warm' and 'cold'.

Pregnancy lasts nine months, which means it can often span both the summer and the winter - but is there a season that's preferable for the main bulk of your baby-growing? In a Reddit thread posing that very question, one mum-to-be advised others to avoid being early-stage pregnant over Christmas, if possible, because of how sick she felt.

"Currently pregnant - if you can avoid going through your first trimester in the holidays - AVOID AVOID AVOID," she wrote. "Nothing worse than having a delicious spread of holiday food before you - and the smell and appearance of it makes you want to throw up all over."

Alternatively, another woman on another thread (who has two summer children) shared her experience that hot weather was horrendous in combination with growing a baby. "Pregnancy and birth at 36°C were awful," she said, describing the "blood pressure" and "circulation problems" she experienced as a result. On the plus side, she caveated, "you can walk barefoot and don't have to tie your shoes." So, swings and roundabouts.

Personal preference is one thing, but are there any actual health implications for pregnancies in the winter versus pregnancies in the summer? We asked Sanjima DeZoysa, Parent Content Manager from the National Childbirth Trust, to weigh up the differences between a summer and a winter pregnancy. And it seems there are issues to be overcome whatever time of year - but luckily she's gathered all the advice you need.

1. Coughs and colds VS hay fever

    Winter:

    In the winter months, coughs and colds are more common. And, having an immune system that is naturally lower, pregnant women can be affected more than most. "A healthy diet and washing your hands regularly can help keep the germs at bay," advises Sanjima, echoing NHS advice. "If you do catch a cold, wrap up warm and try to get as much rest as possible," she adds.

    "Midwives will recommend a flu vaccination to give you extra protection during the winter, as complications from flu are more likely during pregnancy. The vaccine is usually available from September and you’ll be offered it whatever stage of pregnancy you’re at."

    Summer:

    If you’re pregnant during the summer, it’s still a good idea to take sensible steps to reduce your chance of catching a cold, although, as Sanjima points out, "you might get lucky and avoid them altogether."

    Although your summer pregnancy is less likely to be affected by coughs and colds, you could still be hit by the sniffles due to hay fever. While this isn't risky for mother or baby's health, it's uncomfortable - and is known to make sufferers feel more tired, which is something pregnant people already experience. "If the pollen count is high, you could try wearing wrap-around sunglasses or applying balm around your nose to stop pesky pollen in its tracks," suggests the expert. "Always get advice from a pharmacist or GP before taking over-the-counter medications in pregnancy."

    2. Lack of light VS too much sun

      Winter:

      When it's cold outside it's common not to fancy a trip out - and even if you did, those grey clouds probably won't be letting many sunbeams through. "A vitamin D supplement is recommended during pregnancy and this is especially important between September and May when the sun isn’t strong enough to give us a natural boost," says Sanjima. "You could also consider including foods that naturally contain vitamin D, such as oily fish and eggs in your winter diet."

      SAD symptoms, seasonal affective disorderpinterest
      AntonioGuillem//Getty Images

      Summer:

      "Lack of light is unlikely to be a problem in summer (the British climate notwithstanding!) but don’t forget to use sunscreen if you’re going outside in hot weather to avoid sunburn," advises the expert. "Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water so you don’t get heat exhaustion," she adds,

      3. Overheating VS Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

        Winter:

        When it’s cold and dark during the day, it can be hard to avoid the winter blues, otherwise known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But getting outside to enjoy the fresh air will make you feel better, whatever the season. "Wrap up warm and wear sturdy boots or shoes to avoid slips on the icy ground and keep an eye on what’s ahead. Your growing bump could make it difficult to see what’s underfoot," points out Sanjima.

        Summer:

        "During the summer, it’s a lot easier to spend time outdoors, but pregnant women often feel hotter than usual due to the extra work of carrying their bump around and increased metabolism," says the expert. While there's not a lot you can do about the heat, wear clothing that's as loose and cool as possible, and try to get out for a walk during the morning or evening when temperatures are lower so you're not stuck in all day.

        4. Too hot to eat VS can’t tuck into the Christmas cheeseboard…

        Winter:

        Around Christmas time, pregnant women can feel they’re missing out on festive goodies like the cheese boards and mulled wine. But Sanjima wants to reassure expectant mothers that there are still lots of tasty treats you can tuck into. "Did you know you can eat soft cheeses if they’re cooked until piping hot?" she points out. Pass the baked camembert!

        To make sure you're jam-packing your diet with nutritious food, take advantage of the cold winter weather by having warming stews and soups crammed full full of vegetables and protein-rich meat. "Don’t forget that your body needs fluids during winter, too. Decaffeinated tea and coffee are good options if you need to warm up," she suggests.

        Summer pregnancy, winter pregnancypinterest
        istetiana//Getty Images
        You can still get in on the soft cheese action at Christmas, as long as it’s baked through

        Summer:

        We all know the guidelines about ignoring the 'eating for two' myth during pregnancy, and instead focussing on eating your five a day. But how easy really is that when it’s freezing cold or all you can manage is ice cream on a hot day?

        "During the summer, to avoid standing over a hot stove, eat fresh salads and seasonal fruit," suggests Sanjima. "Adding some smoked salmon or mackerel has lots of health benefits and is safe to eat in pregnancy," she notes. Plus, there is very little summer food that is off the menu, the expert points out (and that includes ice cream and lollies to help you cool down).

        "Staying hydrated is important especially when the weather is hot. So enjoying plenty of cool water or adding fruit to sparkling water during the summer will keep you feeling great. Limiting fruit juice to 150ml a day will help to keep your sugar intake in check too," Sanjima says, echoing Public Health England's advice.

        5. Summer strolls VS winter workouts

        OK, so our summer pregnancies might have the advantage when it comes to keeping healthy outdoors. Walks in the park or a dip in the outdoor pool are much more tempting when the sun is shining. When it’s drizzly and overcast, not so much.

        "If exercising outside in winter is proving challenging due to the weather then you could consider swimming indoors," suggests Sanjima. "The water supports your bump and provides low impact aerobic exercise, or you could try another indoor activity like pregnancy yoga."


        "Whatever season you’re pregnant in – there will be pros and cons so try and focus on the positives. And whether it’s sunny or snowing, you never need an excuse to just sit down and put your feet up," says Sanjima.

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