Cabin Fever and Pregnancy
Author: Heather Slee
It's winter and you're pregnant. If you live in the northern part of the globe, this can be a difficult time for you. Sure, when the weather's nice, you can go for walks, go out to the park or the lake, or go over to a friend's for a barbeque. But when it's freezing and snowing outside, it's hard to get the fresh air and exercise you need to feel good. Here are some ideas for staving off the cabin fever this winter.
Get out of the house. Sure, you may go to work or go out to volunteer or buy groceries, but that really doesn't count. It's important to keep moving during pregnancy to keep your joints and ligaments feeling loose and comfortable. If the weather is decent, go for a walk. (If it's icy, be extra careful. Right, fellow Minnesotans?) If it's not so nice outside, there are other places to go for a brisk walk.
Hit the mall. If you're afraid this will lead to unnecessary spending, leave your money and credit cards at home! You can meet up with friends and make a ritual out of it. Give the mall a lap or two and head home; you'll feel good after you get your body moving.
Check out a local school or college; they probably have an indoor track for walking. Of course, you'll need to check with school officials to get the okay.
How about joining a health club or the local YMCA/YWCA? Not only do they usually have room for walking, but you may be able to take a class like prenatal yoga, low-impact workouts for pregnant women, or water aerobics.
Try just getting out, even if it isn't all about fitness. Go to a museum and walk around, checking out everything they have to offer. Jump on Google to see what your area has available (art, science, history, etc.). Don't count something out if you're not immediately drawn to it; sometimes you can surprise yourself.
Make a point to visit friends and family if you have some nearby. Make a regular date for coffee, dinner, lunch, or just going over to each others' houses for conversation. Even if you don't feel like it, and trust me, sometimes being pregnant inspires you to just lie in bed as much as possible, make a real effort to do this. You'll feel better afterwards.
So, do your best to make this winter less gloomy and more enjoyable. Lack of sunlight, fresh air, and activity can really wear a person down, especially one who's pregnant. Do yourself a favor and make a point to conquer your cabin fever!
