Pregnant in Summer VS Winter - What’s Better?
Pregnant in Summer VS Winter - What’s Better?
I just experienced my second pregnancy over the hottest time of the year in Australia - the summer/Christmas period - and I have lost count the amount of people who have said to me “aw you poor thing, how are you coping in the heat?”
Fine, I reply. I’m a nudist anyway.
What would you prefer? Pregnancy during simmer or winter?
I am hard on team summer and let me tell you why…
Obviously, pregnancy is a unique journey for everyone, and the season in which you experience it can significantly impact your comfort levels and overall experience. Having been pregnant during both the cold Australian winters to our scorching summers, I have come to appreciate the pros and cons of both.
Here’s an honest comparison based on my personal experiences.
Pregnancy in winter:
Pros:
- Comfortable Temperatures: Cooler weather means you’re less likely to suffer from sweaty crack syndrome, which is a common struggle during pregnancy. Your body temperature is often more elevated during times of being pregnant, so regardless, you’ll sweat anyway, but some may believe that it’s easier to layer up for warmth than to find relief from the Aussie sun.
- Reduced Swelling: Lower temperatures help reduce swelling in the feet and hands, a common issue in later pregnancy stages. Yes I have said I prefer summer, but it doesn’t mean I’m not blowing up like a Beluga whale.
- Better Sleep: The colder nights do make it easier to sleep, that’s for sure. When I’m currently using 4 different pillows around my body plus two under my head in order to find some comfort, they definitely do add to the overnight sweats.
Cons:
- Limited Activities: AKA I was bored shitless. Shorter days and colder weather can make it harder to stay active, get motivated to keep your body moving, be as social as you can before a mini human takes over your life - which I found to be crucial for mental health during my first pregnancy.
- Wardobe: The colder the weather, the more layers you need. More layers you need, the more maternity clothes you need. The more maternity clothes you need, the money you need to spend. I HATED getting dressed heavily pregnant in winter. I was so uncomfortable without the added bullshit banded jeans and an over wise wool knit WHICH WOULD MAKE ME SWEAT ANYWAY. Case closed.
- Sick Sick Sick: Winter brings in all the yucky bugs, and as pregnancy can suppress your immune system, I found I was way more vulnerable to getting sick.Add that with a mix of morning (everyday) sickness and some low iron and you’re in for a real shitty time.
Pregnancy in Australian Summer
Pros:
- Staying Active: Sunshine & daylight savings makes everyone happier and I won’t be told otherwise. The longer days and pleasant mornings make it easier to actually enjoy getting up out of bed for walks, swimming, yoga, smashing a double serve of pancakes at your local cafe - what ever tickles your fanny.
- Staying Social: Summer tends to be filled with a lot more social gatherings, which I found really important in staying connected with family and loved ones in what can be a super isolating time of your life. Minus the odd side-eye as your friends down their gins and cold beer, and with kids on school holidays, it’s just a much nicer time of year to get out and about.
- Wardrobe: First of all, being naked. No explanation needed. Beach & swimming? Amazing. Flowy light summer dresses? Winning. Save your money and your sanity and be pregnant over summer. Less = better!
Cons:
- Overheating: Sure you’re hot, but you’re always hot when pregnant. As mentioned, I’d rather be in minimal clothing with my growing belly than trying to cover it in more heavy layers.
- Nothing
Which Is Better?
For some. there would be no definitive answer to this question. For me, there is, and it’s no surprise that after my first, I have now had two babies due in the first month (ish) of the year. Winter might appeal to those who prioritise comfort and coziness, while summer might suit those who love the outdoors and vibrant social activities (and did I say being naked?)
Fun fact: getting up to newborns all night is made MUCH easier when it’s warmer too…
Let me know what you prefer!
