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With the arrival of winter season, cold winds and dry climate bring many challenges, especially for pregnant women. The risk of flu, cold, cough and other infections increases in this season. But with proper care both mother and child can remain healthy. Health experts of Agra believe that with a little caution you can make this season safe and comfortable.

Why is it important to pay attention to nutrients?

During pregnancy, the body needs additional nutrition because the mother also provides nutrition to the baby growing in the stomach. According to experts, elements like Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc strengthen the immune system in winter. For example, oranges, kiwi and seasonal vegetables are good sources of vitamin C, which protects against infection.

Chief Medical Officers like Dr. Arun Srivastava recommend including hot soups and green vegetables in your daily diet. This increases the body’s immunity and helps in fighting cold.

Iron and calcium tablets: boon for both mother and child

Iron deficiency during pregnancy can lead to anemia, which brings fatigue and weakness. Iron tablets increase hemoglobin in the blood, which improves oxygen supply. Due to this, the baby’s brain and body develop properly.

Similarly, calcium makes bones strong. Calcium deficiency in pregnant women can cause weak bones, while the baby’s bones become strong. According to the guidelines of the Health Ministry, take these pills daily as per the doctor’s advice. The advantages are obvious:

• prevention of anemia
• baby’s bone and teeth development
• Improves mother’s energy level

Prenatal Checkup: Why get it done on time?

It is necessary to be examined at least four times during pregnancy. Dr. Meghna Sharma explains that due to enlargement of the uterus, the lungs can get compressed, which causes difficulty in breathing. High blood pressure, diabetes or other problems can be detected with timely testing.

World Health Organization (WHO) data shows that regular screening can reduce mother-infant mortality by 20-30%. The weight should increase by 10-12 kg during the entire pregnancy – this prevents the child from becoming malnourished and the mother remains healthy.

Special winter precautions: from hydration to clothes

There is a risk of dehydration due to dry air in winter. Dr. Surendra Mohan Prajapati recommends drinking 8-10 glasses of water or warm liquids a day. Hot herbal tea or soup keeps the body hydrated.

Layering your clothes – Choose warm but light clothes to maintain comfort. Use mosquito nets to protect yourself from mosquitoes, because diseases like dengue can spread with the change of season. Avoid cold things like ice cream.

Diet plan: Eat 5 times a day, in a nutritious way

Pregnant women should have three main meals and two healthy snacks a day. Include:

• Green leafy vegetables (spinach, fenugreek)
• Vitamin C fruits (orange, guava)
• Whole grains (millet, jowar, ragi)
• Pulses, legumes and milk products

This diet not only provides nutrition but also controls weight. Experts say that this is necessary to avoid malnutrition, otherwise the birth weight of the baby may be low.

Child preparation: hospital bag and emotional support

Pre-pack a hospital bag for winter delivery – include warm clothes, soft blanket for the newborn and essential medicines. Emotional support from family matters a lot. According to doctors, reducing stress makes delivery easier.

Prepare a comfortable bed for the newborn. To avoid Vitamin D deficiency, take morning sunlight or take supplements – there is less sunlight in winter, which can affect the bones.

Why does all this matter?

Proper care of pregnant women in winter not only keeps the mother healthy but also strengthens the future of the child. Millions of pregnant women in India suffer from anemia every year, but it can be prevented with simple measures. This keeps the family happy and reduces the burden on health services. If there is any problem, definitely go to the nearest health center.