Being pregnant at Christmas can be tough. You want to indulge like everyone else but can't have the best bits off the cheeseboard or crack open the Baileys. If you're still in the early months, the Christmas office party can throw up issues around what to wear to hide your bump and how to deal with not drinking. Add in the exhaustion of shopping, cooking and hosting, all while growing a baby, and Christmas has the potential to be a less than merry time.
But get it right, and being pregnant at Christmas can also be a wonderful excuse to slow down, soak in the moments, delegate tasks and look forward to what the coming year has in store. Having been pregnant twice at Christmas, I know what worked and what I would have changed, so here's everything you need to know to have a very happy Christmas when you're expecting.
How to hide your pregnancy at Christmas
If you're in the first trimester, you might want to find ways of hiding your bump and plan some excuses for not drinking when pregnant at Christmas. It's easier at home where you can make your own drinks (Cranberry juice can easily pass as Vodka & Cranberry and you could even decant non-alcoholic drinks into different bottles) but navigating Christmas parties when you're pregnant can be particularly tricky. A great tip is to let a trusted friend in on the secret so they can help with either ordering drinks or secretly taking them from you if you're handed a glass of fizz.
What to eat at Christmas if you're pregnant
While there are plenty of foods to avoid at Christmas when pregnant - including soft cheese, smoked salmon, pate and boozy puddings - you don't have to miss out. Not being able to eat those foods means you'll have more space for chocolates, and nuts can be beneficial for you and the baby so tuck in to the snack selections!
You might find you're more comfortable eating little and often, especially if you're suffering from heartburn, so the grazing we naturally seem to do at Christmas is ideal for pregnant women.
Make mocktails your go-to drink
While you might not be able to indulge in a glass of fizz on Christmas morning or an evening Baileys, there's no reason you have to miss out. I had my first child ten years ago and the non-alcoholic offering then was less than inspiring. Now the shelves are awash with exciting alcohol-free drinks that are more than a match in the flavour stakes. Stock up on our tried and tested favourites and you'll be able to raise a toast with Nozeco or warm up after a winter walk with Belvoir's Mulled Winter Cordial.
And when everyone else is feeling the after-effects of one too many, you'll still be feeling upbeat and healthy (and smug!)
Dress up your bump
If you're at the point in your pregnancy where everyone knows, Christmas can be a great excuse to invest in a new maternity outfit that will make you feel great at Christmas parties, lunches and more. Dressing for your growing body can be a learning curve, but if you're wondering what to wear at Christmas when pregnant, there are some beautiful clothes designed for your bump. If you're looking for cosy but chic winter maternity wear, opt for stretchy materials like wool, merino and blends that will keep you warm and comfy.
Christmas parties might require more glam maternity outfits but it's a good idea to still be mindful of your bump. Lower heels or flats will be more comfortable by the end of the night, and stretchy fabrics are still your friend, just with added sparkle!
But of course, Christmas is the perfect time of year to just live in your maternity pyjamas if that's what you're comfortable in. And whatever you're wearing, everyone else will be jealous of your stretchy outfit when they've eaten too much and are feeling the pinch!
Take a holiday
If it's your first baby, this will be your last Christmas as just the two of you so it's a perfect excuse to plan a Babymoon. Whether you book a weekend break in the UK or fancy a bit of winter sun, Christmas is the ideal time to getaway. You might need to check airline rules around flying when pregnant but provided you're at the right point in your pregnancy, you could escape the Christmas rush and spend some quality time with your other half before your family becomes larger.
Take it easy
Even if you're not heading off on holiday, being pregnant at Christmas is the perfect excuse to slow down. You don't have to do it all - with any luck you'll have people on hand to help prepare Christmas lunch or make tea for guests and now is the time to accept any help that's offered. You may be feeling more tired than usual so listen to your body. If your Christmas tree isn't Instagram-perfect and your turkey isn't quite up to Nigella's standards, it's not the end of the world - at this point, rest is more important.
Treat yourself
Speaking of taking it easy, why not pop a pregnancy spa break on your Christmas wish list and head off in the New Year for a spot of well-deserved pampering. From massages to facials, indulging in some self-care now will make you feel well-rested and relaxed, as well as soothing the aching muscles and sore joints that can be part and parcel of pregnancy.
Make the most of the time off
If you're off work for a few days, it could be the perfect chance to tick off all the baby admin you might have been putting to one side. Make a hospital bag checklist and start stocking up on essentials, book those antenatal classes, and read up on what to expect of the coming months (and years!).
Christmas can also be a great time to bond with your bump. While it can be a busy time of year, try to carve out some time to practice mindfulness techniques that will let you connect with your baby. It's also an opportunity to share your excitement with the wider family.
Catch up on sleep
You might have heard that the early weeks and months of having a baby can be a little sleep deprived. If you're feeling more tired than usual, now is the time to make the most of those early nights and lie-ins.
Prep for the January sales
Babies can be expensive so it makes sense to save money by buying the newborn essentials in the January sales. Why not spend some time this Christmas, feet up, non-alcoholic drink in one hand, phone in the other, scrolling and bookmarking the items you've got your eye on. Then, when the January sales hit, you'll be well-placed to snap up the discounted pram or cot you want.
And lastly, enjoy it!
However you deal with being pregnant at Christmas, try to enjoy it. Soak in the attention, embrace the anticipation of what the coming year will bring, and try to take the time to focus on yourself, your body and your growing bump. Sometimes we can get too wrapped up in parties, shopping, to-do lists and presents and lose sight of what really matters. This time next year you'll be a mum, and in many ways, that's the most wonderful gift of all.
Rebecca Lancaster is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby, drawing on ten years of parenting her two children to help others navigating their own parenting journey. As a freelance writer, she spent ten years working with leading lifestyle brands, from travel companies to food and drink start-ups, and writing everything from hotel reviews to guides to the best British cheeses. She’s particularly interested in travel and introducing her children to the excitement of visiting new places, trying different foods (less successfully) and experiencing different cultures.