Deng Tongning, an attending physician in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, emphasizes that pregnancy requires a balance of activity and rest. Moderate outdoor exercise like walking and breathing fresh air can uplift a pregnant woman's mood, promote relaxation, and support fetal development. However, expectant mothers should observe the following three precautions when venturing out during spring.
Precaution 1: Wear a Mask When Going Outdoors
As spring blossoms, pollen begins to fill the air.Ms. Wu, a resident of Minzhu Road in Nanning, is five months pregnant and walks daily in People's Park.
Last week, drawn by the park's beautiful peach blossoms, she went to admire them. Unexpectedly, upon returning home, she began sneezing, experiencing a runny nose, and itchy skin—scratching until marks appeared on her body.
The next day, her family accompanied her to the hospital for an examination. The doctor informed her that she had an allergic reaction, likely caused by exposure to allergens such as pollen.
Only then did Ms. Wu recall how she had impulsively moved closer to the peach blossoms that day. Fortunately, the examination revealed no serious issues. This experience served as a cautionary lesson for Ms. Wu.
Deng Tongning explained that spring brings dry air coupled with frequent strong winds, which significantly increases the spread of pollen and plant fluff. When allergy-prone individuals come into contact with these substances during outdoor activities, it can easily trigger asthma, dermatitis, hives, conjunctivitis, and rhinitis.
For pregnant women with mild pollen allergies, symptoms may include discomfort, itchy and red exposed skin, and sneezing. Severe cases can affect fetal health and normal development.
Doctors recommend that pregnant women wear masks outdoors in spring to prevent pollen allergies and influenza. If experiencing nasal itching, coughing, or shortness of breath while outside, they should promptly leave the area.
If asthma symptoms appear, seek prompt treatment at a reputable hospital. Avoid using steroid creams indiscriminately, as they may cause chronic skin inflammation.
Additionally, pregnant women should avoid crowded places and refrain from getting too close to flowers. Seek medical attention immediately if an allergic reaction occurs.
Tip 2: Wear slip-resistant shoes with heels
Ms. Liu, whose child is now in elementary school, still shudders at the memory of her pregnancy fall. As a working professional, she continued working until her sixth month of pregnancy to support her family.That spring brought persistent drizzles. Wearing flat plastic shoes, Ms. Liu slipped while descending a slope and took a hard tumble. As she struggled to her feet, ready to continue walking, she suddenly remembered the baby inside her. Her heart skipped a beat. She placed her hand on her belly—the baby was still moving. Sweating nervously, she quickly asked someone to help her to the hospital for a checkup. Afterward, her husband promptly bought her a pair of non-slip shoes.
Deng Tongning explained that falls during pregnancy can jolt the fetus, causing no issues in mild cases but potentially leading to premature birth, miscarriage, or placental abruption in severe ones.
Doctors recommend pregnant women wear well-fitting, flexible shoes with non-slip soles and a heel height of about 2 cm when going out. Many expectant mothers believe flat shoes are essential during pregnancy.In fact, feet are naturally suited to shoes with slight heels, which reduce fatigue and swelling while preventing slips. If a fall occurs, monitor for abdominal pain or bleeding—potential signs of miscarriage—and seek immediate medical evaluation.

Caution 3: Limit Outings During Early and Late Pregnancy
Ms. Li, a workaholic residing in Nanning's Qingxiu District, maintained her busy schedule throughout her pregnancy.When she was just over two months pregnant, she traveled to Guangzhou for business. During her free time there, a client invited her to play ball. Ms. Li thought that being only two months pregnant wouldn't be a problem, and since it was the client's invitation, she gladly accepted. Unexpectedly, halfway through the game, she felt abdominal pain. When she rushed to the hospital, the doctor informed her that she was experiencing threatened miscarriage and needed hospitalization to protect the pregnancy.
Xu Lijun, Deputy Chief Nurse of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Department at Guangxi Nationalities Hospital, explains that the first three months of pregnancy are a high-risk period for miscarriage. At this stage, the placenta is not yet fully developed and is not firmly attached to the uterine wall. Engaging in strenuous physical activity or overexertion can easily trigger a miscarriage. Pregnant women with a history of miscarriage or recurrent miscarriage should be especially cautious.After seven months of pregnancy, excessive outings are also inadvisable. During late pregnancy, the mother's body undergoes significant changes: waist circumference and weight increase rapidly, the fetus grows quickly, and the strain on the mother's heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys intensifies. Mobility becomes more difficult, making it hard to endure the fatigue of going out.
Doctors recommend that after the 4th to 6th month of pregnancy, when severe morning sickness has subsided and the fetus has become more stable, expectant mothers may have greater tolerance for travel and a more positive mindset. However, this does not mean early or late pregnancy is entirely unsuitable for outings; it simply carries slightly higher risks compared to the middle trimester. Moderate exercise, such as walking, is permissible during early and late pregnancy.
Important Reminder: Pregnant Women Should Avoid Grave Visits
With Qingming Festival approaching, some expectant mothers wonder if they can visit gravesites. Dr. Deng Tongning, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, advises against it. Traveling may involve crowded conditions and bumpy roads, increasing risks of premature labor or other complications.Additionally, excessive pollen and dust in spring can trigger allergies, which are detrimental to both the mother and fetus.
If travel is unavoidable, pregnant women should minimize exertion, opt for short trips, and always have an escort. Carry prenatal records at all times for emergencies. Since sweating is common during pregnancy, bring an extra layer of clothing. Focus on nutritious meals, consuming fresh, vitamin-rich foods.Spring's warm temperatures and dry air cause rapid water loss through evaporation and perspiration. Pregnant women should therefore increase their water intake appropriately.
Prenatal Class: Mid-Pregnancy Health Care?
Mid-pregnancy generally spans weeks 13 to 27. According to Xun Lijun, Deputy Chief Nurse of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Department at Guangxi Minzu Hospital, regular prenatal checkups every four weeks are essential during this period.Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Support breasts with a well-fitting bra; avoid tight-fitting garments around the chest or abdomen, and refrain from wearing high heels. Practice moderation in sexual activity; abstain if you have a history of miscarriage, premature birth, or cervical insufficiency.Maintain oral hygiene by brushing teeth after every meal. Prevent anemia and calcium deficiency by taking doctor-prescribed iron and calcium supplements starting at 20 weeks. Engage in appropriate outdoor activities, ensure adequate rest and sleep, avoid squatting, prevent abdominal impact, and refrain from lifting heavy objects or climbing heights. Additionally, prenatal education can be conducted together with your husband.