You're not supposed to do that!

MSUgrad12

**stolen from June bmb*
I've seen this on some other BMB's & thought we should have one, too.

We all know there are so many things we're told we just can't do because we're pregnant. Some of these things make perfect sense, while others seem kind of silly. So, make me feel better about not being the only "rule breaker" here...what have you still been doing/eating/etc that you're "not supposed to" ?!

MSUgrad12

Mine is stress, people keep saying I'm going to have a colicky baby, but seriously, I'm an adult how do I avoid stress.

The other is lunch meat. I try so warm it up, but doesn't always happen.

themisfitbenji

Stopping some exercise. Ugh. I work at a tire shop, and I used to be able to help outside. This involved a lot of heavy lifting. It was a LOT of work. The other day, I ended up in tears after getting off work because during my lunch break, my sister essentially accused me of being lazy because I'm pregnant. The one that's never been pregnant, mind you. She said you were supposed to resume life as you would if you weren't, and literally wouldn't listen to the fact that there were exceptions, and I'd already talked to my social worker about it. The thing is, I am doing what I'm supposed to. I'm listening to my body. The first trimester for me has been so hard, even walking makes me lightheaded . It's funny how only people who have never been pregnant are judging me for what I should and shouldn't be doing. Anyone else notice that?

Ceventa

Famiky who sees me pickup my son freak out and say I shouldn't be doing that. First thing my doctor told me was that it was ok to pick up my son as long as I felt ok doing so. I have no issues right now picking him up I'm sure towards the end it will be tougher, but for low I'm enjoying every second!

Jenniferk08

I still pick up my son (although he's almost 5 so I try to limit that), eat cold cuts and even ate Brie. And yes I am the mother who dared to have a glass of wine every couple weeks during her third trimester. As long as my OB says it's ok by her then it's ok by me.

MSUgrad12

I LoVE Brie

DressageDarling

My OB is pretty reasonable, so I don't really have anything I'm not supposed to do. I eat lunch meat, soft cheeses, and the like.

ramoseecology

Soft cheeses are considered ok if they are made with pasteurized milk, so I've been eating chevre, blue cheese, and others. I guess that isn't being rebellious...but I do love my cheese!  I haven't been eating my veggies or exercising so I guess I'm breaking the be a perfect health goddess for your unborn child and get your body back ASAP afterwards rule.   

MSUgrad12

@ramoseecology it's so frustrating how (though well meaning) people expect you to be a health goddess. I am exhausted and can barely keep things down, not very motivating to be any more health that I was before pregnancy. I bought that book the kind mama for the recipes and she was so preachy in it that it made me mad and I quit reading it. The idea of the recipes that were in it also made me gag.

AliKay20

I gave into sushi but didn't eat anything raw. DH made sure the chef didn't use same knife used to cut raw fish when making my california roll and shrimp tempura roll! Kitchen was visible since it's one of those small ones by the bar and they were more than understanding when learned of our reason. Haha! Lately, I make DH eat all the foods I want but can't have. It oddly satisfies me hahahaha!

lalalorelai

Working out at my normal intensity. I firmly believe that 140 heartrate limitation is bullshit. I listen to my body and if I feel weak or dizzy, I pull back. My OB cleared me for everything I did before I was pregnant as long I still feel okay doing it. The only thing I've changed is I now run inside on a treadmill because I'm paranoid about falling on the ice. 

I want to eat deli meat so badly but for some reason I can't do it. I know the risk of listeria is so small, especially when heated, but I haven't chanced it yet. It's just really easy for me to eat something other than deli meat, so I'll stick with it for now. 

JournoGrl23

I've eaten queso from a Mexican restaurant a couple times. I called ahead to make sure it's pasteurized first. Also, I'm supposed to be working out, which I know I really need to do. My OB said it helps avoid complications in pregnancy so I feel worried that I haven't been able to do it. I've gone on a couple long walks with my dog where I walked fast enough to get my heart rate up. But for the most part I've been too nauseous and dizzy and fatigued to even get out of a chair during the day. Maybe I'll try working out in the second trimester...

Snaps816

I've been eating my steaks cooked medium rare, the way I like them. I don't have steak often, but when I do I'm not going to ruin it by overcooking! Both my husband who is a chef and my dad who is an MD think this is fine. Still doing burgers medium because ground beef is more risky. 

texasmama2014

Working out/running caught me a lot of flack last pregnancy. I have skipped prenatals out of laziness. Still breastfeeding my toddler. I drink caffeine and eat junk.

Most of what I do is "ok" but it doesn't mean I'm not judged! (Or would be if anyone knew.)

ZedPM3

I've had hot dogs a couple of times, and when we go to Subway (not a common occurrence) I might end up getting turkey (though I might try to stick with chicken). The nurse at my OB said eating these on rare occasions are ok.

I'd say I'm going to go back to eating feta cheese once my aversions disappear, but the kind I eat is pasteurized so that doesn't really count towards the "things I'm not supposed to do".

BlessUrHeart29

I guess at the moment, just the occasional deli sandwich. I had an amazing turkey sandwich at Jason's Deli the other day. But I expect that I'll also have a hotdog or two throughout my pregnancy. I'm trying to be smart right now and indulge my cravings in moderation. I had gestational diabetes with my first pregnancy. So I'm trying to enjoy things now in case I can't later. 

DSMLove

I think most limitations are silly, so I break "rules" like crazy.

I eat deli meat, raw sushi (from high quality trusted restaurants), soft cheese (but still pasteurized), and med-rare steak. I drink coffee. I am abstaining from alcohol right now, but I'll probably allow myself an occasional small glass of wine in the third trimester.

I am, however, strictly adhering to the rule about no litter box scooping. That is officially my husband's job now. Gotta be careful, ya know?

Bookhousegirl

I've eaten multiple heated deli sandwiches and pasteurized soft cheeses, but I don't consider that rule-breaking. I still eat over-easy eggs on occasion and medium burgers/steaks. I've also eaten non-fish sushi, but I didn't even realize that might be a problem until now!

MSUgrad12

@Bookhousegirl I didn't know over easy eggs are on the list! I don't think I'll be able to stop that

Pepper6

I don't avoid any food that I ate pre-pregnancy. Almost everything is fine, and the 'riskier' stuff is fine in moderation.

bananers

I think most of the rules are pretty silly. It's hard to find any cheese in the US that isn't pasteurized, and as for lunch meat - well, the last few listeria outbreaks have been ice cream, bagged spinach and cantaloupe.

This isn't really a "rule" per se - but I'm totally indulging in a giant bowl of chocolate chip peanut butter ice cream every night because it sounds ah-mazing. I haven't gained any weight so far so I'm justifying it (even though I know I didn't gain with DS until about halfway through and then it came on like a vengeance, so if I were smart I'd eat smart now!)

Knottie04212328

I use to drink a lot a pop/soda (could be one a day) it was my caffeine as I don't drink coffee. Every couple days I break and have one pop.

kcolly32

The rules we have now are kinda crazy so I think it's ok to break them every now and then. I've eaten deli sandwiches on occasion, I've had a couple hotdogs, pastuerized blue cheese and Brie, and apparently over easy eggs are a no-no but I had two this morning with toast. I haven't eaten anything raw besides fruit so I feel like eating these things on occasion are ok.

I have changed the litter box a couple times because DH didn't get around to do it and the cat was driving me crazy but I wore disposable gloves and I basically picked it all up and put it in a bag then into the trash. Washed my hands a couple times under warm water for good measure but I didn't come into contact with any of it so I should be ok. I know ladies that cleaned the litter box their whole pregnancies, but I definitely won't be doing that. Plus we've been training him to go outside like our dogs and I think he's almost got the hang of it.

kriley602774

I drink coffee every day. I've cut back a little because it doesn't taste quite as wonderful but I have 1 cup a day. And occasionally I'm REALLY rebellious and have another cup in the afternoon if it's a long day at work. Hahaha

I've assigned litter box duty to my DH.

kriley602774

I may also have a turkey sandwich this week.

Bookhousegirl

MSUgrad12 said:

@Bookhousegirl I didn't know over easy eggs are on the list! I don't think I'll be able to stop that

From what I've heard, the reason is that they haven't been cooked through enough to kill whatever bacteria might be in them. My doctor didn't say anything about it specifically so I feel like it's not one of the big ones.

Doritoss

I had a sip of white wine today. Out of the bottle, of course. 

blond1230

Cheese. All cheese, all the time.

ThursdayMorning

Ok. Two questions:
What is wrong with hot dogs? Assuming they are cooked through then they should be fine, no?

Non fish sushi isn't fish so I'm not sure I understand why that is an issue? I've been eating California rolls that are just crab (real crab) and avocado/ cucumber. The crab is cooked (though served cold) so I'm not sure if there is something I'm not aware of.

Thanks for clarification! I thought I was being pretty good but those two surprised me!

Snaps816

ThursdayMorning said:

Ok. Two questions: What is wrong with hot dogs? Assuming they are cooked through then they should be fine, no? Non fish sushi isn't fish so I'm not sure I understand why that is an issue? I've been eating California rolls that are just crab (real crab) and avocado/ cucumber. The crab is cooked (though served cold) so I'm not sure if there is something I'm not aware of. Thanks for clarification! I thought I was being pretty good but those two surprised me!

I think the concern with sushi is that a chef would prepare it on the same surface, or with the same knives, that they used to prepare raw fish. But if you're eating at a good reputable place that would be pretty unlikely because any decently-trained cook would know how to avoid that kind of cross-contamination. Also, this risk of that kind of thing is the same at any restaurant, not just a sushi place, so maybe the important thing is to watch out for restaurants that have poor health compliance scores. 

Cosupi4

lalalorelai said:

I want to eat deli meat so badly but for some reason I can't do it. I know the risk of listeria is so small, especially when heated, but I haven't chanced it yet. It's just really easy for me to eat something other than deli meat, so I'll stick with it for now. 

*TW loss mentioned*


I feel the same way about deli meat. I've gotten food poisoning from it a couple times while not pregnant... Not good memories. My bil nearly threatened me during my last pregnancy about eating it. He lost a baby with his first wife bc of it, so it's definitely a real concern. It just hits a little too close to home for me and when I have other things I can eat, I'd rather not risk it.

JNew0816

Skipping my vitamins for the past 4 days because I just throw them up.

mermaidbina

bananers said:

I think most of the rules are pretty silly. It's hard to find any cheese in the US that isn't pasteurized, and as for lunch meat - well, the last few listeria outbreaks have been ice cream, bagged spinach and cantaloupe.

This isn't really a "rule" per se - but I'm totally indulging in a giant bowl of chocolate chip peanut butter ice cream every night because it sounds ah-mazing. I haven't gained any weight so far so I'm justifying it (even though I know I didn't gain with DS until about halfway through and then it came on like a vengeance, so if I were smart I'd eat smart now!)

Yes! I avoided lunch meat with my last 2 pregnancies but it is all I have felt like eating and I figured if I warm the meat up it is less of a chance than getting it from ice cream or even fruit and veggies!

mermaidbina

Wow, I have never heard of anyone getting sick from lunch meat before, I am so sorry. What brand was it? Was there a recall?

ginger819

I've been leary about eating anything on the no-no list. Last pregnancy I bought some hummus and when I got home I checked to see if it was OK. There were different reports on whether the risk outweighed the nutritional benefit, but I decided not to chance it. Not a week later they recalled all of that hummus from the same place I bought it from because of a listeria outbreak. It just freaked me out enough to be cautious about what I eat.

This pregnancy though I've been really bad about eating healthy and taking my prenatal.

ZedPM3

ThursdayMorning said:

Ok. Two questions:
What is wrong with hot dogs? Assuming they are cooked through then they should be fine, no?

Non fish sushi isn't fish so I'm not sure I understand why that is an issue? I've been eating California rolls that are just crab (real crab) and avocado/ cucumber. The crab is cooked (though served cold) so I'm not sure if there is something I'm not aware of.

Thanks for clarification! I thought I was being pretty good but those two surprised me!

The nitrates (nitrites?) in hot dogs aren't good for baby. Technically they're not good for anyone in general, but eating one occasionally isn't too bad.

WinnieLou82

I'm definitely hanging out with the cheese girls here! Pastrirized for sure.

Whitmore1027

My husband was originally going to be to the litter box scooper once I got pregnant. I was WAY scared to even try. But he doesn't do it often enough and the smell drives me crazy. So, I bought gloves and masks to wear every time I clean the litter box. Doctor said only to stay away if cats have ever been outside. (Mine haven't) but I don't want to take the chance. So litter box scooping is back to being my job, but at least I have masks and gloves.

I also drink a soda a day (I got off sodas before I got pregnant, but I need that bit of caffeine SO BAD now!)

Abfisher

I drink coffee every day, eat ice cream and hot dogs. I have avoided lunch meat. But now that I see everyone's eating it, I'll go for it too!

SkiChic626

I pretty much do and eat everything you're not "supposed to" except alcohol, unpasteurized cheese and raw meat/fish.  I asked my RE about the other stuff and they're kinda like "meh, in moderation..."  So if the fertility dr isn't worried about it, I'm not worried about it.  One thing I didn't do during my first pregnancy was drink soda, like at all, maybe a few sips of ginger ale, but this time regular Coke seems to be the only thing that eases my bouts of nausea.  I don't even drink Coke when I'm not pregnant, so it's kinda weird, but it helps for now.

SkiChic626

bananers said:

I think most of the rules are pretty silly. It's hard to find any cheese in the US that isn't pasteurized, and as for lunch meat - well, the last few listeria outbreaks have been ice cream, bagged spinach and cantaloupe.

So glad you mentioned this because I was thinking about that, too - the only cases of listeria that I've heard of since being of child-bearing age have been in bagged salads, melon and recently the ice cream.  So silly....now I want a turkey sub mmmmmmmm *drool*