Vegetarian/vegan pregnancy?

wendyneilson · August 2014

Anyone out there follow a vegan/vegetarian diet?

I have for over three years now and I know it's perfectly safe while pregnant. (Doctor said it would be fine at my pre-pregnancy visit) However, I'm facing some pretty horrible nausea and I'm finding it hard to get my fruits and veggies down. I'm also craving things that I haven't eaten in years (cheeseburgers, hot dogs, lunch meat) which I know wouldn't be the best options for baby anyway.

I'm seriously considering finding someone to be my veg-substitue (like a phoebe-Joey set-up) but I feel like this shouldn't be as hard as it feels. Also, I'm noticing my hair falling out like crazy - which normally happens but I was hoping for it to fall out less during pregnancy. (I'm only 6.5 weeks, maybe I just need to give it more time?)

I'm not looking for criticism here... Looking for advice/support from vegetarian/vegan moms. :-)

penguin4282 · August 2014

I am 8 weeks and have been continuing to be vegetarian with fish once a week. I have been lucky though without too much nausea. I eat a lot of soy meat substitutes, I know some people frown on those too but I need to be full more than veggies get me sometimes. I have been doing a fair amount of dairy but trying to stay away from a lot of junk. I also do a lot of soups, I got a pregnancy cookbook and have modified recipes to be vegetarian. I have felt fine, I'm getting good nutrition, baby look great at us yesterday. I have also been pescetarian for 15 years so that might be why I'm not craving meat so much. Good luck! If you want to have a vegetarian pregnancy you totally can

greenie333 · August 2014

I am a FTM and others may know better but could you try more starches or carbs? Maybe bread or potatoes to settle your stomach for the veggies?

4N6s · August 2014

You need more than fruits and vegetables.
What about something with more protein? Beans? Lentils?

breekehoe · August 2014

I was vegetarian for 10 years and I've added SOME pasture-raised chicken and wild fish. I find that it's really helped, and will decide what diet to continue with once my baby is here. Otherwise, Mexican and Indian food are great ways to get protein! Avocados, cheese, and nuts are some of my daily snacks to keep from overeating meat.

QueenVict0ria · August 2014

I became vegetarian at 12 and around 22 I reintroduced fish to my diet. I'm 24 now. I have been craving chicken like crazy. I finally gave in and had some and ended up throwing up

So I went to target and got the gardein brand chicken breast they were on sale too 2.08 a pack! I would just suggest try to give in and see if it makes u sick if it does just find a substitute for what ur craving. It's okay to cheat right now

wendyneilson · August 2014

Thanks everyone! So great to hear I'm not the only veggie mom! I usually start the day with a green smoothie (all fruit/veg) and that's the most veggies I can get down. I'm very reliant on fake meats to stay full (trader joes nuggets!!!) but obviously they're not much better than meat itself. I also am snacking a ton to keep the nausea at bay (popcorn, cereal, apple slices if I can) but I think you're right about more high protein foods. I'll see if I can get some beans and lentils in. Potatoes are a fantastic suggestion too! Maybe I'll bake up a bunch to have handy.

For those who asked - yes I'm fully vegan and I'd prefer to stay that way. But obviously I want a healthy full term baby so I'm willing to do what it takes. I just KNOW there's a way and I feel like I'm in a total rut since what I usually eat isn't working.

On to buy some beans, potatoes, and lentils! Apologies in advance to anyone who's within a 15 ft radius.

wendyneilson · August 2014

Also - I'm usually not a big forum person, but I'm so thankful for this feedback! Thanks for not thinking I'm weird and for providing such awesome suggestions!! Kisses!

wendyneilson · August 2014

And why is my avatar a man? Lol

transplantedhawkeye · August 2014

I second the lentils and the potatoes.

I'm an ovo-lacto veg for 16 plus years and on my second pregnancy.

Also since you have a craving for meat, if you don't already use meat analogues, maybe that could be a vehicle for some of your veggies.

I make a mean braised setian with apples and mushrooms in a lager sauce. This way you get some of that chewy and umami flavor while keeping vegan.

Look up vegetariantimes.com, they have stuff on pregnancy, lactation and vegetarianism as well.

I do know that B vitamin defficiencies are a concern with vegan pregnancies so you may need extra supplementation. Cant remember if B6 or B12, but it should say.

There is also a vegetarian pregnancy and parenting community on this board as well I think.

ld289 · August 2014

I've been a vegetarian for quite some time and have definitely been craving certain meats too!( I told dh I wanted to eat a full pig). I did start eating salmon when I found out I was expecting, it was just a decision that felt right for me. I'm finding that eggs are my go to right now but can only stomach them cooked certain ways. I know it can be worrisome about getting enough protein, but I've been tracking and it's easy to forget there's a decent amount of protein hiding in a lot of foods (whole grain breads, etc).

I would definitely allow yourself to feel it out and play it by ear. Being pregnant is a very unique experience so do whatever you feel is best for you and your baby and feel no guilt! Best of luck

MusicTeacher82 · August 2014

I'm a vegetarian, too. If you're having meat cravings, have you tried Morningstar meat substitutes? They have corn dogs, sausage, burgers, etc. I agree with PPs who mentioned trying to have more carbs. Good luck!

pblge · August 2014

I've been vegetarian for 25 years now and married a vegan, which is how I usually eat. These past few weeks I've been doing a lot more cheese and eggs than usual, as that's what my body seems to want. Very few vegan proteins are appealing to me at the moment, but you may be totally different.

This is a pretty good book:
https://www.amazon.com/The-Everything-Vegan-Pregnancy-Book/dp/144052551X#
It has a (basic) guide to vegan nutrition in pregnancy, and a lot of recipes. They're fairly simple and healthy, which may or may not be how you roll. You also might want to get a high quality protein powder to put in your smoothies, if you don't already. Calcium, B12, and iron are the other nutrients to be very careful with.

I do agree with the people who say that if your body is craving something strongly, it might not be the worst thing to give in. I'm not sure of your reasons for being vegan, but a healthy vegan diet in pregnancy is HARD (not impossible, though!), and you may want to consider some flexibility during this time. There are some nutrients that are simply more nutritionally concentrated and available in high quality meats or dairy.

Regardless, best of luck to you!!!

jesswein9 · August 2014

I've been a pescatarian for about 7 years now. I haven't been craving fruits and veggies as much as I normally do. I've been falling to pretty bland foods, so carbs have been big on my menu these days. Maybe beans and nuts could be a good substitute for the protein cravings?

leoni7 · August 2014

Hi all I'm so glad @wendyneilson‌ started this thread. I am a pescatarian and have been since 2012. I am 6weeks and 6days and have been having a lot of Mexican cravings. The quesadilla with rice and beans and avocado definitely fills me up and some places will substitute with soy cheese. I actually am trying to stay away from anything that is not a whole food. There is a burger place by me that has the best veggie burger and you can load it up with all the fixings. My bf a carnivore was actually jealous of mine.
Because it seems like I am hungry all day long I am trying not to over eat but one thing I find myself craving is spelt toast with avocado in the am. I also have done the toast with banana and honey. Bananas can help a lot with nausea. I was not sure about protein shakes but I'm glad to see that they are ok too! I wish you the best of luck and love all the great advice here!!

leoni7 · August 2014

My protein shakes are all vegan and rice protein or pea protein. But I agree I am going to ask my OB when I see her. Thanks!

becca614 · August 2014

I was vegan through my first pregnancy, and plan to be for this one as well. It was definitely tough fighting some cravings... and I made my husband eat for me on occasion, but I know I felt better NOT eating it. I'm only 6 weeks in and no ms yet, but I had it the first time around through 12 weeks. Small meals/snacking throughout the day, juices with protein powder, nuts really helped. When I started feeling better I incorporated more beans, lentils, tempeh, and tofu. I also eat the TJs frozen options because sometimes it's just easier than prepping on my own. You can totally do it... the first trimester is just the hardest hurdle to overcome. I'm a little more nervous this time around because I'm a teacher- last time my first trimester was over the summer. Good luck!

wendyneilson · August 2014

Thanks everyone! The potato suggestion hit the spot @negreen1! I baked 5 potatoes last night to keep them on hand for when I'm hungry. I also got some Daiya slices (fake cheese - no one's perfect amiright?!?!) and everything bagel seasoning ... Weird combination but it totally hit the spot! And this morning I feel so much better than normal - woke up with energy, no m/s and actually did some cleaning! Potatoes to the rescue! :-)

I used to eat a TON of beans but gave up on them the last year or so... I'm going to force some of those back in to my diet today! Baked potato topped with some baked beans sounds kind of good right now... too early for lunch at 9am?

greenie333 · August 2014

That's wonderful! I have a gluten allergy and so crackers are out and baked potatoes have saved my life, too!

wendyneilson · August 2014

@negreen1 are you veg with a gluten allergy? That's so tough!

Hail rice and potatoes! ;-)

MPKbaby237 · September 2014

transplantedhawkeye said:
I second the lentils and the potatoes.

I'm an ovo-lacto veg for 16 plus years and on my second pregnancy.

Also since you have a craving for meat, if you don't already use meat analogues, maybe that could be a vehicle for some of your veggies.
I make a mean braised setian with apples and mushrooms in a lager sauce. This way you get some of that chewy and umami flavor while keeping vegan.
Look up vegetariantimes.com, they have stuff on pregnancy, lactation and vegetarianism as well.
I do know that B vitamin defficiencies are a concern with vegan pregnancies so you may need extra supplementation. Cant remember if B6 or B12, but it should say.

There is also a vegetarian pregnancy and parenting community on this board as well I think.

My doctor started me on B-complex vitamins. I've been vegetarian for over 20 years. Not eating meat has been very easy for me thus far.

phdmom1 · September 2014

Vegan pizza, soy milk, and field roast have been my go to foods so far in this vegetarian pregnancy. I'm craving rich foods too, so chocolate and nuts (especially in frozen yogurt or ice cream- even dairy free- has been delicious).

greenie333 · September 2014

@wendyneilson‌ - sorry I just saw this. I am on the mobile version and I need to get on my computer. No I am not vegetarian. I have tried it in the past but was too hard being gluten free, too. I have been doing the paleo diet as prescribed by my doctor to get my food allergies under control and to help with fertility. Guess it worked ?!? Lol! I admire you for being vegetarian!

fi414 · September 2014

I've been vegetarian for over three years. I do eat fish, though. I don't eat much but have not been able to stomach the thought of it in these first weeks. All I've wanted is junk food which is strange because usually I eat plenty of fruits and veggies. My nausea wasn't extremely bad at all but I still only wanted ramen for dinner. I don't believe when people say your body is craving meat because you need protein or iron. If we all just gave in to our cravings (pregnant or not) we would be eating potato chips and ice cream every day. With that said... I have eaten chicken three times in the past 5 weeks since I've known I was pregnant. The few people I told were shocked. I just needed something with substance. I don't think there's anything wrong with eating whatever you want, and I'm sure you'll get back to your usual diet once your stomach settles! Good luck xx

Holly9239 · September 2014

I am a vegetarian. I was a veggie with my first pregnancy as well. I am having trouble stomaching proteins this time around. I do a lot of lentil soups and protein shakes, but can't stomach much else. I don't crave meat.. It repulses me. Sorry to hear that you are having trouble. I completely understand.

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