An Expectant Christmas

Congratulations, you’re expecting a baby, BUT… it’s Christmas, so you may be feeling more like ‘Fairytale of New York’ than ‘Joy to the World’ this festive season!

However, with a little forethought and planning, you’ll still be ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree‘ with the family, enjoying the ‘Chestnuts Roasting on an open Fire’ and toasting the New Year in (albeit with a mocktail or a fauxsecco!)

Let’s bust some myths!

You CAN indulge in mince pies, Christmas cake and Christmas pud as the alcohol burns off during the cooking process.

You CAN have some smoked salmon with your eggs on Christmas morning, just ensure it’s been correctly stored and chilled.

You CAN go nuts and eat them too!! There is no evidence that eating nuts whilst pregnant increases nut allergies in babies/children. Nuts are a great source of protein, vitamin E, magnesium and fibre, all of which form part of a healthy diet.

You CAN eat hard cheeses (cheddar, Parmesan, Emmental, Stilton etc) and any soft cheese which is not ripened with mould (feta, mozzarella, Philadelphia, halloumi are ok but Brie, Camembert, Gorgonzola are not advised)

You CAN make yourself gorgeous mocktails with yummy fruit juices, Schloer/tonic and have fun with little umbrellas, olives, fruit twists. Or how about a ‘fauxsecco’?!

Alcohol passes through your bloodstream, crossing into the placenta and can affect baby’s brain, growth and development; cause premature birth; birth defects and, if excessive or prolonged, can cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The best advice is always to avoid alcohol in pregnancy as there is no evidence to support a safe minimal amount.

And finally, to make sure ‘Yule’ survive the festive fun and frolics…

1. Eat little and often to give your squished digestive system a fighting chance!
2. Rest whenever possible, remember you’re already very busy growing a human so take it easy.
3. Prioritise, scale down and ask your partner, family and friends to help out.

Ho Ho Ho! MERRY CHRISTMAS from Private Midwives.