Let’s face it, the holidays, as joyous and celebratory as they are, can be the most stressful time of year. There’s the forced family gatherings, budget-breaking gift shopping, and holiday travel to wear us thin. Now that you have a little one on the way, these festivities have gotten a whole lot more stressful, right? Wrong. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we’ve compiled an easy and concise guide to surviving your first holiday with a baby on the way.
If you’re keeping it a secret…
Whether it’s early on in your first trimester, or you’re simply not ready to spread the word, you may be the type who wants to keep her pregnancy hush-hush. But if you’re worried about prying family raising an eyebrow at your empty wine glass, consider bringing a non-alcoholic sparkling juice instead. Stop by any grocery to find a wide variety of flavor options. Uncork, pour and get ready to raise a glass with the best of them.
If you’re battling fatigue…
Hosting the big Thanksgiving feast this year? Take it easy on your body and baby by delegating tasks to friends and family. Ask your sister to bring the turkey, your brother to pick up a pie and your mother to help you with the side dishes. Make use of pre-made meals at your local grocery store, or put in a dessert order at your favorite bakery. If you can’t fathom a sink full of post-dinner dishes, set your table with bamboo plates instead of fine china. Aesthetically speaking, sturdy bamboo is a step-up from paper and it’s better on the environment too.
If you can’t stand the sight of food…
Ah, those first trimester food aversions. If you’re the type of pregnant woman who can’t stomach the sight of a glistening turkey, there’s still hope for you. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or attending as a guest, prepare a starchy, carb-heavy dish that everyone can enjoy. Avoid spicy, high-fat foods that can be difficult to digest and instead choose foods easy on the stomach, like white potatoes or pastas. If you’re having trouble keeping a meal down, just remember: the blander the better. It never hurts to pack a belly-settling drink like peppermint tea or ginger ale too.
If you’re worried about what’s safe for baby…
Relax, we’ve got you covered. Almost everything on your Thanksgiving table is fair game this holiday. To protect your growing baby and avoid food borne illnesses, the Food and Drug Administration advises a turkey reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. If you’re tempted by a pre-dinner cheese plate, ask the host to assure you that any soft cheeses, like brie and goat cheese, are pasteurized. Avoid refrigerated meat pates as, like deli meat, they may contain the harmful bacteria listeria. Any custards and mousses, delicious as they are, may contain raw eggs so you’ll want to steer clear of them too. Avoid high-mercury fish (we’re looking at you, swordfish) and alcohol. Anything else? Eat up and enjoy!
Share with us in the comments below! What tweaks will you be making to get through Thanksgiving this year?
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