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| The Whole 9 Months
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Eat, Drink & Be Merry
To drink or not to drink? Be sensible and you'll be fine.
Whether or not to toast the festive season has never felt like such a big decision. But you simply need to be as sensible and informed about alcohol as you are about everything else in your pregnancy, says Moira Plant, a professor of alcohol studies at the University of the West of England.
Try not to drink alcohol at all, but if you do choose to have the odd tipple, just make sure you stay between one or two units once or twice a week.
“I’d say that, over Christmas and New Year, it’s ok to have a small glass or two of wine,” says Plant. “As long as it is a small glass, it isn’t going to harm you or your baby.”
ON THE UP SIDE
You can’t drink champagne at the office Christmas party… but then you won’t end up photocopying your bum 60 times, either.
• You have to lay off the liquor and runny cheese... which simply gives you a moral claim to all the chocolate trifle.
• You won’t fit into the tight frock you bought last year... but you will be able to laugh, eat and, y’know, breathe, instead.
• You can’t stand up long enough to attempt a Nigella in the kitchen… which is, let’s be honest, a big relief.
• You have to break off from shopping every 20 minutes to find a loo... but you can always guilt your way to the front of the queue at the cashier.
• You’re the nominated driver... but you can force your hungover hubby to bring you breakfast in bed.
• The fridge is stacked with pre-prepared everything… and you can pretend you wouldn’t dream of being so lazy usually.
• You have to spend the usual fortune on other people’s kids... but you know next year it’s payback time.
• You feel fatter than Father Christmas… but hey, at least you haven’t grown a beard. Yet. |
KNOW YOUR UNIT
The key is understanding what small amounts of alcohol means. Be aware of exactly what constitutes a unit - because it’s probably a lot less than you think. One unit is a small (125ml) glass of wine. It’s worth getting the measuring jug out to see exactly how much that is, because it’s no doubt much smaller than the glasses you were used to downing in the wine bar before you got pregnant, or even the glasses you have at home.
So don’t panic over drinking alcohol - just be careful. There is no evidence that small amounts of alcohol are harmful to unborn babies, according to research carried out across the world. And remember: Getting drunk is a complete no-no. A lot of heavy drinking in pregnancy can lead to a serious condition called foetal alcohol syndrome, with affected babies suffering symptoms such as birth defects and learning difficulties.
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR TIPPLE
It’s important to watch who’s pouring your drink, warns Plant. “A home measure can be two to three times what you get in pubs or bars, so you might actually be having three drinks in one,” she says. “The other thing about drinking at home is how people, in a generous way, can top up your glass without thinking. Don’t let others refill your glass.”
And finally, remember: While everyone else may have an opinion, it’s your choice whether to have alcohol or not. “If you’re at all worried, don’t drink,” concludes Plant.
YUMMY MUMMY
Festive food rules
From munching snacks to tucking into turkey with all the trimmings, it’s important that you eat safely. Here are the essential dos and don’ts of December dining from Fiona Ford, a research dietician with the Centre for Pregnancy Nutrition at the University of Sheffield, UK.
Poultry
DO… make sure turkey and chicken are properly cooked, with no pink or cold areas. Undercooked poultry is a major cause of food poisoning and you’re extra vulnerable when pregnant because your immune system is lowered. Salmonella won’t affect your baby, but it could make you very ill.
DON’T… be sloppy about storing and defrosting your bird. Keep it on the bottom shelf in the fridge so it can’t drip on to other food, and ensure it’s thoroughly defrosted before it goes in the oven. Wash surfaces and hands as you transfer the uncooked meat around the kitchen, to avoid cross-contamination.
Cheese
DO… avoid all ripened cheeses. They usually have a rind, such as Brie or Camembert, or blue veins, such as Stilton. If you’re desperate for cheese, cooking it will make it safe. Eat it piping hot, for example, grilled on toast or as an ingredient in soup.
DON’T… take the risk. The danger from ripened cheese comes from listeria, which can cross the placenta and harm your baby. Listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth and meningitis-type illness. Other cheeses, such as Cheddar or Cheshire, are fine.
Party nibbles
DO… apply the hot or cold rule. Food should be piping hot or properly chilled, not warm.
DON’T… eat any food that’s been lying around, especially meat snacks such as sausage rolls or meat pies.
Eggs
DO… steer clear of anything containing raw egg, because of the risk of salmonella. Remember: It might be an ingredient in favourites such as cheesecake, mousse and mayonnaise.
DON’T… be afraid to ask your host about ingredients if you’re at all unsure.
If you have any comments or practical suggestions, write to us at editor@family.sg
- Mother & Baby
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FOOLPROOF FESTIVE TIPS
1. Bask in all the attention you’ll get Your husband, family and friends will love to cater to you and your belly, and you must force yourself to accept graciously. Trust us, next Christmas they’ll knock you clear out of the way to get to the darling baby, then order you to take pictures of them holding your angel.
2. Look pretty There will be pictures and videos taken, and you don’t want to be cringing when they’re trotted out every year for the rest of your life.
3. Dress cool even though it’s December. All the food, people and excitement are sure to make you even hotter than you are every other day of those nine magical months.
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