Just Curious, What Did You or Didn't You Do While Pregnant?

I wasn't supposed to eat deli meats and soft cheeses? I missed that one. Let's see I didn't smoke (don't anyways), cut down on drinking substantially, slept more, didn't go on any amusement rides, jet skis, or anything adrenaline fun basically. Which was hard because both my pregnancies were in summer.

What I did do. Had a glass of wine occasionally once I hit 6 months. Drank Coke all the time, it was all I could keep down. Didn't take prenatals as they made me sick. Ate tuna, deli meats and cheeses. And this sounds awful but when I was pregnant with my first I had no idea, and did my one and only keg stand.

I wouldn't do anything to the baby inside me, that I wouldn't do when they arrive. I wouldn't have given my newborn son a sip of caffeine, or alcohol. I don't know anyone who would. Drinking it, is the same thing for the fetus. I just think it's really weak, that women can't go 9 months without something. I know that sounds really harsh. But come on people...9 months, is ONLY 9 months. It's not that hard!!!

Oh gosh, the first pregnancy I did everything you were "supposed to" and avoided all the no-nos. Then I got pregnant again when DD was 6 months old and guess what?? I NEED that cup of coffee in the morning. I had a half glass of wine last weekend. I was a vegetarian, but had terrible cravings for bacon of all things and am eating it 2-3 times a week. Being pregnant for almost 2 years straight, it's tough to give up everything!

I'm drinking a coke as I type this (Dr's orders actually, I get migraines), I will have a tuna or ham sandwich from time to time. I love my steak medium, I will have an occasional glass of wine. Everything in moderation is fine. People freak out way too much. It's nuts.

Also wanted to add, the posters who are saying that they know someone who's baby has fetal alcohol syndrome and they hardly drank have been lied to. Doesn't happen like that. Of course they aren't going to tell you the amount of alcohol they REALLY drank when no one was around b/c they are carrying the guilt of what's wrong with their baby.

I too followed doctors orders. It's only for 9 months and it is for the safety of the baby. Everything may turn out fine if you drink and eat turkey sandwiches.....but what if something did go wrong. Wasn't worth the risk for me......congrats on the baby!!!

.

I did all of that except drink alcohol. I craved mountain dew, and drank alot of it, ate peanuts, deli sandwiches, hot dogs..... I even hunted and shot a deer at 36 weeks pregnant. Gave birth to a perfect little girl 6 days ago.

I ate deli meat all the time. Seriously- you have a bigger chance of getting struck by lightening than you do of contracting listeriosis. There only a few things I absolutely wanted and deli meat was one of them. Since I had morning sickness all nine months- I ate what I craved (which wasn't much). I also had coffee every now and then- when I could tolerate the smell. What didn't I do? I didn't get a flu shot.
Oh and don't let people make you feel bad for eating turkey or drinking 1/2 a beer. Our parents smoked, sniffed leaded gas fumes, and God knows what else. I think these restrictions are overly paranoid.

i'm with you, the "rules" are just ridiculous and, at times, totally pointless. undercooked meat is about the only thing that makes me nervous due to the possibility of food toxins, but that's b/c i had a HORRID case of food poisoning(not while pg), and would NEVER want to go thru that while pg!

the amount of alcohol that crosses the placenta is exceptionally minimal, i had 1/3 glass of wine now and then while pregnant(i DID avoid alcohol in the first trimester) at the suggestion of my OBs and MFMs, for relaxation and also to ease contractions(yes, that's how pre-term labor was treated back in the day).

i'm not a big sandwich eater, but i did eat some lunch mean, i don't do soft cheeses, so that wasn't an issue. i drank a coke from sonic everyday, i am a severe migraine sufferer, and that seems to do the trick for me, my OB preferred that method to migraine meds everyday. i also took vicodin on occassion when i did get a migraine. again, very little of that crosses the placenta(my husband is a pharmacist as well, he would NEVER be okay with me taking something harmful for our baby).

it's all about common sense and moderation :)

additionally, i have had more than one OB and MFM tell me that research has shown that it takes 1-2 drinks nearly every day of pregnancy to produce FAE(fetal alcohol exposure) and 3-5 drinks nearly every day of pregnancy to produce FAS(fetal alcohol syndrome). so these folks with FAS babies that had two drinks in their whole pg are probably full of it! and we all know of the crackheads that spit out healthy babies and the moms that do EVERYTHING right that have stillbirths. again, moderation and common sense are key.

I followed the doctor's orders to a T because never ever would I want to possibly harm my baby in any way. I couldn't live with myself if anything had happened because I was "craving" something that could hurt the baby. That meant no alcohol, no tuna, no lunch meat, no soft cheeses, etc. Truth be told, I'm one of those healthy eaters anyway and stick to organics, don't drink sodas, don't eat a lot of fast food or red meat, etc. But I also stayed away from those 3D & 4D ultrasounds that you can now get at the strip malls because they have not been proved to be safe ... that's just me, though.

I ate some deli meat, but I didn't realize it was on the naughty list. Tuna is actually good for you while pregnant, just to eat in small doses. I drank a Dr. Pepper maybe once a week. I highlighted my hair, but kept color off of my scalp.

Other than that, I kept the rules, no hot tub, no coffee, no alcohol, no soft cheeses, no alfalfa sprouts, kept my sodium intake down (though I still swelled like a watermelon)... People may feel like these rules are ridiculous and oppressive, but the infant mortality rate is better now than it used to be. If you do your research, babies and mothers died regularly not that long ago, so these precautions and medical advances with prenatal care are very important.

Also, my friend's child had fetal alcohol syndrome and was very ill from it, the mother didn't drink very often at all.

ROFL... My best friend (30 years older than I) was joking when I was pregnant that someday they'd say not to drink soda or coffee when pregnant... when I was stressing out about smoking, even though my OB & nurse midwife specifically banned me from NOT smoking because each time I quit completely I nearly miscarried. (That "rule" about soda/coffee wasn't out yet, nor was lunchmeat/cheese.) That the sheer list of "lets make pregnant women miserable" just kept growing and growing. Of course a generation ago people were telling pregnant women not to bathe, and 2 generations ago not to bathe or have sex. ((I both bathed AND had sex))

But going off of no-no's for today:

- I drank at least 2 litres of Mountian Dew a day.

- I smoked in moderation (per doctor's orders)- if it may my son weigh less, thank GOODNESS, as he was 10lbs and 23.5 inches at birth.

- I ate at least 2 sandwiches a day

- I ate tons of cheese; soft, hard, whatever. Of course, all my cheese has been pasteurized.

- Slept how I was comfy. (well, relatively)

- Ate sushi/sashimi every friday

- didn't take prenatals (they gave me migraines). OB / nurse midwife knew... and recommended that a- I try and get all of my vitamins from food sources anyway, and b- that flintstones kids vitamins a couple times a day were a great additive.

- I took cold medicine after ending up in the ER with pneumonia caused by post nasal drip (yucky, I know). Docs (again, my OB & nurse midwife) said that my sinus chronic sinus infections (at least 1 a month) posed more risk via the pneumonia than taking a half or full dose of sudafed (pseudoephedrine hcl) when they started.

- My steaks always moo.

I had a small glass of red wine more than once, my Dr actually said it was okay it helps calm your first time mom nerves. I quit smoking, I stayed away from cats, cooled down the hot tub to 100 degrees. I ate what I wanted I didnt take anything but tylenol for a headache, drank a cup of coffee a day. I heard all the old maids tales and all the " scientific facts" and ignored almost all of them I figured if babies from the 60's and 70's survived I could do much more harm that that right.

The first 3 months is the important time to avoid those things...due to the development of the embryo.

I just avoided all those things, during my pregnancies.

I followed the rules...never smoked so that wasn't an issue. Didn't drink during pregnancy (did have a few while nursing although!). Cut out lunch meat, tuna, soft cheese. I eat my steak medium anyway. I didn't know about staying away from peanut butter so I didn't, but after my first son was born I developed an allergy to peanuts so I didn't have any with my second. I very rarely had caffeine (a pepsi), no coffee or mochas. I tried my best to sleep on my left side. My hubby would even prop pillows up against my back to help keep me that way. I always woke up laying flat on my back snoring like a banchee :)
So......I tried to follow all the rules and I ended up with severe Toxemia and they had to take my son via emergency c-section 5 weeks early and he was 7 lbs. 8oz. and never had to go to NICU.
I wasn't as "strict" with my second. I ate lunch meat and had a few sips of wine. And he came 2 weeks early and was 8 lbs. 14 oz. and
You just never know :) do your best and let God handle the rest!

I figured going without a few things for nine months was a small price to pay for a healthy baby.

The only 'rule' I broke was I went back to having a cup of coffe in the morning with my third when I was 7 months pregnant after my doctor okayed it. My oldest was starting preschool and I *needed* that little boost to help get 3 of us out the door by 8am!

The only thing I did not do was drink alchohol, or drink caffine.. I could no longer sleep on my stomach, it made me nauseos.. but I wore heels, flew the week of the deiivery, lifter, carried, drove. Never smoked anyway.. so did not start..

I had morning sickness even the morning of my delivery, but when I could eat, I ate, what sounded good. Steaks, seafood, sandwiches, cheeses, veggies, What ever I wanted..

Daughter was born with 1 head and a brain so we were thrilled with the results.. Like anything moderation is what you want.

I Did what I wanted - to a degree :-) I had my med iced latte Every morning w/ a blue berry muffin. Dr said said that was safe and why stop drinking it. I had my monthly glass of Wine. The occasion sip of DH Bud Light ( was craving that for some odd reason, Normally I'm a SA girl! lol) Tuna weekly, PB daily-right out of the jar. Had my steaks Med w/ loaded baked potatoes YUM! Slept on my Back most of the time. Ate spinach and artichoke dip like crazy oh and also ate Blue Cheese Dip w/ my Spicy Buffalo fingers! I had the BEST pregnancy and honestly have never felt that comfortable in my own skin.... Now's another story! LOL next time I'm going to really Watch my weight gain ;-) That darn eggnog all winter long.......

I didn't even read the other posts, but YOU made me giggle ;) Sounds like you're doing just fine. The occasional beer or glass of wine isn't terrible (in fact, red wine is good for your heart, and if you're breastfeeding, beer helps you relax and helps bring your milk in). Soft cheeses are okay as long as they are PASTURIZED!! If not, you risk getting... ACK! Can't think of it, starts with an 'L'... listyeria!! just remembered...tuna is okay in moderation, you just don't want to up your mercury levels (if you've never had mercury poisoning, then you're probably doing okay). Meats, as long as they're cooked to temp, should be okay. Caffiene... well, I tried to trick myself, I bought 'lite coffee' (aka 1/2 caff)... and after a week of being super dragon lady, I switched back. I even had the occasional cigarette (gasp!) because I get such serious anxiety when I'm prego and I can't take normal anxiety meds. I was even so desperate when I had the H1N1 flu during my 3rd pregnancy, I took Mucinex DM so I could sleep! As far as sleeping on your back, you won't be comfortable doing that much longer ;) I believe that everything that you would normally do/eat/drink is okay in moderation when you're preggers... otherwise we would all hate pregnancy and go completely mad!! I dyed my hair and whitened my teeth (both OTC) when I was pregnant. I went to a Social Distortion concert (got super special seating outside of the smokey mosh pit, away from speakers, and had the BEST VIEW!!)... life doesn't have to stop just because you're prego. Rock that belly ;)

Giving up sushi while I was pregnant was probably the worst for me!!! I also gave up drinking pop with caffine, not so hard since you can get pop without caffine. I did have an occasional glass of wine. My cousin got married when I was seven months along, and I have one glass at wine at the toast. I may have had wine one or two other times during my pregnancy. My doctor told me I could have a glass after my first trimester.

Didn't - ride my bike or go water skiing... skipped a daily diet coke (but drank coffee) and only had the teeniest tiniest sips of wine in the last few weeks of each of my 3 pregnancies. I skipped tuna, but ate deli meat on occasion. I skipped soft cheeses mostly, but really can't live without some feta every once and awhile ;)

My doc told me that you should sleep however you are comfortable so I went with that.

J.

I don't drink, so that was never an issue. I had never heard that you were not supposed to eat deli meat or cheese, I know I ate plenty of it. I did have sushi although I know they say not too, we were living in Okinawa and it was really fresh. I drank soda, dyed my hair, and ate junk food. The worse thing I did was smoke, that is one hard habit to drop cold turkey! My boys are perfect, healthy, and smart.

I tried to do everything, but did do some caffienated drinks.
As for the acrylic nails--do not have them with a newborn. Nurses have been banned from wearing those in nurseries because it is impossible to wash the germs off of them and some babies have died.

I followed pretty much all of the rules because, better safe than sorry, right? It's only for 9 months anyway. You actually can eat deli meat if you cook it first. You can also eat tuna fish in moderate amounts if you don't eat too much.

I really would follow the no drinking restriction while pregnant if you have to choose one to follow.

My doctor was very honest with me and told me basically everything was okay. She was all for coffee, as long as I brought her some. She let me keep my acrylic nails on and dye my hair. As long as it didnt bother me, it was okay for the baby, was her philosophy.

I am not much of a rule follower to begin with, so I usually break several while pregnant...I don't drink or smoke ever and hate fish so those are easy to keep...
I like my fried eggs (cooked in bacon grease) to have a soft/runny yoke
I always eat my steaks a little pink
Coke is my best friend when pregnant
Love deli sandwiches and I often crave them when pregnant
Prenatal vitamins make me sick so I take my usual one a day vitamin
...and I am sure there are more - I have two healthy boys and #3 will be here in a few weeks.

I exercised the way I am used to (including running and keeping my heart rate WELL over 140 bpm for like 45 min to an hour at a time) and lifted heavy weights (including bench pressing 75-105 lbs, etc). Laid on my back for napping and sleeping past 1st trimester. Drank diet sodas with those bad for everyone artificial sweetners. Ate peanuts (despite baby #1 having a peanut allergy...baby #2 doesnt and baby #3 is on the way -- treated them all the same). I used Affrin when I got influenza while prego with #2 and when prego with #1 so I could enjoy my birthday dinner out while sick....currently thinking about it with #3. I think that is about it. I microwave my lunch meat, avoid hot dogs, do not drink while pregnant (not a big drinker anyway), avoid soft cheeses in general because I don't care for them, etc.

I didn't have any alcohol after I found out I was pregnant. But, I never quit caffeine - still had my diet coke everyday. I did drink a lot more water than I ever did before though. I never heard that you couldn't eat deli meat until after I had my baby... I ate a turkey club sandwich from Jimmy Johns at least once a week for most of my pregnancy! (It was our favorite place to order from at work). I only ate pastuerized cheeses. I slept however I was most comfortable. I tried not to take any medications, except rolaids for the heartburn. I don't like tuna or sushi, so that wasn't a problem for me. Also never heard of needing steaks to be well done, always order mine medium. I think we're all as careful as we can be, but everyone has a vice and if the "experts" give any leeway on it then we take it and run with it! A happy, healthy pregnancy starts with a happy, healthy momma after all!

I tried to play it safe - no drinking, no sushi, meat only well done. I CRAVED turkey sandwiches but I didn't let myself have any. I often told my husband the first thing I would eat once I had the baby was eat a smoked turkey sandwich from subway. haha. The only thing I was a little lax on was caffeine. My dr repeatedly said a little was okay so I had a little bit of diet coke and coffee now and again (though not as much as I normally do).

I quit smoking and drinking, that was it. Had a beer and a cigarette the minute I got home after delivering...

I lived on deli meat and cheese when I was pregnant. Also didn't avoid soda (in moderation) or medium rare meat. I distinctly remember drinking half of a beer with my first in order to not alert people to the fact that I was pregnant (until I told my parents first.) Fish was avoided, but only because I don't like it. Oh, and I slept any way I possibly could get comfortable. My children are perfectly healthy :)

I had the occasional tuna sandwich. I didn't know about the deli-meat rule for my first pregnancy, and even though I'm vegetarian, I CRAVED deli turkey, and so I ate it. However, after doing the research, I decided it wasn't worth the risk for my second pregnancy. I eat soft cheeses, but only if they are pasteurized. I'm actually a lot more worried about the chemicals in foods (organic vs. non) and in my toiletries than what foods I eat.

My favorite food while pregnant with my first was Blimpie deli sandwiches! Course that was 25 years ago. All this changes ALL the time! How do you think they survived years ago without a DR. to tell them what to do....they didn't even live close to a DR! Do what feels right for you!

when i was pregnant with my first i turned 21, i had a glass of red wine, also i did not know i was pregnant for the first three mnths, and i was smoking (not that i really meant to break the rules). When i was pregnant with my second A few years aback, most of my friends were into homebrewing and every time they would mature a batch i would have a 2 sips of their beer to try it (not bad i know im just mentioning) With my second pregnancy i did not take it easy. I moved from my old house to my current one during thattime, i know i lifted things that were too heavy, and i climbed ladders to paint. Asa far as breaking eating rules, no never. I dotn eat meat anyway so most of those rules didnt apply to my diet anyway.

I drank Coke - I was really craving it, even though it has the caffeine. I didn't do much coffee, but more so because it upset my stomach.

I ate deli turkey sandwiches and got my hair colored. I stayed away from sushi, which was really hard!

With 1 month left to go, I had one Mike's Hard Lemonade - I was really missing it and I figured at that point, it wasn't going to mess the baby up in any way.

i guess i was a poster child of things not to do. lets see i-

slept on my back
slept on my stomach
constantly was lifting 50lbs or more at work
didnt take prenatals (was soo sick for the first 4 months i stopped) but told my dr i was taking them.. (daughter was 8lb 15oz lol)
ate my steak rare to med. rare
ate deli meat and cheese
i drank coffee and energy drinks when i tried to get her to move for ultrasounds.
i did sit in a hot tub but only enough for the bottom of my belly was in the water and when i felt i was getting too hot i got out (it made my severe siatica feel better)
i did not gorge myself on food

i didnt not drink any alcohol since i dont really drink as is. also i didnt smoke since i dont smoke at all.

I followed all the rules with both pregnancies and would do it again if I had a third. I didn't want to take a chance--it just wasn't worth it to me. I never really drank alcohol in the first place, and I can't stand coffee. Deli meats are bad regardless because of all the chemical preservatives, and I'm allergic to dairy anyway--so the cheese was out. I don' eat a lot of tuna because I don't want the mercury in me, let alone my unborn child. And anything that even looks like blood is disgusting to me, so I always ate meat well done. So for me it wasn't so different being pregnant because I'm an organic eating, natural medicine kinda girl regardless.
That said, all I would say is most pregnancies end in normal, healthy children. If your doesn't, will you blame yourself? If so, then follow the rules. If not, then I think your good.
J.

No one ever told me not to eat deli meats! LOL! The soft cheese one I remember from my last pregnancy but not the first. I don't eat much soft cheese anyway though, so I'm not sure if I did or didn't.

I stayed away from the more mercury laden fish and tried to eat my meat...overcooked. With my first, I CRAVED beer (like mad!), so I'd pour a thimbleful of beer in a glass and fill it with tomato juice and drink that. I got really bad colds during both healthy pregnancies and had a few weak toddies.

It's funny writing this, because I rarely ever drink alcohol AT ALL, pregnant or no, and my idea of weak is WEAK (like a few drops), but yeh I had those few drops.

For both healthy pregnancies I had a STRONG aversion to coffee in the 1st trimester but wanted it after that. The doctor said a limited amount was OK. Thank goodness!

I ate nuts, strawberries, and peanuts if I wanted. The docs never told me not to, and I don't think avoiding those really does anything. I just don't think the data are going to play out on that.

I did sleep on my side, but I think it was the wrong one! LOL! I did take it pretty easy phsyically both times.

If all of these things were so important, almost everyone in my generation (I am 45) would be non-functional. My Mom didn't smoke or drink...but many did (and my Dad smoked like a chimney). And I know there weren't any food/how to sleep right rules back then.

Oh yeh - I didn't take HOT baths, which I love.

Edited to add:

Oh yeh, and I went over "the rules" with my doctor and pretty much got the OK on EVERYTHING I did. What the doctors advise and what many other women think you should be doing aren't quite the same list. The doctor's list is much less severe!

I did not drink alcohol or caffeine at all during my pregnancy. Usually only water and crystal light. I only ate 6 oz of tuna or fish a week, as reccomended. My first pregnancy I did not eat lunch meat with my second I craved it in the end...I ate Jimmy Johns at least twice a week...with meats I would cook them well or order them well if you don't know where the meat has come from. We had home raised beef...Soft cheese are ok as long as they are pasturized.

as for the alcohol my sister would occasionally drink and O'Douls while pregnant. I would have never done this.

The way I look at it you are growing a little child and I wanted them to be as healthy as possible so I was willing to do whatever it took.

well for me I feel like these rules are given to us for a reason and it is up to us as mothers to try our hardest to follow them in order to give are babies the best start to life as possible. With that said no one is perfect and I for sure am not either. I never drank or smoked with any of my pregnancy's (i'm on my 3rd pregnancy right now) Never drank coffee and limited my soda intake to once in a while. Stayed away from fish but did have some tuna with pregnancy #1 but like once a week if that. Same with lunch meats too. I didn't go the whole 9 months without it but I could probably say no more than 10 times the entire pregnancy. And as for steak.....don't really eat it unless it is is cooked to medium or medium well.

HA! I drank coffee, soda, ate deli meat, drank tap water, slept anyway I was comfortable, lifted heavy things, ate cookie dough, drank a glass or two of wine about once a month....basically everything "they" (whoever they are) tell you not to do. I even smoked a little with my first pregnancy. My kids are fine. :)

Well, here's the thing.... if something should turn out to be wrong with a child, a mom is going to go out of her mind wondering if it's something she did, and it's just not worth it. I was tending toward laxity with my pregnancy with my second child, and one day I just couldn't resist jumping on a trampoline. It's the only thing I can think of that could possibly be stepping out of bounds.

My child turned out to have sensory integration dysfunction. She's developmentally delayed and has learning disabilities. What are the chances that my few minutes jumping on a trampoline caused that? I have no idea. But I'd give anything to go back and choose that activity differently just to know for sure that my child's struggle, and the tens of thousands of dollars we've had to spend on special care for her are not my fault.

I pray that you have a healthy pregnancy and healthy child, but if there turns out to be a problem, I can assure you, you will wish you had played by the rules.

I am so glad to see someone l else ask this question, lol, I am ten weeks pregnant with my 2nd and she is 8 yrs old & the list changed SO much Lunchmeat eggs seafood my goodness I have almost completly stoped smoking the occasional drag off the hubby s when I get way stressed... My aunt who has carried 6 children) told me to NEVER eat peanut butter?? But told me the nutrients from 6 oz of beer could be very benificial, So reading all these remarks have been inlightening to say the least, The coffee intake was the worst for me I would drink 4 cups at least!!! I have cut back but not cut out. I do believe that there are things on this growing list that are there just to make us that more miserable.... I wish u the very best...

You were probably reading my post about drinking while pregnant. Before I start on my list of things. I do highly reccommend that you start taking Fish Oil softgels. My doc reccommend it because it helps the baby's brain development and could even make your baby smarter! :)
Okay so here's my list of things that I have been doing:
I love, love, love tuna fish. My personal fave is tuna in oil by Chicken of The Sea. I love it so much I eat a can a week straight out of the can. (Alot of boo-hooer's are probably rolling their eyes at me, but I personally do not care.)
I just recently started having a glass of wine a week. I had one for Christmas and I will have one for New Year's Eve.
I love my queso fresco and blue cheese! All types of cheese for that matter actually!
I drink an occassional glass of Cherry Coke, Cherry Pepsi or Root Beer.
I let myself sleep on my back for no more than 30 minutes each night. I always wake up and proceed to move on to my side and alternate my sides throughout the night.
Go ahead and do what you think is best for your baby and you. Tap into that womanly intuition of yours and let it guide you! By the way, all my prenatal tests came back negative for retardation, diabetes, trisomy, etc....I send you good vibes my dear. Take care! ;)

I had sushi. I craved it so bad. I went to childbirth class and we were discussing the why's of all the food restrictions. The doctor said, eating certain foods for normal healthy people can be harmful. These foods are in a high risk category to begin with. Now that you are pregnant, if you ingest these foods and they happen to be contaminated, you run the risk of getting sick which could cause a miscarriage. But, that isn't to say that if you have some tuna, or some soft cheese with your crackers that it is harmful to your health. It is potentially harmful to everyone, anyone can get food poisoning. As long as you go to a reputable restaurant and eat the food you would normally eat, you should be fine. When class ended, my husband and I went straight to our sushi restaurant. Boy, did I get some looks. I didn't get food poisoning, salmonella, E. coli, or botulism. My 5 year old is happy and healthy, and she loves to eat fish. Go figure.

The prohibition against deli meats is due to the risk of Listeriosis, a food borne infectious disease. You can cook the meat and it should be ok. Since I don't like deli meats and never ate them before, wasn't an issue for me. But I would google the incidence of Listeriosis before ignoring that one. I think the prohibition on soft cheeses is just for unpasteurized ones - Listeria again. The issue with tuna is mercury and that the mercury content of a can of tuna can be vastly different from can to can. How much tuna do you eat? If it's everyday, I would think about it. If it's once a month - probably not an issue. I don't know what the issue with steak or sushi is. I don't know that they are any riskier when pregnant than when not (I eat both rare meat and raw fish). The risk of E. coli infection with hemolytic uremic syndrome (severe disease) is real for young children.

I weighed the risks of harm to my growing baby for my want.
If I got food poisoning, my baby could die.
If I went skiing and fell, my baby could die.
If I took a sip of wine for communion once/week, my baby probably will not get fetal alcohol syndrome. (Though I even got the dirty looks for that.)

Sushi dinner was the first thing my husband and I did for ourselves after Parker was born.

That was my comfort level. You decide yours.
But keep in mind that it's nine months, not your whole life.

I did not add salt to any food.
I did not eat tuna fish

I did eat turkey breast w/ provolone cheese sandwiches practically every week.

I ate beef in moderation.
I craved anything with a tomato base, and didn't get heartburn from it.

I don't drink.
I don't smoke.

Sushi was my downfall with both as I love it and would crave it soooo much and would have to cave once in a while. I did try to stick with the cooked/fried stuff. Also with my second I had one cup of coffee a day as being pregnant with a toddler I found necessary.

I doubt it lol. I wasn't able to do alot of that because (having twins) I had horrible morning sickness that lasted all through my first trimester...and was unable to even talk about certain foods throughout the rest of my pregnancy.

For the most part, I stayed par to the course. I did smoke until I was about 6 months along (something I don't endorse and still have horrible guilt about) but I had cut back severely until it was just a few a day.

Lets see....Couldn't sleep on my back...I ate plenty of deli meat without heating it first, ate 1 1/2 - 2xs the amount of tuna I was allowed to eat..never drank (except for a sip here and there of wine to taste it)...couldn't eat meat unless it was COMPLETELY cooked...I ate soft cheeses all the time...because I didn't know they don't like you too...

I'd say that the medical industry is highly paranoid. Look at how things were 30 years ago. Mom's didn't worry about BPA...or not heating food all the way...or anything like that..

But don't go crazy lol...I have heard that its perfectly fine..and even healthy to have a glass of wine (possibly two a week)..and I doubt you have to be truly stringent. I have seen some people do baaaaad things during their pregnancies and the baby was just fine...but take that particular nugget of wisdom with a grain of salt lol.

MOst of the no-no's are just extreme caution. For example, sleeping on your back once in a while is probably ok, but it does put pressure on certain blood vessels feeding the baby. Some caffeine isn't going to hurt baby, but a lot on a regular basis might. Meat and fish are, in general, okay, but the baby is more sensitive to nitrites used as preservatives and mercury in some fish. (I'm sure I broke some of these "rules" with my pregnancies)

However, there are a couple of really important ones:
Alcohol has been conclusively linked to physical malformations and mental retardation (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or FAS). However, there is no clear link on how much can affect the baby (some moms drink a lot and babies seem fine, others only drink a bit and babies have more serious issues). So it's really best to completely avoid alcohol. Don't stress about what you've already drank, but please don't drink any more.
Cigarettes have also been conclusively linked to low birthweight, premature birth, and other issues. You didn't mention smoking, so it's probably not an issues, but just so you're aware. Nicotine in any form is baby for developing baby, but it's probably better to be using a cessation aid than smoking (talk to doctor if this applies!)
Some other medications/drug (legal and illegal) are also very dangerous. Tylenol, sudafed, and benedril are generally safe, but always ask the doc before taking anything else. Depending on the stage of development of the fetus, even small amounts of some drugs can be dangerous. And of course, illegal drugs are very bad -- but I'm sure you're not asking about that.

I asked about a ton of those "dos and don't" and found the actuals of them to be nowhere near what it's made out to be. I've had cats since long before I had kids. We had 2 cats while pregnant with #1&2 and if I didn't clean the box out it never got done. When I was pregnant with #3 we had 5 cats, the 2 from before and 3(mama and her 2 kittens) we saved off the streets a month before I got pregnant. My oldest cat was sick and dying. Again, if I did not clean the boxes they did not get done. I was also cleaning accidents from the elderly sick cat, giving him medicine, giving everyone flea meds and everything. I was told I could! So long as I was not, as the nurse put it "taking cat poo out of the cat box and putting it in my mouth" I was fine. I would not touch my face or any other part of my body until I washed my hands with soap and water after I was done. That's all you need to do.
I drank coffee when it didn't make me nauseous. It's really good for my migraines. I never drank a ton of cups a day as it was so I didn't have to do the big whole cutting back.
I hit a point where the one thing I could keep down no matter what was turkey, avocado & bacon sandwiches from Submarina-had to be from there. My midwife knew and never told me I needed to be heating the meat so I didn't. Not sure I could have eaten it if the meat was hot.
With #2 & 3 I didn't take a single pre-natal vitamin and stopped taking them early in my pregnancy with #1. They made me so sick that I was having a full body shut down. My body could not digest them. I had never taken vitamins before I got pregnant. I eat good foods that have what I need. Midwife knew and we were good. I was coming in healthy, baby was growing healthy so we were all good.
I was often carrying my first son in the sling while pregnant with my second. He was 2 when I got pregnant. Never bothered me. I was told with the whole carrying/lifting/etc..if you were doing it before you got pregnant and you don't hurt when you do it than you are good. Same rules for exercise.
I am not a big alcohol drinker even when not pregnant. Just don't like it much. That said I remember having a small glass once or twice of a really good wine.
I slept however I was comfortable. Back sleeping wasn't very comfortable but I'd find myself that way sometimes to stretch out.
I never took anything to extremes of panic. I have 3 healthy happy children. It's easier for a doctor to avoid a law suit by saying emphatically NO then have someone misinterpret the "in moderation" rules and have problems.

With number one I didn't take my pre-natals (couldn't keep them down) I lived on ham and cheese sandwiches with mustard, honestly I would have 3 a day the whole pregnancy. If it wasn't that it was steak, that was pretty big too. I had a nice cold beer on my 21st Birthday when I was 6 months pregnant and had a glass of wine with my husband New Years eve, I was 9 months then and ready to pop!

With number 2 I lived on the white cheese dip you get at Mexican resturants, apparently it's not pasteurized. I shoveled the snow regularly, scooped the kitty litter, and took a extra hot bubble bath every night. Painted her room 8 months pregnant, put together her crib by myself.

I drank Root-Beer with both, the caffeine free kind, and colored my hair too. I don't like fish so that wasn't an issue.

I did not drink coffee, smoke, drink alcohol ... other than that I can not think of anything else.

I had a classically BAD pregnancy -- everything that could go wrong, went wrong. I threw up vitamins, was on majors mediation to keep some minimal food and liquid down, no exercise, severe anemia (needed blood transfusions), diabetes, gained no weight, had gallbladder and pancreatic emergency issues. The point being, that if I was lucky enough to be able to "decide" whether to take a chance on having a beer, my whole pg would have been in a different realm (and by the by I could not drink alcohol or caffeine -- made me vomit). So, maybe I am saying it is all relative, and all my babies, who were very high risk, turned out just fine despite all the things a "normal" pregnant woman would not have done. I did what I did to survive the pg and make sure I maximized the chances that both I am the baby would come out alive. Whatever your circumstances, that is what I think you should do -- whatever that entails.

I followed all the rules from day one with all my pregnancies since I am prone to miscarriages (4 miscarriages, two healthy live births) - I don't need it hanging over my head that ANYTHING I might have done could have caused that loss.

I drank a wine or beer about once a month. I ate sushi from a very reputable sushi restaurant once a week (in the US where all sushi is flash-frozen before it is served). I ate soft cheese as long as it was pasteurized (I actually found it difficult to find unpasteurized cheese at most stores, which is what is warned against). I did NOT eat deli meat (not a fan anyway). I drank about 8 ounces of coffee a day. I ate TONS of leafy greens, protein, and iron!

I didn't believe any of the warnings at face value and did the research myself. If I decide to have another baby, I won't be doing anything differently the second time around.

Good for you!! I ate deli meat when I wanted it, I drank my coffee daily, although I did drink it half caf bc I liked to have tea and soda sometimes as well :D I ate fish a couple times per week. My second pregnancy I had some soft cheese miraculously my baby is perfect!! I read a book called Fearless Pregnancy written by a doctor, a midwife and a mother. So enlightening! I had a much happier pregnancy after reading that! Oh I always slept on my right side or just propped one side up a little with a pillow bc I had a bad hip on the left, babies did great! I think you would enjoy that book if you can get your hands on it, I sure did! Congrats on your new little one :D

I followed that endless list of what to eat and drink with my first pregnancy. By the time I got to my 4th pregnancy, I really needed that coffee in the morning to homeschool my kids. I also enjoyed red wine during my 3rd trimester. I ate what I wanted, because I had a severe form of morning sickness all the way up to 6 months. Once my body was able to eat, I ate whatever I wanted
Oddly enough I did everything right with my first pregnancy and my child has autism. I did everything right with my 2nd and she is healthy. I drank coffee and ate what I wanted with my 3rd and she also has autism. With my 4th I ate and drank what I wanted and she is completely healthy.

Here are the no nos I have done.

- With my 4th baby I slept on my back until I was too big and it hurt (doc said it is more for my sake than the baby, just sit up for a few before you get out of bed so you don't pass out)

- Again with the 4th I have one coke per day and had deli meat (doc said to not have the meat at the deli counter only out of a package, he said in the deli it sits out too long, same with raw spinach, get fresh not packaged)

- With my 3rd I had wine here and there and deli meat

- With my 2nd I ate tuna steak, and my steaks medium rare

- With my 1st I was perfect and cut out EVERYTHING!

In short, just be somewhat careful, you would really regret it if something went wrong as a result but don't freak over every little thing either.

Good luck to you!

I tried to follow most of the doc recommendations. I am not a smoker or heavy drinker don't eat sandwiches cheese or fish too often. I took Tylenol for pain cold meds and Zantac. I did clean cat litter boxes but made sure I did it every day (my vet said the nasty stuff comes about after a few days) and washed my hands each time. With my first I didn't drink caffiene but I didn't before. I did drink more than average for we before I knew I was pregnant with my first. My mom had just passed away and we had my FIL 70th bday bash. I did have a coffee every day with 2nd and a few beers. I probably lifted too much with both of them. I am not the kind of person to ask for help even when I should. I helped my employer pack our office so he could move in my 9th month. Both my boys are just fine.

I drank coffee my whole pregnancy! Still, since I was used to a giant coffee every morning - I went half-caf. ;)