All Bad Things

I thought I would post about all of the things I do while pregnant that would horrify other expectant moms. It's nothing crazy, people, I promise. But it is amazing to me how many things are considered bad for me just because I am pregnant. Have we not birthed hundreds of generations without all the rules outlined by "What To Expect When You Are Expecting"? I saw Mommy, Esq succumb to the pressures of perfect parenting once her twins were born. And A. was even worse with Finn. Sorry ladies, but it's true. I heard that Mommy, Esq would love to make her own organic baby food! Considering we grew up on processed food and turned out OK, if we throw in more veggies our kids will have a leg up on us.

I have remained strong and adhered to my convictions that having a baby (while life changing in many ways) is not that big of a deal. Of course I am helped by the fact that I have had zero symptoms aside from some weight gain. And of course I am still a ways away from labor. I'm sure I'll post more on that as it approaches...

So what do I do that is so bad? Read on...and feel free to be judgemental.

1. Deli meat. I bring my lunch almost every day and I do make sandwiches with deli meat. Apparently I am supposed to microwave the meat to ensure that I don't get listeria. Steaming deli meat seems wrong to me. And odds are 7 in 1,000,000 that I will get it. So this "rule" is one that I don't worry about. Yes, I did hear about the outbreak in Canada. Still not concerned.
2. Caffeine. I love my Early Grey tea and Chai Tea Lattes (with skim milk). I drink decaffeinated tea at home on the weekends but that's because I can sleep late. A pick me up in the morning at work is just what I need to get my day started. One cup of tea/caffeine a day is a must for me.
3. Exercise. It is no surprise to anyone who knows me that I hate to exercise. Give me a task with meaning and I'm all over it. Ask me to walk on a treadmill for 30 minutes and I laugh and settle on the couch with remote in hand. Yes, I know that exercise is totally safe and beneficial while pregnant and frankly Charlie would benefit from more frequent walks but repetitive actions are so boring! I do hope to shape up in this area when the baby is born. It would be great to walk the baby and Charlie at the same time. Charlie might need some additional training before that happens though.
4. Alcohol. I am not adverse to an occasional glass of wine. The "no amount of alcohol" stance undertaken by Americans is very American. Few other countries have the same stance. I avoided all alcohol during my first trimester but I'm not as stressed about it now. I am firmly against the following: regular drinking (i.e. every day), binge drinking (more than 1 drink), and hard liquor (beer or wine only).

While I am on my soapbox I would like to pat myself on the back for quitting smoking many months before getting pregnant. I'm a pretty relaxed person but I saw a 7 months pregnant woman smoking a couple of years ago and I was horrified. DH has also quit (go Chantix!) and it has been surprisingly easy. Of course, for me, it helps that I'm pregnant. Talk about a motivating factor not to slip!

I also avoid raw fish, raw eggs (for no other reason than both are gross - screw the bacteria issue!) and unpasteurized milk products. I will also avoid hot tubs and hot baths (although that makes me sad) because of body temperature issues.

What about the rest of you? What things did you make sure to stay away from? What did you indulge in?