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Newly Vegan and trying to get pregnant
Started
by Chrissie Nichols
on January 6, 2013
I became a vegetarian after reading Skinny Bitch in April 2012. I have had many gastrointestinal issues this last year. First with gall bladder issues (to which it was removed) and second with my appendix (which lead to an appendectomy). After my appendectomy I decided to throw dairy out the door as well as I am assuming it was part of the cause of my inflammation and issues. I've been an avid follower of Alicia's site since I became a vegetarian. And now that I'm heading towards a vegan lifestyle and trying to get pregnant I have a lot of questions. I have heard several people gasp at the thought of me carrying a child with this dietary lifestyle and also raising a child as a vegan. I've heard people say "children can't absorb vegetable protein as well as animal protein" that "vegan diets are dangerous for children". It freaks me out to be quite honest because the thought of eating meat or dairy and contributing to the horrifying epidemic of torturehouses we get our meat and dairy products from makes me nauseous. Any tips from fellow vegan eaters, advice or input on vegan pregnancy?
I would also like to know more info about that too. I am also newly vegan and want to have a vegan pregnancy (not pregnant yet)
Hi Chrissie and Alexia,
Per Alicia's recommendation, I just ordered and started reading "Your Vegetarian Pregnancy" by Dr. Holly Roberts. It discusses vegan pregnancy issues as well. I would highly recommend it! It has answered many of my questions.
Firstly you'll get pregnant it just takes a little time. Whilst you're trying be sure to eat lots - up your calorie intake and start taking a folic acid supplement. I also took vitamin b12. When pregnant eat a ton and if you crave something a bit naughty, it's ok just go ahead. Ignore what people say. My mom used to drink coke and eat steak throughout her pregnancy - not entirely healthy shall we say and I was fine. Some women are super sick throughout and rarely eat or eat unhealthily, veganism is totally as just mark sure you get enough calories over day.
I am 6 months pregnant and about 95% vegan.
These are typical thoughts and feelings you and your friends and family may get when you decide you want to conceive. My family was concerned as well. It's just a cultural thing. Once they saw me feeling good and gaining weight normally (I've gained 25 pounds so far!) it's become totally normal to all of us. A good book is the Everything Vegan Pregnancy and there are some new books out there too. There are many sources of information on nutrition but realistically, I think most women eat what feels right to them and it depends on their cravings and aversions. So, I started out wanting to have this perfect diet but in the first trimester especially you may want certain things and not other things. For example I usually eat a lot of vegetables, onions and garlic but in my first tri all I wanted was bland things and fruit. I think it's all ok if you do your best and take a prenatal with B12 in it. As I near my third trimester, I am trying to pay more attention to getting more protein and liquids in this stage. You can do it!
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