Sure, it may be the season to be jolly but, if you're pregnant at Christmastime, you know there are certain pleasures and indulgences that will need to wait until next year. Both of my babies were carried through a Christmas holiday, so I am no stranger to this topic. I was only in my first trimester and sick practically every day during my first pregnancy, so I didn’t feel up to the usual excess of Christmas. I had morning, oops, I mean all-day sickness, fatigue and several different food aversions. Even my favorite foods had become my enemies that year. Not only that, but I had two parties to go to: my office holiday party and my aunt’s annual family get-together.
If you work outside the home, as I did, I’m sure you’re going to be invited to your office Christmas party too. Although many of these parties are only quiet lunches with a glass of wine, many more are extravagant evening shindigs with open bars and lots of free alcohol. Over the years, I’ve been to many of the latter. In either case, you probably won’t be able to let go in quite the same way as previous years due to your special condition.
For example, over the Christmas holiday season of 2005, I was in the initial stages of my first pregnancy. Because I was only a month into the first trimester, I was just not ready to tell any of my colleagues by the time our holiday party occurred. So, I didn’t. Thankfully, there was no alcohol involved at the party. I got off easy. But, for most mamas-to-be, it may not be that easy to keep your burgeoning condition under wraps. Saying no to any drinks might be a dead giveaway for you, especially if you’re a crazy party gal at most parties. But, if you play it wisely, there’s a good chance your special news can stay private for a few more months. Then again, you might be further along and everyone already knows before the party occurs. If this is the case, just be careful at your office party about what you divulge. If coworkers and management are used to talking openly in such a relaxed forum, you may be asked questions about your maternity plans that you don’t wish to discuss yet. I know I didn’t mind the innocent questions, such as, “have you picked out a name yet?” or “do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?” However, it’s quite possible that someone may drink too much and think your condition is fodder for a more sensitive line of questioning. Believe me, it happens.
My advice? Make sure you are clear with yourself about what you want to reveal and what you don't. Or, in other words, know what you want to say (or not say) ahead of time. That way, if your boss or supervisor casually asks whether you intend to come back to work after the baby is born, you don't feel obligated to give a strict answer either way. If you plan ahead for a question like that, you’ll know how to diffuse it. I’d recommend that you keep your post baby plans to yourself at the party, unless you’ve openly talked to H.R. about it ahead of time. A Christmas party is just not the place to be talking about these sensitive issues. Be sure to talk to your boss and to H.R. at the office, not the party.
Lastly, and certainly not least, be sure you’re aware of what you can eat and what you can't before you go to any parties. If you’re far enough along and people already know, perhaps you can talk to the host about what you’re allowed to eat to see if that item can be on the menu. If not, or you’re not comfortable suggesting a menu item, see if it’s acceptable to bring along your own snacks, or just eat ahead of time. Don’t forget that common indulgences such as unpasteurized cheeses and cured (rather than cooked) meats should all be off the menu for you. Check out this great link for more help on what you shouldn’t eat while pregnant: BabyCenter's Guide to Healthy Eating During Pregnancy.
And, remember, if you go to any holiday parties, be sure to keep yourself safe. Always wear your seatbelt and drive safely. If you live in a snowy state, as I do, don’t drive if a snow storm is threatening. These safe driving tips may seem obvious but sometimes we forget in the haste of the season. The party isn’t as important as your growing bundle of joy. There’s always next year’s party. Oh, and be sure to drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated, avoid smokers whenever you can (if you are a smoker, then stop!), and just have a great time with your friends and families.
Happy Holidays!
darcie [at] makemeahotmama.com
