5 Survival Strategies for a Pregnant Thanksgiving

Being Pregnant

Rounding into the thirteenth week of pregnancy, I sat crammed in the back of a Subaru clutching my little bag of dry snacks and a bottle of seltzer. A chill crept in from the edges of the car window. It was Thanksgiving Day 2003 and I was heading upstate for the big family feast.

On most Thanksgivings I would either host or bake and bring at least two pies, a couple of sides and a heavy pot of stuffing. This year I had a farmer's market pumpkin pie carefully lodged in the trunk. I couldn't imagine eating turkey, and my stomach turned at the thought of warbling cranberry sauce in a bowl. How was I going to make it through the day?

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Since that Thanksgiving, I have been through many holidays in various states of pregnancy, nursing and even labor (my second was due on Christmas Day). And I've learned a little bit about how to manage these traditions without being too much of a whiner or Bah Humbugger.

Since we're all heading straight into the storm that is The Holiday Season, I'd like to impart a little of my hard-earned wisdom:

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1. Nap when the old people nap.

There are people all across the country passed out in front of football games, or just snoring in arm chairs with the sounds of dishes clinking in the distance. You should not be the dish clinker in this scenario.

2. Outsource.

Get the pie from the store. Buy a packet of gravy. You can go upscale or not. Make jokes about it. You'll be forgiven.

3. Embrace the POT LUCK motif this holiday was built on.

If you have to host, ask people to bring things. Seriously. Thanksgiving is about offerings not catering.

4. Get air.

These holidays can involve way too many hours in overheated homes. Whatever stage you are in pregnancy, get out for a walk already.

5. Put on your emo pregnancy armor.

For every lovely comforting association this family holiday brings, there's a tense family dynamic triggered. When you're pregnant, your increased sensitivity, and perhaps lack of self-medicating options, may make you extra aware family insanity. Go in prepared to deflect unsolicited advice and judgment.

For more tips for surviving the holidays when you're pregnant, visit Babble.

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