• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

cait's plate

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • FOOD PHILOSOPHY
    • FITNESS PHILOSPHY
  • RECIPES
    • BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
    • LUNCH
    • DINNER
    • SNACKS & SIDES
    • DESSERT
    • THE BASICS
  • NUTRITION
    • INTUITIVE EATING SERIES
    • NUTRITION TOPICS
    • POPULAR DIETS
  • MEAL IDEAS
    • WORK WEEK DINNER PLANS
    • MEAL PREP
    • LUNCHBOXES
  • MOTHERHOOD
    • TODDLER FEEDING
    • PREGNANCY
    • BABY
  • FREE RESOURCES
  • NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP
  • CONTACT
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

pregnancy: 5 pregnancy ‘rules’ i’m breaking

12 · Jul 9, 2017 · Leave a Comment

5 pregnancy 'rules' i'm breaking // cait's plate

pink top: old from loft {similar here} // white jeans: old {similar here} // fitness tracker: fitbit // gold cuff: sold out {similar here} // earrings: sugarfix by baublebar // necklace: forever21 // mug: anthropologie // pink blanket: marshall’s {similar here} // bed: halston

One thing I quickly learned upon becoming pregnant is that there are a lot of well-intentioned rules that you’re supposed to follow. And while some of them are important to follow to a T, there are 5 that I regularly break.

Rule #1: Cut Back on Working Out
Things have changed significantly since the days when you were told you couldn’t work out once you became pregnant. I know some people still feel this way, but for me personally, continuing to remain physically active throughout my pregnancy has been HUGELY important. A general rule of thumb is that in most cases, if you were active before your pregnancy, you can remain active during pregnancy (obviously so long as your pregnancy is progressing well and you’ve been given the OK by your doctor). I’m definitely not doing all the same exercises at the same intensity as I was before, but pregnancy has by no means been a hindrance to my becoming inactive. From improving my mood to helping my energy level, I’ve found activity during pregnancy has done nothing but help me. What to Expect did a nice article on the benefits of exercise during pregnancy.

See this post for my favorite ways to stay active pregnancy.

Rule #2: Avoid Fish
One of the main things I learned while getting my Masters in Nutrition and RD credentials was the many benefits of fish during pregnancy. As with many rules in pregnancy, this is one where a little caution (vs. total abstinence) goes a long way. EatRight.org has a great article on the Do’s and Don’ts of Seafood During Pregnancy that I think does a great job of breaking it down.  The main concern with fish during pregnancy is methyl mercury.  You want to avoid choices that are high in methyl mercury because that’s a substance that can pass through to the baby, and the baby is not well-equipped to process large amounts of mercury.  I’ve regularly enjoyed canned light tuna, salmon and shrimp during my pregnancy so my baby can get the benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids.

Rule #3: Steer Clear of Soft Cheese
Something I’ve heard A LOT about throughout both my nutrition schooling and my pregnancy was risk of listeria.  Listeria is a bacteria that can survive even at cold temperatures and cause food poisoning. In school we covered the importance of avoiding deli meats (unless they were heated to steaming), sprouts and soft cheeses like feta, and blue cheese during pregnancy.  I do avoid deli meat, sprouts and soft cheeses whenever I’m at a restaurant.  However, when I’m at home, I enjoy the occasional soft cheese (like feta) so long as they are pasteurized or heated until bubbly if not (which will significantly decrease the risk of listeria).

Rule #4: Avoid Coffee
Ironically, about halfway into my first trimester, I gave up coffee completely. It wasn’t something I did intentionally, I just found I had less of a taste for it. However, my doctor assured me that up to 200mg of caffeine daily was perfectly safe for the baby so the moment I got a taste for it again, I started drinking it.  The way my doctor described it to me, a tall Starbucks coffee is fine.  However, when I’m making it at home and drinking out of a mug, I find it can be tricky to gauge so I brew half-caff (same with lattes).

Rule #5: Eat for Two
I think this is a common misconception during pregnancy. In school we learned that for a woman at a healthy weight before pregnancy (which I was), you need the following in terms of required added calories:

  • First Trimester: No additional calories per day
  • Second Trimester: 340 additional calories per day
  • Third Trimester: 450 additional calories per day

I found this to be pretty true for me.  For the majority of my first trimester I ate exactly the same amount of food that I did before pregnancy.  I didn’t find any big surge in my appetite and felt good eating the same way I had before.  Now in the second trimester I definitely have found the need for an additional snack or two, but other than that, my meal pattern remained fairly similar.  Of course everyone is different and has different needs, this just happened to be my experience!  It will be interesting to see what the second half of this trimester and the next brings!

Are there any pregnancy rules out there that you’ve heard of and you either absolutely stick to or just keep as a loose guide?  I’d love to hear other’s experiences!

SHOP THE LOOK:

Note: All opinions included here are my own and are by no means meant to preach to or pressure others into doing the same thing.  I find I like reading about others’ experiences so I wanted to share mine.

12

Related posts:

No related posts.

LIFE, PREGNANCY, STYLE

please note: items in these posts may contain affiliate links which simply means I earn a small amount of money if you click on them (at no additional cost to you).  this money is always re-invested in cait’s plate so I can continue to create free content to you!

Popular Posts

  • 4-ingredient green smoothie (666)
  • peanut butter and jelly waffle sandwich (359)
  • black bean, corn, sweet potato & farro bowl (with creamy avocado yogurt sauce) (204)

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

hello and welcome!

i’m cait, a registered dietitian and mom. i believe in a realistic approach to wellness. on this site you'll find easy recipes, nutrition content, motherhood tips and more! read more →

my approach to toddler feeding // cait's plate
cait's plate non-restrictive nutrition guide
free favorite recipes ebook
cait's plate newsletter sign-up
the big book of baked oatmeal // cait's plate

Footer

let’s connect on instagram!


what's a diet culture rule you've never quite unde
what's a diet culture rule you've never quite understood? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ for me it was definitely the "don't eat after 6pm" rule 🤔 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ hunger and digestion are not run by the clock. there are so many factors that can go into why we feel hungry from one moment to the next, and that feeling of hunger is always valid and should be honored, regardless of the time of day. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ similarly, there are no 'right' or 'wrong' times to eat a meal. breakfast, lunch and dinner are not bound to specific windows of time. each can be eaten whenever you & your body deem it appropriate. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ hope this reaches anyone who might need these reminders today ❤️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #antidietdietitian #mindsetmatters #allfoodsfit #edwarriors #rdchat #dietitiansofinstagram #healthateverysize #dietculturedropout #nondietdietitian #antidietculture #antidietrevolution #intuitiveeatingjourney

these greek spinach & feta turkey meatballs make f
these greek spinach & feta turkey meatballs make for a super simple weeknight meal.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I'm partial to serving them over some couscous or quinoa, slathering them in tzatziki sauce then adding some fresh cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes & pita bread.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ but you can really serve them up in whatever way you like best! done in 35 minutes and makes enough to eat for several meals 🙌🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ grab the recipe on @caitsplate (link in bio): https://caitsplate.com/greek-spinach-feta-turkey-meatballs/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatefood #caitsplate #dinnerrecipes #dinnerathome #easydinner #easymeals #thefeedfeed #f52community #huffposttaste #recipeideas

just to add a little perspective around the messag
just to add a little perspective around the messaging that’s out there telling us all how to “lose the COVID 15...”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ let's reframe the fear mongering language around weight gain during this pandemic as a sign of privilege. having enough, at a time where so many have lost so much, should be looked at as nothing but a positive.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ our bodies are meant to shift and change with different seasons of life. using food as one way to cope with hard emotions is completely common and part of a peaceful relationship with food.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ we are in unprecedented times. seeking self-comfort and care in whatever way works for you is OKAY. having gained weight during this pandemic is OKAY and not something you need to be jumping to 'fix' or 'correct.' and most importantly, it's okay to reframe comfort eating to something you can be grateful for, a coping skill you have the privilege and opportunity to enjoy, rather than berating yourself for it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ sending everyone a great big virtual hug today 🤍⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #nondietapproach #antidietdietitian #antidietculture #intuitiveeatingjourney #intuitiveeating #nondietdietitian #youareenough #youareworthy

another favorite from the archives!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
another favorite from the archives!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ this veggie sushi grain bowl takes all your favorite flavors from a veggie sushi roll and deconstructs it into an easy lunch.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ finished off with an Asian ginger vinaigrette, it will definitely be a meal you make time and time again.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ here’s what you need: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ for the grain bowl:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2 cups cooked rice⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 cup steamed shelled edamame⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2 cups carrots, peeled & cut into ribbons (you can also shredded or thinly slice them)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/2 cup cucumbers, thinly sliced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 avocado, sliced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Optional: black sesame seeds⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ for the dressing (recipe from all recipes):⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 3 cloves garlic, minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, peeled & minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 3/4 cup olive oil⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/3 cup soy sauce⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 3 tablespoons honey⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/3 cup rice vinegar⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/4 cup water⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ full recipe details on @caitsplate (link in profile): https://caitsplate.com/veggie-sushi-grain-bowl/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatefood #caitsplate #vegetarianrecipe #vegetarianeats #vegetarianlunch #huffposttaste #thefeedfeed #f52community #lunchtoday

a few monday morning reminders for anyone who need
a few monday morning reminders for anyone who needs them! ❤️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #antidiet #intuitiveeatingjourney #nondietapproach #antidietdietitian #antidietculture #nondietdietitian

happy sunday friends! still not doing a ton of re
happy sunday friends! still not doing a ton of recipe creation over here, so in the meantime, I'm reminding you of some of my favorite recipes 🤗⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ this spicy black bean & veggie farro bake takes a little prep, but is well worth it because all you need to do is heat it up and you've got a warm meal ready for you all week long!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ grab the link to the printable recipe in my profile: https://caitsplate.com/spicy-black-bean-veggie-farro-bake/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #caitsplatefood #caitsplate #easydinner #vegetarianrecipe #vegetarianmeals #dinnerinspo #dinnertonight #thefeedfeed #huffposttaste


Disclaimer: Statements on this website are meant for general use only and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. Readers are advised to consult with their healthcare providers prior to making any changes to their healthcare management. The information contained in this site is intended to serve as an inspirational aid and should be used in conjunction with advice from your healthcare professional. It is a supplement, not a substitute, to the knowledge, skill and expertise of healthcare professionals involved in patient care. All information contained in this site is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without giving appropriate credit to the original source.

Copyright © 2021 · Seasoned Pro