5 tips for carefree barbecues and summer drinks during pregnancy
The first festive summer get-togethers and barbecues are already a fact. You probably have no problems with that at all because during pregnancy you are very likely to be constantly famished (except for the first 3 months, of course). Instant food & happiness! That doesn't mean, however, that you can just eat everything that is being offered.
#1 Well-baked meat
If you join barbecues and summer drinks, make sure that the meat you eat is well done. Raw meat can cause toxoplasmosis, an infection that is dangerous for your baby. So before your first bite, check that the meat has been heated long enough and that the same utensils have not been used to handle raw and cooked meat. You don't trust it, but you don't want to be a killjoy either? Then skip the meat for once!
#2 Alcoholic beverages
It may seem like stating the obvious, but be careful not to drink alcohol. Alcohol is harmful to your unborn baby. A good host takes account of a pregnant visitor and provides tasty non-alcoholic drinks. Are cocktails made at the summer party? Then ask for an alcohol-free cocktail, delicious! If you are in the first trimester of pregnancy and not everyone knows you are pregnant, make sure you are the designated driver. Reason enough not to drink and nobody looks surprised.
#3 Vegetables and salads
Here too it is wise to ask if the vegetables have been washed in advance. Make sure you don't eat snacks and salads that have been in the sun for quite some time. They can be a hotbed for bacteria and you'd better avoid them. During your pregnancy you have a lower resistance than normal, so you could develop an infection more quickly. You won't be the first to fall ill after a barbecue. Ask in advance if they can keep your portion in the fridge until you eat it.
#4 Find a comfy seat
You will probably not feel very comfortable standing for hours. So look for a comfortable seat if you are tired or if you have been in the same position for too long. Avoid a spot in the burning sun and use a good sunscreen if you want to avoid a pregnancy mask (link to 'Pregnant & enjoying the sun: this is how you do it!').
