The Preg Veg: Pass it On

7/17/09

The Web site Zwaggle is a perfect example of how the internet can connect hordes of people for the greater cause of sharing. We no longer have to depend on local mommy groups, but can branch out to a nationwide network of parents to find and give, and recycle and reuse, things for our kids. It’s pretty simple too. You just sign up and post something that you have to give, which will earn you Zoints (these are points, that are equivalent to dollars). Once you have those you can find and “buy” whatever it is you need, and thereby keep the cycle going—and the landfills clear. It’s never been so easy to be green. 

—Gabrielle Harradine, Market Editor 

Gabrielle Harradine is VT's Market Editor and, more recently, The Preg Veg. She's navigating the joys and challenges of her very first pregnancy, and she's blogging here about her efforts to keep it healthy, green, and vegetarian. 

A Cookbook Just for Us

Cathe Olson’s The Vegetarian Mother’s Cookbook is possibly the sole vegetarian cookbook created for pregnant and lactating women, and after receiving several recommendations about it from my blog, I decided I needed to get a copy and test it out.

As it turns out, it may just be as good as everyone says. It has over 300 recipes, with a wide variety from teas to tonics, to tofu scrambles and mango sorbet. And even better, it goes beyond recipes, containing useful nutrition information such as a list of “super mommy foods” and a compilation of common pregnancy ailments (with suggestions for prevention and treatment). Also, a user-friendly appendix includes recipes that are high in protein, iron, and calcium, for when you want to focus on getting more of these key nutrients.

I’ve only had the cookbook for about six weeks now, but I’ve already got some favorite recipes tagged. The Tofu and Udon Noodles with Sesame-Peanut Dressing is creamy, filling, and protein packed (and also a big hit with my husband); the Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas (I made the carrot variation) is a delicious way to eat some greens, and the Banana-Molasses Muffins made a perfect late morning snack. Mmm, I already have visions of making more, but with some added apples to get my fruit fix.

For the links go to: www.vegetariantimes.com/features/editors_blog/149

Alive and Well

I survived my amnio, a little embarrassed about the angst I had leading up to it (because of how easy it was), but relieved I didn’t fill the room with blood-curdling screams. I actually came out of the procedure with a much greater appreciation of today’s technology. There’s nothing more surreal than watching a living thing inside of you, doing its thing—especially when its laying out a yoga move.

These Genes Won't Budge

If you’re discovering motherhood a little later in life like me, you may be going through some of the more diligent testing for chromosomal and genetic birth defects. A woman’s risk rises significantly from the age of 35 on, which is why many doctors suggest additional testing for those who fall into that category.

The most common genetic test is known as an amniocentesis (or amnio for short). It’s a fairly simple procedure as far as medical procedures go; however, it does pose a small risk to the fetus. The benefit from the procedure is a nearly conclusive report as to whether or not the baby has spina bifida, Down syndrome, or other chromosome problems. With the results you can make an informed decision about what to do next if defects are detected.

I’m having my amnio done on Wednesday, after which I plan to take it easy for the suggested 24 hours. (As long as I don’t look at the needle, I should be fine.) Check out these links for more information on genetic testing: ACOG, March of Dimes, UPMC.

Rounding Second

At my last doctor’s visit I got a pat on the back for gaining weight in my first trimester, and now my belly is following suit by rounding out. The combination of the two has brought a sad reality to my life—the jeans I love are too tight.

Luckily, I found the organic Bella Band just in time. It’s a great accessory that allows you to wear your jeans or pants unbuttoned (and even partially unzipped), by covering up the exposed area and keeping them up. Certainly a reason to celebrate, since a postponement of maternity clothes is as sweet as free-dress day at private school.

FYI - You can find the Bella Band at www.ingridandisabel.com.

Burgeoning Belly and Bounty

My nausea has faded with perfect timing. Not just because it occurred at 15 weeks, but because it’s harvest time in my backyard garden. So far I’ve reaped basil, parsley, mint, lemon cucumbers, and sugar snap peas: a good combo for a tasty salad.

The sugar snap peas are growing like crazy right now—soon I'll have enough to make VT’s Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Lemon-Mint Vinaigrette. It’s a tasty (and healthy) recipe, and already has 1/3 cup of pistachios in it for some decent protein content, but if you want to up the ante, tossing in some cubes of tofu would taste pretty good too.

Judging from the number of flowers I already have on my cucumber vine, I’m expecting a horde to pop out in the coming weeks, as my belly does the same. If you’re Jonesin' for vinegary food like I am (a.k.a. pregnancy pickle fetish), the Fresh Cucumber Pickles from our May issue are easy to make and had everyone coming back for more at our in-house tasting. And they weren’t even pregnant!

You can find these and more great VT recipes at vegeatriantimes.com.

A Galore of Info

I recently stumbled upon the Fit Pregnancy Web site, a comprehensive source of everything pregnant (with an impressive advisory board, I might add). The site has info on pretty much anything you can think of, including birth preparation, relationships, and fatherhood.

They have a pregnancy calendar that’s especially fun, and easy to use. You just type in your due date and instantly read all about your progress and what’s happening this week. I also liked their Essential Gear Guide tab, where I found a list just for me: “the minimalist’s list.” The mention of newborn clothing was especially helpful, as I continue to wonder, “How many clothes does an infant need?”

To hear Fit Pregnancy's answer go to: www.vegetariantimes.com/features/editors_blog/143