The Tribune

By BIANCA CARTER

Partying while pregnant sounds like an oxymoron I know, but inevitably at some point during your pregnancy you’ll be invited to an event of some kind which involves dancing, drinking and having boat loads of fun, or not, considering your extra weight and sometimes balance issues. Feels a bit like being humpty dumpty; I get it!

I celebrated a wedding with a good friend of mine last weekend and being a part of the bridal party is super tiring. Thank goodness I bought my flip-flops.

While I was there celebrating at the reception I ran into a very pregnant, stunning and glowing mama-to-be. She was sitting in the corner for most of the evening. I kept watching her waddle up and down, leaving the table on several occasions.

Honestly, even though she was beautiful in all her glory I could see she was uncomfortable. Who wouldn’t be, right? After peeling myself off the dance floor – yeah right – I decided to take a minute to rest my tired feet and took a seat next to preggers. I started talking to her and asking how she was making it, even though it was only just approaching 8pm. We had all been partaking in the festivities since 3pm that afternoon. She quickly leaned back in typical preggie fashion, started rubbing her belly and let out a sigh, indicating to me that she was making it through as best as she could. Oh, boy! I remember those days, I thought. We sat there talking about all the unfortunate pregnancy side effects, like swollen feet, fatigue, rib cage pain, and bulging veins in all the not so nice and painful places.

She was having baby number three. Another boy! Bless her heart.

We talked about how different (most of the time, easier) having a baby in your 20s is from having a baby in your 30s. It really is different. We talked for almost an hour before I decided to burn up that dance floor again (or keep myself awake, whichever.) As I said goodbye to her, it occurred to me that there are some things pregnant women should know in order to be comfortable partying while pregnant.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Wear wedges or flats

I know that most of us will want to be fashionable while pregnant, but remember that your centre of gravity changes when you’re pregnant, so wearing those stilettos may be a little more challenging. Bring a change of shoes in your bag in any event so that you can be comfortable. And if you forget to pack a more comfortable pair, I don’t think anyone will have an issue if you ditch the shoes altogether.

• Dress as cool as possible

I think this one is a given, as I’m sure you’ve realised that you’ll sweat more than normal when you’re pregnant. Wear something very cool. Nothing worse than feeling like your sweating all over, so dress accordingly so you’ll be comfortable.

• Mocktails rock!

The thought of not being able to partake in the drinking festivities may be disappointing to some, but I found that throwing back mocktails instead is just a satisfying. Try this: club soda, splash of cranberry juice and squeeze of lime. I called it “Bundle of Joy”, and I drank pitchers of it when I was pregnant.

• It’s OK to be waited on

Look, pregnancy comes with a certain amount of discomfort; don’t be ashamed to accept help and kindness from others. If someone offers to get you a drink or two, or to get you a plate of hors d’oeuvres, let them. You job is to have fun and stay comfortable.

Love and hugs!

• Bianca Carter is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) and founder of Bun in the Oven.

For more information, e-mail her at info@babybunintheoven.com. Follow BITO on Facebook at babybunintheoven, and check out the BITO Blog every Monday and Thursday at http://babybunintheoven.com.