Updated: November 2, 2020
Originally Published: March 20, 2016
Pregnant women often face a long list of foods they need to avoid for the safety of their unborn child—think deli meats, certain cheeses, alcohol, and sushi, to name a few. While women have adapted to these dietary restrictions, men aren’t always as willing to make similar sacrifices.
Recently, a Buzzfeed video showcased a group of men trying their hand at the pregnancy diet, either as a gesture of support for their partners or out of sheer curiosity. These five guys spent two weeks experiencing the challenges of a pregnancy diet, with most of them quickly realizing how difficult it can be—especially when it comes to alcohol. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
In the video, the men struggle to stick to the diet, with their attempts often resulting in humorous failures. I can relate to this experience on a personal level. When my partner was pregnant with our second child (now nine weeks old and as lively as a little bronco), I wanted to support her by giving up some of the things she was avoiding. This mostly meant saying goodbye to beer. I managed to hold out for a couple of months (although she might say it was less). It wasn’t the most enjoyable experience, but I did shed a few pounds. Meanwhile, my partner faced scrutiny for indulging in a monthly glass of champagne, all while her pregnancy progressed and she dealt with the discomfort that comes with it. In hindsight, my half-hearted effort at solidarity probably added to her frustration.
The expert consulted in the video provided a reasonable perspective, advocating for “moderation in most things.” She even emphasized that enjoying the occasional glass of wine shouldn’t be a source of guilt for pregnant women. It’s important to recognize that pregnancy is an inherently stressful time, and if a glass of wine can help ease that stress, then why not let them enjoy it?
I’ve always believed that I can’t truly understand what my partner is going through, so who am I to judge her for wanting a piece of salami? Most of the time, when she fretted over whether to bend the dietary rules, I reassured her it was okay. I knew how seldom she indulged in the forbidden foods, and I also recognized that many children have thrived despite much looser dietary guidelines in the past.
The most frustrating aspect is that, despite acknowledging that some of the restrictions seem excessive, most pregnant women still adhere to them. Once the fear is instilled—that eating blue cheese could endanger the baby—the risk feels too great to ignore. The foods our parents consumed during pregnancy would likely shock today’s health professionals. Yet, look around—many of us turned out just fine. In Europe, where they seem to embrace a more relaxed approach to pregnancy diets, children are thriving and growing into well-adjusted individuals.
While the video was an entertaining experiment, it hardly compares to the long-term commitment required of pregnant women, who must adhere to these rules for nine months or more. It’s clear that mothers often bear the brunt of these dietary limitations.
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In summary, while men may attempt the pregnancy diet for a brief period, they can’t truly understand the long-term sacrifices that come with pregnancy. Women have to navigate complex dietary restrictions, often feeling the weight of both their choices and societal expectations.
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