As we all know, doctors forbid pregnant women from being vegan. Eating a vegan diet during pregnancy can cause physical and mental birth defects. Although many women are aware that a vegan diet during pregnancy can cause birth defects, many do not realize that moderate—or even light— consumption of meat and dairy may protect the fetus.
I guess my real question is this. If a vegan diet is not good for a fetus, then how can it be good for adults?
2006-11-08 19:34:37 · 14 answers · asked by broccoli_jim 1 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
It's not.
2006-11-09 03:25:10 · answer #1 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
No-one ever forbade me - not that I really saw a doctor during my pregnancies, I had midwifery care.
I was a vegan all the way through my first pregancy, and through the period while I was fully breastfeeding. I took care to balance my diet and took supplements in B12, iron and calcium. After a very healthy pregnancy, my son was born at an average 7lbs 3oz with no problems at all. With no nourishment other than my breastmilk, he put on a pound of weight every WEEK.
Right now he is above average height for a 9 year old and has SAT scores of an 11 year old.
I read up thoroughly on the subject beforehand and never found any evidence of what you are suggesting. Since my professional training (so far 2 years training to be an antenatal teacher and 1 year midwifery training) has taught me that the fetus will leach all the nutrients it needs from the system of the mother, I would think any deficiencies resulting from this diet would largely disadvantage the mother.
2006-11-09 03:41:18 · answer #2 · answered by purplepadma 3 · 9⤊ 0⤋
Doctors aren't able to forbid anyone from living their life the way they want to- they can advise against it. Foetuses are growing and developing so fast that the concentration of nutrients they require is much greater than that required by an adult so although they might not survive so well on a vegan diet an adult who eats a healthy balanced vegan diet- to include; soya, pulses, a certain amount of fats and oils and a variety of proteins and carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables will be much healthier than someon ewho eats chips and crisps and chocolates, it's about what you eat and the balance of the diet rather than the name it is given.
2006-11-09 03:41:28 · answer #3 · answered by emily_jane2379 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont think they do try to make vegans eat meat during their pregnancy but lots of women that do not normally eat meat, start to crave it during pregnancy. I guess the body tells them what they need and therefore the cravings kick in.
My friend is 6 months pregnant and couldnt bare to even look at meat before, but she cant get enough of it now! She's not sure if she will go back to being a veggie once the baby is born either.
2006-11-09 03:56:33 · answer #4 · answered by Georgie 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree with the comments above. The vegan diet is very unnatural. We evolved and our brains developed by hunting, fishing and eating meat/flesh, and so we should continue eating meat. Our digestive system is mainly carniverous, as the appendix (which used to be for grass matter) is just dead weight in our bodies.
If a vegan is pregnant, she really should put the vegan diet on hold for her baby. The lady above who was vegan was successful, but being vegan without being pregnant is dangerous enough and requires some in-depth knowledge of nutrition. (I've heard of some very malnourished vegans). Staying vegan while pregnant is risking herself and the child. I'm simply saying it's taking an unnecessary risk staying vegan while pregnant. Is it really worth it?
Besides, it's only for 9 months, then she can revert to veganism.
2006-11-09 04:07:42 · answer #5 · answered by genghis41f 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Remember you have a companion, pregnant! Don't you know that the prehistoric humans and their brains got bigger because of learning to eat meat?
It will be good for the mum, not the baby, in some sorts, but I'd say, a vegan diet is never good for anyone, especially if you have no source of protein. Your diet has to be always balanced and maintained that way.
Well, if you won't listen, pregnant woman, it wouldn't have an effect on you, it will on the child, and he/she can just blame you for what you did, and it's all your fault.
2006-11-09 03:41:40 · answer #6 · answered by Lordimpalerthe 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
no not exactly orbid it - no one can tell someone how to live and which ethics and principles to live by -but as it is so much easier to get all the nutrients you need from a non-vegetarian diet, this is the type of diet that is recommended
2006-11-09 03:36:36 · answer #7 · answered by rose_merrick 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
http://www.vegfamily.com/vegan-pregnancy/
2006-11-09 03:37:23 · answer #8 · answered by david429835 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The vegan diet is not a healthy diet. It's unnatural and requires supplements. A vegan diet during pregnancy is very irresponsible. RN
2006-11-09 03:43:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 5⤋
I don't see that doctors have the right to FORBID anything.....they can ADVISE.....they are not God after all.!
2006-11-09 03:46:17 · answer #10 · answered by luvaduck 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
once the brain is formed it can manage without the meat i guess.
2006-11-09 03:39:19 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋