A vegan woman was shocked when her husband told her she needs to eat meat while she's pregnant. Photo / Getty Images
A vegan woman was shocked when her husband told her she needs to eat meat while she's pregnant. Photo / Getty Images
A pregnant mother who has led a vegan lifestyle since birth has shared her dismay after her husband told her to start eating meat to benefit the health of their unborn baby.
According to the Daily Mail, the woman who goes by the username "ElizabethForever" took to British parenting site Mumsnet to seek clarification on what others would do if they were in her position.
She explained that she had never eaten meat before but her husband was imploring her to start.
Sympathetic mothers offered their advice for the perplexed mum-to-be.
In the post the mum explained she's been vegan her whole life. Photo / Mumsnet
Many users responded advising she should seek advice from a medical professional and explained that, as a meat-eater, her husband would find it hard to understand how big of an ask that was for her.
The woman said she'd never had troubles with her iron levels and continued to say how hurt she is that her husband would say such a thing, knowing veganism is such a huge part of her life.
She also wanted to know if it was fair she was so upset by his suggestion, or whether her increasing hormone levels were taking a toll on how she felt.
One user commented: '"He is no doubt worried, I get why you're upset OP, his suggestions show that he doesn't truly get what a fundamental part of who you are this is.
"As a lifelong vegetarian, I think it's hard for meat eaters to truly understand that, so you probably need to explain it to him and reassure him that you will ensure that you and the baby get all the nutrients you need and will take medical advice about how to do this in a way which is consistent with your beliefs..."
Another added: "...it's not right that he should be so controlling over your diet. Having a baby on the way is an anxious time for everyone and perhaps he is being a big (sic) clumsy in expressing his concerns.
"Maybe if you had your iron level checked (a good idea for all pregnant women) it would put his mind at ease? Not sure what 'mainly vegan' is tbh".
Some users thought her husband was being unreasonable. Photo / Mumsnet
A fellow vegan mother was outraged. Photo / Mumsnet
Some suggested it would be wise to check with a professional. Photo / Mumsnet
Another user explained that as a meat-eater it could be hard for her husband to understand the depth of what he was asking of her. Photo / Mumsnet
It could be dangerous if she suddenly starts eating meat. Photo / Mumsnet
Supplements could be taken instead of eating meat. Photo / Mumsnet
Others defended the man and said he wasn't trying to control her, he was just making sure she and the baby were as healthy as possible.
One user "YeahNah1980" made a bold statement saying she won't be able to achieve optimal nutrition while she's pregnant if she's living solely on a vegan diet.
"You need B12 and iron and the levels you need in a pregnancy is impossible to get from a vegan diet without supplements.
"Your baby can get very very sick or die if you are breastfeeding as well and aren't getting the right nutrients. I think his intentions are good."
Another commented: "I think he has good intentions and I don't think he's being unreasonable to bring it up, but it's a question for your doctor surely?
"If you've never had an issue with iron or B12 that doesn't mean you won't have a problem in the future or with this pregnancy (congratulations!) But for your peace of mind ask your doctor if you are likely to need any supplements. (assume you're already on folic acid?)"
"YeahNah1980" said her husbands suggestions are sensible. Photo / Mumsnet
Iron and B12 are nutrients she should make sure she gets enough of. Photo / Mumsnet
Others claimed he had a reason to worry. Photo / Mumsnet
Several users criticised the mother-to-be for being too controlling, after she shared that the animal products her husband eats are kept separate from her food.
A user said: "YABVU forcing him to keep meat products in the garage; that's very controlling and selfish.
"And yes, I think he has the baby's best interests at heart. You may be willing to put your body under strain but the baby shouldn't suffer."
A second added: "...The control is the other way! The husband has to trek out to the garage if he wants anything animal based? So, milk in coffee for example requires a trip to his designated fridge/freezer. I think that's the controlling part."
Another said: "Cannot believe the **** about the freezer, **** off with your controlling comments, it's pathetic! We've got 2 freezers, the one outside is a chest freezer so most of the stuff is out there.
"It's such a hardship to out there and get something...not. It might be husband's choice to put stuff there out of respect for his wife but no, because the wife is vegan it's obviously her fault."
