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For many pregnant women, certain smells can set off a horrible episode of projectile vomiting. But besides that, there are loads of things you can’t eat – for the health and safety of your unborn baby.
One woman had the nightmare ordeal of a spending a week gagging while her mother-in-law insisted on cooking the “most odorous” foods imaginable while she was visiting. Think sauerkraut, cabbage, liver and onions… The mom-to-be says her MIL is also known for using ingredients that are way past their expiry date. Naturally, the woman declined most of the meals, and it hasn’t gone down well.
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Don’t be fooled by “morning sickness” – it can strike at any time of the day or night
Pregnant woman looking upset at a plate of food in her kitchen, reacting to expired food in her pantry.
But people still had questions and she was more than happy to provide answers
Reddit discussion about expired food in pantry from 1999 and a pregnant woman declining her mother-in-law’s meals.
Reddit conversation about expired food in her pantry from 1999 and a pregnant woman declining meals from her mother-in-law.
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Comments discussing expired food in her pantry from 1999 and a pregnant woman declining her mother-in-law’s meals.
Pregnant woman refuses expired food in her pantry from 1999, causing tension with mother-in-law over meals.
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Screenshot of a Reddit discussion about expired food in her pantry from 1999 and family meal conflicts during pregnancy.
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Pregnant woman rejects expired food from 1999 in pantry, causing tension with mother-in-law over unsafe meal offers.
Pregnant woman refusing expired food in pantry from 1999 serves meals from mother-in-law causing family tension.
Dreaded morning sickness explained, and some tips to cope if you’re suffering
Morning sickness is super common in pregnancy but don’t let the name fool you. While it often happens in the morning, nausea can strike at any time of the day or night.
About 70% of women experience nausea or vomiting during pregnancy, mostly in the first three months. Some unfortunate souls suffer right through all three trimesters. Then there are those who get such bad morning sickness, they have to be hospitalized. The medical term for it is hyperemesis gravidarum.
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“This is when the nausea and vomiting cause serious fluid loss or loss of more than 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight,” explains the Mayo Clinic site.
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Typically, mild nausea and vomiting during pregnancy isn’t dangerous and won’t cause harm to mom or baby. But hyperemesis gravidarum or severe morning sickness that’s left untreated can lead to dehydration.
“It also may lead to an imbalance in electrolytes — the salts in blood that control the balance of fluids in the body,” notes Mayo. “Severe nausea and vomiting may result in less urine output.”
While experts haven’t pinned down the exact cause of morning sickness, many believe a few things could be to blame. One is low blood sugar. Another is an increase in pregnancy hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) or estrogen. Blood pressure fluctuations and changes in metabolism have also been cited as possible culprits.
According to Cleveland Clinic, morning sickness can be worsened by stress, anxiety, being overtired, motion sickness, heat or warm weather, and, as the OP has learned, eating or smelling certain foods.
If you’re suffering from bouts of morning sickness, the clinic’s experts suggest you eat a few crackers or toast in the morning to help settle your stomach, and eat several small meals a day instead of three large meals. They stress that you shouldn’t skip meals.
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“Avoid spicy and fatty foods,” adds the clinic’s site. “Eat bland foods such as bananas, rice, dry toast, plain baked potato, gelatin, broth, eggs, or applesauce.” Eating nutritious, protein-rich snacks between meals,like yogurt, peanut butter on apple slices or celery, cheese or nuts might also help.
To avoid dehydration, you should drink lots of water and other fluids throughout the day. But stay away from caffeinated beverages like coffee and Coca Cola. Homemade tea with fresh, grated ginger can help keep nausea at bay, as can ginger candies.
“She can stay mad”: many totally got where the woman was coming from
Screenshot of an online comment criticizing expired food in her pantry from 1999 and a pregnant woman declining meals.
Pregnant woman refuses expired food in her pantry from 1999, causing tension with her mother-in-law.
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Comment text about a pregnant woman declining expired food in her pantry from 1999 and family tension.
Screenshot of a discussion debating expired food in her pantry from 1999 and a pregnant woman declining meals from her MIL.
Comment discussing expired food in pantry and a pregnant woman declining meals from her mother-in-law, causing tension
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Text from an online comment discussing consequences for abusing privilege related to visits and controlling MIL behavior.
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Comment about pregnant woman declining expired food from her pantry, causing tension with mother-in-law.
Comment from user Megmelons55 discussing a family conflict involving expired food in a pantry from 1999.
Comment discussing dealing with expired food in her pantry from 1999 and tension over pregnant woman declining MIL’s meals.
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Comment explaining how expired food and refusal to eat relate to power dynamics in a pregnant woman’s pantry conflict.
Comment on pregnant woman declining expired food in her pantry from 1999, emphasizing boundaries and healthy choices.
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Pregnant woman refusing expired food in her pantry from 1999, causing tension with her mother-in-law.
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Comment discussing rude behavior and setting boundaries related to expired food in her pantry from 1999 and meal refusals.
Pregnant woman rejects expired food in pantry from 1999, causing tension with mother-in-law over meals offered.
Comment discussing expired food in her pantry from 1999 and pregnant woman declining meals from mother-in-law.
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Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing the gag-inducing smell of liver and onions for a pregnant woman.
Comment discussing concerns about expired food in the pantry and setting rules for baby safety with pregnant woman.
Pregnant woman refuses expired food in her pantry from 1999, causing tension with mother-in-law over meals.
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Screenshot of a comment advising to avoid visits and prepare own meals instead of eating expired food in her pantry.
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Reddit comment discussing expired food stories, focusing on expired food in her pantry and concerns over food safety.
Comment discussing pregnancy food restrictions and warning against expired food in pantry for pregnant women.
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Comment describing MIL’s undercooked food and spoiled meals, highlighting expired food in her pantry.
Comment about tricking someone with expired food in her pantry from 1999 and pregnancy cravings in a text post.
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Comment discussing passive aggressive behavior after pregnant woman declines expired food from her pantry.
Comment discussing pregnancy nausea and expired food in her pantry from 1999, addressing conflict with mother-in-law meals.
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Pregnant woman shares experience with nausea and refusing expired food from her pantry and mother-in-law’s meals.
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Robyn is an award-winning journalist who has produced work for several international media outlets. Made in Africa and exported to the world, she is obsessed with travel and the allure of new places. A lover of words and visuals, Robyn is part of the Bored Panda writing team. This Panda has two bamboo tattoos: A map of Africa & the words "Be Like The Bamboo... Bend Never Break."
Robyn is an award-winning journalist who has produced work for several international media outlets. Made in Africa and exported to the world, she is obsessed with travel and the allure of new places. A lover of words and visuals, Robyn is part of the Bored Panda writing team. This Panda has two bamboo tattoos: A map of Africa & the words "Be Like The Bamboo... Bend Never Break."
I'm a senior visual editor here at Bored Panda and I enjoy a good laugh. My work ranges from serious topics related to toxic work environments and relationship difficulties to humorous articles about online shopping fails and introvert memes. When I'm not at my work desk, checking if every single pixel is in the right place, I usually spend my free time playing board games, taking pictures, and watching documentaries
I'm a senior visual editor here at Bored Panda and I enjoy a good laugh. My work ranges from serious topics related to toxic work environments and relationship difficulties to humorous articles about online shopping fails and introvert memes. When I'm not at my work desk, checking if every single pixel is in the right place, I usually spend my free time playing board games, taking pictures, and watching documentaries
"Stereotypical older person who has expired food in her pantry from 1999"? Darn, someone forgot to tell me I need to stock expired food now that I am old🙃😂😦. Seriously, she herself called it a freaking stereotype AND YET SHE USED IT.
Unpopular opinion: MIL's food would have been gross no matter what, and if OP can't eat it, then she can't eat it. So just say so. "I can't eat that; the smell makes me nauseous." "I'm very sorry, but my body does not agree with the food you're offering. I'm happy to cater for myself as I don't want to put you out." "I apologise, but I've been quite limited with what I can eat since I've become pregnant. I can bring my own food if that's easier for you." If MIL has an issue with that, then go stay somewhere else. It's not like you're saying her food's shitty and she's destined to go to hell because she cooks liver and onion together. (Though admittedly, maybe she does. I've never tried that particular combo).
"Stereotypical older person who has expired food in her pantry from 1999"? Darn, someone forgot to tell me I need to stock expired food now that I am old🙃😂😦. Seriously, she herself called it a freaking stereotype AND YET SHE USED IT.
Unpopular opinion: MIL's food would have been gross no matter what, and if OP can't eat it, then she can't eat it. So just say so. "I can't eat that; the smell makes me nauseous." "I'm very sorry, but my body does not agree with the food you're offering. I'm happy to cater for myself as I don't want to put you out." "I apologise, but I've been quite limited with what I can eat since I've become pregnant. I can bring my own food if that's easier for you." If MIL has an issue with that, then go stay somewhere else. It's not like you're saying her food's shitty and she's destined to go to hell because she cooks liver and onion together. (Though admittedly, maybe she does. I've never tried that particular combo).
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