During pregnancy, it quickly becomes apparent that the world doesn’t revolve around your condition. For the duration of those 40 (or more) weeks, while you’re sipping on water, juice, tea, or some mocktail that would undoubtedly be better with a splash of vodka, your friends and family continue their lives unabated. They attend weddings, host parties, and unwind on Friday nights with a bottle of wine. It’s a bit inconsiderate, isn’t it?
However, being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to isolate yourself. You’ll still find yourself attending events, meeting friends, and making the best of social dinners. To maintain your sanity, it’s essential to join in. Yet, some occasions are far more challenging to navigate sober than others. Here are the most difficult ones:
1. Concerts
I’ve attended five concerts during my pregnancy: performances by the Nashville cast, Tegan & Sara, Carrie Underwood, Ed Sheeran, and Lollapalooza. Each concert occurred at different stages of my pregnancy and had distinct vibes, which undoubtedly influenced how enjoyable they were. Generally, you don’t need alcohol to appreciate live music, except for Lollapalooza. For that one, definitely consider a drink—anything to enhance the experience!
2. Football Season/Tailgating
Fall is synonymous with football, and I adore both college football Saturdays and Sunday Funday. I’ve always cherished day drinking (is there anything better than feeling tipsy by noon and being home by 5 PM?). But when I was pregnant, the excitement of tailgating became a bittersweet reminder of what I was missing. After the initial adjustment, I was okay until one stunning fall day when the weather was perfect, and I was surrounded by cheering fans—never have I craved a drink more!
3. Bachelorette Parties
I was invited to a bachelorette party in Las Vegas while pregnant. Fortunately, I couldn’t attend due to prior commitments, but even if I could, I would have opted out. Vegas is not designed for fun without the option of indulgence. I did attend a bachelorette party in Chicago, skipping the bar crawl and opting for a dinner instead with the intoxicated group. While it wasn’t the worst time, being the sober one in a lively setting can be quite tedious. I also hosted a bachelorette party for my younger sister, planning activities that included winery tours and bar hopping. I found this challenging initially, but as the day went on, it became entertaining—people-watching and all!
4. Weddings
I attended three weddings while pregnant, with another on the horizon. The level of enjoyment at these events often hinges on the hosts and the company. I’ve told each bride that if someone has sober fun at their wedding, it’s a success. Thankfully, my friends know how to throw a good party, and I’ve had a blast at every wedding—sober! The upside? Delicious food and cake, which are lifesavers for a pregnant woman. Plus, there’s nothing like observing the antics of tipsy guests on the dance floor. The downside? Dancing sober can be a challenge when you’re self-conscious—thankfully, the inebriated crowd usually doesn’t notice!
5. Vacations
The impact of sobriety while on vacation varies based on the destination. For instance, during our anniversary trip to Puerto Rico, I longed for Mai Tais by the pool. However, on our babymoon in New York, we shifted our focus to enjoying the food instead of the nightlife. While we usually enjoy drinks during vacations, this time it was more about the culinary experiences. Ultimately, vacations feel incomplete without cocktails, don’t they?
6. Holidays
Celebrating holidays without alcohol is tough. They are often centered around festivities, and what better way to cope with family gatherings than a drink or two? So far, I’ve navigated the Fourth of July, my birthday, and Halloween without a drink. I’ll likely still be pregnant for Thanksgiving and, if I’m lucky, will welcome Christmas and New Year’s with a baby in one arm and a drink in the other. Not having a drink during family celebrations can be frustrating, especially when dealing with unsolicited comments about your growing belly.
In summary, while being pregnant and sober can present unique challenges—especially during concerts, football season, bachelorette parties, weddings, vacations, and holidays—it’s possible to find joy in these experiences. Embracing the social aspects and focusing on the positives can make the journey more enjoyable.