With Britain in the grip of royal baby fever, today's post is all about surviving a hen party pregnant.
So, it's your BFF's hen party and...you're pregnant! Admittedly, the two don't exactly go together like champagne and strawberries. However, that doesn't mean you should bow out and miss one of the most important events of the bride's life. Are you really going to sit in front of the TV for 40 weeks with a tub of Ben & Jerrys for company?
Take it from one who's been on a hen party whilst expecting; it can be fun with a bump. Really!
Here are my "been there, done it" tips on surviving a hen party package pregnant.
A surprising number of hen party activities are fine for preggos. Obviously, what the bride wants, goes. If she decides on a high-kicking dance class or white water rafting, you'll have to sit it out. However, if she loves spa days and chocolate making you're in luck! There are loads of preg-friendly hen party activities, from afternoon teas and cupcake making to life drawing and recording studio sessions.
Have a mocktail. Order chips with the main. Enjoy a dessert. If a special celebratory meal is on the cards, check the menu to make sure there's something you can eat. Most restaurant menus are downloadable, so do a little research. Sadly, most shellfish is off limits for pregnant ladies, as is blue cheese and goat's cheese.
As a huge fan of ridiculously high heels, this is ironic coming from me! However, a pair of comfortable shoes is key to surviving a hen party package pregnant. They don't have to be Birkenstocks. Ballet flats and kitten heels can be every inch as glam as killer heels.
Your beloved LBD might be in storage but that doesn't mean you have to feel like little miss frump. Maternity wear has improved massively over the past few years. H&M do some great dresses that don't cost a fortune. If nothing in the maternity bit grabs you, just buy a size or two bigger than usual in the standard section.
When you do decide to leave the others to it, call a cab. Trying to flag down a taxi on a Saturday night whilst pregnant is no fun and potentially dangerous. Also ensure you know the address of the hotel if staying overnight in the city.
When you decide you've had enough and want some sleep, bow out gracefully. There's nothing worse than soldiering on when you're with bump and really don't feel like another mocktail.
Surviving a hen party package pregnant means forward planning when it comes to food and drink. Especially if there are numerous activities involved. You could be out for an entire day, so pack supplies! Avoid crashing blood sugar levels and raging thirst by popping packets of nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars and bottled water in your handbag.
If possible (and affordable) request your own room in the hotel or house. Alternatively, share with one of the less crazy members of the group. Take an eye mask; you'll be glad of it!
Yeah, it's a bit smug but relish not feeling as skull-crushingly awful as everyone else the morning after the night before. It's one of the perks of being on a hen party whilst pregnant!
Check Hen Weekends for more hen party ideas and advice or call the girls on 01773 766051 (UK) and 01773 766052 (European).
Date Posted: Monday 15th July 2013
Author: Yazmina Wallace
