A pregnant vegan whose husband kept suggesting she should eat meat to keep the baby healthy has been faced with a mixed reaction online.

The mother-to-be posted on Mumsnet using the handle ElizabethForever, asking for advice about her situation.

She explained that she has been vegan since birth in a family of vegans, and that her husband is mainly vegan as she does the shopping and cooking.

But since the pair found out they are to be parents, the husband has been ‘making hints’ that she should change her lifestyle and eat meat for the first time.

Initially many responses defended her right to be upset by her husband’s behaviour, with some saying his suggestions were ‘controlling’.

Others argued that she needs to ensure she’s getting a balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy, and that there’s no need for her to switch from veganism.

Some readers suggested the husband needed more information about veganism, while many said the best route was to speak to a doctor or nutritionist.

Hostile

But there were more hostile responses and some typical ignorance about a vegan diet, with some suggesting the baby would inevitably ‘suffer’ as a result of her veganism.

Other responses questioned her decision to put her husband’s animal products in a separate fridge and freezer in her garage.

But overall many responses were supportive of the mother’s choice as long as she ensured she was receiving enough nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.

Though comments were largely supportive from other mothers on Mumsnet, once the debate was picked up by the Mail Online, reactions were typically anti-vegan.

• Read: Pregnant vegan falls ‘extremely sick’ from dairy pizza amid Papa John’s vegan cheese chaos

What do you think about this debate? Tell us in the comments section below!

Oli Gross

Oli’s career and personal ethical values both help shape his reporting of the diverse world of veganism. His background is in local newspaper and magazine journalism, and his work has included reporting court cases, celebrity interviews, business analysis, food and drink features and government legislation.

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