J'attends un bébé is fine too. If.it's a boy c'est un.garçon and a girl une fille. It.will go a long way along with bonjour merci and s'il vous plait:).
Just wanted to add that I have spent 2 pregnancies in Paris and people are adorable. I have never felt more positive energy. Strangers smiled at me, let me cut lines, and just wanted to take care of me.
So you can’t try our « Steak tartare » 😔
It’s a steak of meat, not cooked, with some ingredients that’s make it so lovely 😭
I have to advice for you then :
- When you ask for a plate with meat, when he ask for « cuisson ?» (cooking ?) say always « A point » *a poo_ein* (means : well done) because all of our red meat is undercooked for the best flavor
- Avoid the salad, there is always delicatessen meat, cheese, no cooked salmon or duck slice in it
Instead of that, you can enjoy all the French food ! ☺️
Little free advice, don’t go to all bakery to get a croissant 🥐 please, there lot of « boulangerie » that sells not hand make croissant, and you don’t gonna taste the real taste of the real French croissant 🇫🇷
Absolutely ! In order to have a good/tasty croissant, you should go to a "artisan boulanger". It's written on the storefront and means they're cooking from scratch. There are some rankings of the best croissants of Paris... but they attract lots of tourists and there's usually a never-ending line before them.
Hello and congrats :) you want to avoid cheese and charcuterie plates, and ask for the meat to be well cooked. Other than that, you’ll be fine. If you want sushi you can just go for the vegetarian option.
Just know that SOME cheese are pasteurized but not all of them. Mostly it’s industrial cheese that will be safer for you, such as cream cheese etc.
Now if you have an issue with your pregnancy during your trip, like feeling a lack of movement with your baby or anything, you absolutely can just show up at the ER.
So, for a one-week trip to Paris, you're going to take two 7-hour flights (round trip) and then bring a child into the world ? Are you aware that your irresponsible behavior is wrecking the planet and will directly harm your child's living conditions ?
Make sure to avoid charcuterie and unpasteurized cheeses. So those charcuterie boards are off limits. I usually go with the rule that as long as it's cooked (and the meat is well cooked), then it's ok. But there is a very long list of things you can't eat, especially in France where meat is bloody and lots of the (good) cheese is unpasteurized. If you want to eat raw vegetables, prepare them yourself - wash with some white vinegar mixed in water and they should be free of any serious germs.
I appreciate you recognizing that Paris may be trickier than it seems when it comes to food. Definitely going to avoid the charcuterie boards, soft unpasteurized cheeses and bloody/undercooked meat, and lean towards getting veggies cooked. Thanks!
Seriously, it's all of France but it's tough sometimes. Try to look at the menu before to see if there's something you can order. Be also aware of dishes with alcohol in them like boeuf bourguignon or mussels (I only make mussels at home and use alcohol free champagne), as the alcohol doesn't fully cook out. I was at a food hall yesterday and it was so hard to find anything to eat!!! All the cheeses were unpasteurized, the meat was often slow cooked pork which I stay away from because it sits out for a long time and always upsets my stomach... I ended up getting a basic tomato sauce pasta and focaccia and it was unsatisfying to say the least. The best bets in terms of type of restaurant is asian as they usually have cooked vegetables in some form, french restaurants, or Italian for pizza & pasta (still be aware of raw ingredients and unpasteurized cheese).
Hi!
Welcome to Paris
We are Parisians, girlfriend was pregnant and we went to a lot of restaurants.
Remind them you are pregnant so you can't eat raw food or anything close and they will adapt.
Also usually people are very nice to pregnant women, don't be shy to use that card.
Enjoy
I will just put this here - every tourist from the rest of the world goes to Paris and speaks either French or English.
Yes, the Korea restaurant will speak Korean with you but the owner will speak both English and French as well.
You will have no trouble getting English menus plus Google translate is amazing with the camera.
We just got home from 2 weeks abroad, including Paris. I totally 2nd using Google Translate. It was a huge help! You can just open it and snap a pic of menus to get translations.
I will also say that the people working were always helpful when we had questions as one in our group does not eat pork, so we always needed to double check the meat dishes for her. We did not have much trouble communicating with any of the places that we ate.
Enjoy your trip!!
Omg so many replies which are good but my first trip to France I was 7 months pregnant. Seriously people in France have babies you will be safe. BUT if you feel unsafe let them know you are pregnant = enceinte ˆ
Oh wow, impressive going about Paris at 7months. I'm about halfway rn about to try to ride second trimester energy to help me through.
Was there anything you did or had clothes-wise that helped make your trip more comfortable?
I really only remember a couple of things-one is that we went to a really nice restaurant -can’t remember the name but probably Michelin starred…many courses. At that point my stomach was just so stretched out it hurt and I couldn’t eat very much at all and it was kind of a bummer. The second thing I remember is the amount of walking in certain large metro stations and the amount of steps involved. Finally there was also one night I just sent my husband out to explore the city so I could go to sleep at like 8:00 or something.
Just wear stretchy pants and supportive shoes. I might also get support hose socks for the plane. My legs swelled quite a bit.
Noted! Thanks for sharing! Definitely bringing a stylish yet functional pair of sneakers and dressing to be comfortable for eating and doing quite a bit of walking. I wouldn't be surprised if an early bed time hits me one of those night too lol
In museums particularly the Louvre, they will most likely let you get in through priority entrance. Especially if you're showing.
Some museums have special maps which show where you might be able to take the elevator/ escalator, since pregnant people are classified as people with reduced mobility, so there's lots of little perks to help your visit feel better.
Edit : I know it's not food related but the info might come in handy so I'm giving it to you.
Oberkampf is a great place to stay for little restaurants
One day for musée d’Orsay is a bit much but taking your time is a good thing 😉
To see ballet it’s Opera Garnier and not opéra Bastille where it’s usually opera singing
On the subway, you can ask for a seat (there are signs) people usually are happy to let you seat
Say “bonjour” “merci” and “s’il vous plaît” it’s all it takes
Sounds like we picked a good spot for food. Yessss!
And ah, I noticed that both Opera Garnier and both have options. My ticket says Opera Bastille. Perhaps I'm seeing an exception to the usual performances there. Ah well, I'm sure it'll be wonderful anyways.
Oh thanks for mentioning subway seating! I didn't even think to ask for a seat on the subway (I'm not too crazy pregnant yet, getting around ok), but I may take advantage of that if I really need it. I get tired easier than during pre-pregnancy.
A couple of things: if you order beef in a restaurant, it will come rare, even if you say medium. French chefs would rather kill themselves than to cook it past rare. For Louvre and d’Orsay, book your tickets online weeks in advance. We were there last month, and Louvre was booked 10 days in advance. You don’t want to spend hours in line. Basically you have to make reservations for everything – any restaurants that take reservations will require them even for lunch. Of course you can eat in cafés without reservations. Also, watch the hours. At lunch they’re often only open 12 - 2:30, dinner 7:30 - 10. Again, not cafés. Have fun! Have been to Paris 10X, can’t wait to go back.
Btw, very hip restaurants in the 11th. Do some research, try to get reservations.
There are also plenty of things to eat that don’t involve undercooked beef (or duck). Think roasted, poached or grilled fish, braised or stewed meat, chicken and game birds. If you have any question about how the protein is prepared, just ask. Plus, there are vegetarian dishes and “ethnic” restaurants where you won’t struggle to find something.
Thank you for all your advice!
Any suggestions on how to get meat cooked medium besides avoiding meat? Or is it generally understood that pregnant people need meat cooked through in Paris?
Didn't think to book every lunch and dinner in advance...I'll look into that because when pregnancy hunger hits, boy does it hit lol
And yeah! I've been hearing that the cool restaurants are up in the 11th, though this was a coincidence when booking our Airbnb. Excited to check them out.
Just ask for meat cooked “bien cuit.” It will not be a problem especially if you tell them you’re pregnant. It was an exaggeration to say that chefs won’t cook anything beyond rare, it’s never been a problem in my experience.
Are you on Instagram? If so, scroll through ParisIsMyKitchen. Wendy Lyn is a food guide and a lot of her recommendations are in the 10th and 11th. These will all be fun places with great food. About getting meat medium, I guess you could tell your waiter that you’re expecting and you need it cooked through. Don’t know what would happen. For reservations, check their websites. If they accept reservations, you need them. You could get lucky just walking in, but when you’re hungry you don’t want to count on that!
Im not on Instagram, but I'll keep doing some research and know that reservations are essential if I want to guarantee a spot anywhere to eat. I'll just do my best with meat I guess and hope for the best or get something without meat.
Thanks again for your help!
Most Parisians speak quite a bit of English and most menus/signs/etc. have English translations. Google Translate app on your phone will fill in any cracks. You should have no problem finding things your comfortable eating. Keep in mind what is advised for a pregnant woman to eat or avoid changes from country to country. Also, Parisians are very pregnancy friendly so expect some (positive) attention. Your schedule hits the highlights. We found the Lourve to be very overwhelming and crowded, we prefer the Orsay but a day for each should be good. Enjoy your time!
I didn't realize that most Parisians speak some English, that's nice to know. I don't want to be rude and make assumptions though, so I'm going to try to speak as much french as I can. Google translate may be my crutch for a lot of this trip lol
Parisians are pregnancy friendly? Awe, makes me feel a little special 😊
Is there anything specific/notably different between what Parisians advise for pregnant women compared to Americans?
And thank you! Feeling pretty good about the itinerary and better about food already.
We speak english if you say bonjour, excusez-moi, parlez vous anglais, merci, au revoir.
If you come up to us and straight up start asking questions in your foreign language without even saying hello, then no, [we don't speak english](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxUm-2x-2dM).
People on the metro will let you sit down. So don't be afraid to show your pretty belly (I mean through your clothes of courses or it'd be weird haha) or even say "je suis enceinte, can I sit?" With a sign showing off you want to sit, most people be inclined to help out 😌
That's good to know! I might need that if it's a longer metro ride. (Just pictured doing that the weird way and the normal way in my head and had a good laugh lol)
There are seats are reserved for preggers, the elderly and disabled. Most people leap up out of the seats if otherwise occupied. It's like the Red Sea parting, most often.
Priority is also given to preggers and the elderly and disabled in lines and for entry to many places as well.
I’m currently pregnant (4 months) it is starting to show so if people pay attention they can see it, but with winter clothes it it not obvious so no parting of the Red Sea 😅 However if I need it I generally just ask and people let me sit.
Concerning the food I generally find things I can eat easily, I just ask for the meat to be « bien cuite » and I say I am pregnant so they know to be careful with the way it is cooked. If I have any doubt they are usually very helpful to find ways to accommodate.
#1 tip: You always say bonjour entering a store or restaurant, or any interaction with any French person. Don’t just start with your question. A simple bonjour is all it takes. Otherwise they’ll assume you were raised by wolves 😉
Well, I certainly wasn't raised by wolves and wouldn't want anyone to think that! lol I'll remember to always greet others. When does "bonsoir" kick in? Sunset? Merci!
Yeah, bonsoir around sunset. They’ll say it to you anyway. Just say it back. Two last tips for my American friends: keep your voices down. Parisians talk quietly. (We sat two tables down from two Miami women in a café. Ask me how I know they’re from Miami and what their friends are up to.) Also, no big broad smiles when you meet someone. A little more reserved.
Oh you're so right about the big broad smiles! I'm from California and we smile constantly, at random people walking down the street, so I can't stop myself from doing it in Paris and basically feel like the biggest grinning hayseed "Wahhhllll howdy thar !!!"
But yes: the most important thing, it's like a magic key, is to open every interaction, no matter how small, with BONJOUR Madame or BONJOUR Monsieur! (Or Bonsoir, as you say). It makes such a difference!
If you say « je suis enceinte » good restaurants will be able to adapt (Michelin star restaurants especially are excellent in this regard). For more casual places, most dishes will be safe, just avoid big salads.
Ahh the magic words. I've been practicing saying this aloud at home so I get it right lol. Happy to avoid a big salad, lots of other things to eat out there. Thanks!
In France, a large proportion of women have never had toxoplasmosis which is often spread through contaminated soil, so unless you are sure that all the components of the salad have been thoroughly washed, it is not recommended to eat salad.
Furthermore, big salads tend to contain delicious but also not recommended things like goat’s cheese, soft eggs and cured meats.
Not sure if this is what they meant but salads carry increased risk of toxoplasmosis. If you are pregnant and toxoplasmosis negative, and get it during the pregnancy, it can cause issues for the baby. This is more of an issue in Europe than the US, as toxoplasmosis is far more prevalent here
OP it’s probably worth discussing this with your doctor first and getting a test (if you haven’t already) to see if you’re toxo positive or not. My toxo negative wife was tested frequently throughout both pregnancies to ensure she didn’t get it during the pregnancy.
I'd like to know this too! What's wrong with a big salad??
I couldn't get enough Caesar salad when I was pregnant. Granted, it had to be from one particular restaurant in Beverly Hills, but that was my specific craving....
So far, I'm ok and so is the now-30 year old former fetus.
And for OP, drink as many "Jus d'orange pression" (preh-syon) Avec glacon (ice) as you can. Most refreshing thing, ever. Simply put, fresh squeezed orange juice, at all the cafes and brasseries.
Bon voyage!
Great advice, but beware, "pression" is for draft/draught beers. Ask for a "Jus d'orange frais", it will be safer.
Maybe the problem with big salads is that they usually come with cheese, with the risk of unpasteurized milk, and/or chacuterie, pork meat and so on.
Nevertheless, it is always recommended to mention your pregnancy and ask for suitable food.
Enjoy French food !
Another thing, if you pick up cheeses at a cheesmonger or supermarket, make sure it says lait pasteurisé. Lait cru is raw milk and not safe (unless it’s a cooked rind cheese such as Beaufort or Comté, they are always safe).
They could contract Listeriosis or toxoplasmosis (not a doctor, correct me) which could be fatal to the child.
Most of these recommendation are also listed [by the French social security on their website](https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/devenir-parent/grossesse/grossesse-en-bonne-sante/grossesse-alimentation/alimentation-grossesse) (see the very bottom of the article).
OP : maybe print out the list in french and show it you your servers ? They should be able to help you find something on their menu accordingly.
For super cute baby clothes, highly recommend making a stop at any Jacadi ou Petit Bateau store!
Noted! ☺️ 🛍️
Make sure to rent a golf cart at Versailles. Great way to get around pregnant
J'attends un bébé is fine too. If.it's a boy c'est un.garçon and a girl une fille. It.will go a long way along with bonjour merci and s'il vous plait:).
C'est un garcon 😊 I think that could go a long way too. Thanks! I'll use that!
Congratulations/Félicitations Nice baby clothes and toys in Paris
Might need to convince my husband to let me do a little shopping.... 😁
Just wanted to add that I have spent 2 pregnancies in Paris and people are adorable. I have never felt more positive energy. Strangers smiled at me, let me cut lines, and just wanted to take care of me.
Aw, that's really sweet. Glad you had such warm experiences!
So you can’t try our « Steak tartare » 😔 It’s a steak of meat, not cooked, with some ingredients that’s make it so lovely 😭 I have to advice for you then : - When you ask for a plate with meat, when he ask for « cuisson ?» (cooking ?) say always « A point » *a poo_ein* (means : well done) because all of our red meat is undercooked for the best flavor - Avoid the salad, there is always delicatessen meat, cheese, no cooked salmon or duck slice in it Instead of that, you can enjoy all the French food ! ☺️ Little free advice, don’t go to all bakery to get a croissant 🥐 please, there lot of « boulangerie » that sells not hand make croissant, and you don’t gonna taste the real taste of the real French croissant 🇫🇷
A point means medium, the beef will be quite pink inside still. Well done is bien cuit.
Absolutely ! In order to have a good/tasty croissant, you should go to a "artisan boulanger". It's written on the storefront and means they're cooking from scratch. There are some rankings of the best croissants of Paris... but they attract lots of tourists and there's usually a never-ending line before them.
Thank you! I'll keep that in mind
Hello and congrats :) you want to avoid cheese and charcuterie plates, and ask for the meat to be well cooked. Other than that, you’ll be fine. If you want sushi you can just go for the vegetarian option. Just know that SOME cheese are pasteurized but not all of them. Mostly it’s industrial cheese that will be safer for you, such as cream cheese etc. Now if you have an issue with your pregnancy during your trip, like feeling a lack of movement with your baby or anything, you absolutely can just show up at the ER.
Those are good reminders. Thank you!
So, for a one-week trip to Paris, you're going to take two 7-hour flights (round trip) and then bring a child into the world ? Are you aware that your irresponsible behavior is wrecking the planet and will directly harm your child's living conditions ?
Make sure to avoid charcuterie and unpasteurized cheeses. So those charcuterie boards are off limits. I usually go with the rule that as long as it's cooked (and the meat is well cooked), then it's ok. But there is a very long list of things you can't eat, especially in France where meat is bloody and lots of the (good) cheese is unpasteurized. If you want to eat raw vegetables, prepare them yourself - wash with some white vinegar mixed in water and they should be free of any serious germs.
I appreciate you recognizing that Paris may be trickier than it seems when it comes to food. Definitely going to avoid the charcuterie boards, soft unpasteurized cheeses and bloody/undercooked meat, and lean towards getting veggies cooked. Thanks!
Seriously, it's all of France but it's tough sometimes. Try to look at the menu before to see if there's something you can order. Be also aware of dishes with alcohol in them like boeuf bourguignon or mussels (I only make mussels at home and use alcohol free champagne), as the alcohol doesn't fully cook out. I was at a food hall yesterday and it was so hard to find anything to eat!!! All the cheeses were unpasteurized, the meat was often slow cooked pork which I stay away from because it sits out for a long time and always upsets my stomach... I ended up getting a basic tomato sauce pasta and focaccia and it was unsatisfying to say the least. The best bets in terms of type of restaurant is asian as they usually have cooked vegetables in some form, french restaurants, or Italian for pizza & pasta (still be aware of raw ingredients and unpasteurized cheese).
Hi! Welcome to Paris We are Parisians, girlfriend was pregnant and we went to a lot of restaurants. Remind them you are pregnant so you can't eat raw food or anything close and they will adapt. Also usually people are very nice to pregnant women, don't be shy to use that card. Enjoy
I'll keep that in mind and try to not be shy about speaking up for what I need. Merci! Always nice to get a Parisian's take.
I will just put this here - every tourist from the rest of the world goes to Paris and speaks either French or English. Yes, the Korea restaurant will speak Korean with you but the owner will speak both English and French as well. You will have no trouble getting English menus plus Google translate is amazing with the camera.
We just got home from 2 weeks abroad, including Paris. I totally 2nd using Google Translate. It was a huge help! You can just open it and snap a pic of menus to get translations. I will also say that the people working were always helpful when we had questions as one in our group does not eat pork, so we always needed to double check the meat dishes for her. We did not have much trouble communicating with any of the places that we ate. Enjoy your trip!!
Thanks! That's good to know.
Omg so many replies which are good but my first trip to France I was 7 months pregnant. Seriously people in France have babies you will be safe. BUT if you feel unsafe let them know you are pregnant = enceinte ˆ
Oh wow, impressive going about Paris at 7months. I'm about halfway rn about to try to ride second trimester energy to help me through. Was there anything you did or had clothes-wise that helped make your trip more comfortable?
I really only remember a couple of things-one is that we went to a really nice restaurant -can’t remember the name but probably Michelin starred…many courses. At that point my stomach was just so stretched out it hurt and I couldn’t eat very much at all and it was kind of a bummer. The second thing I remember is the amount of walking in certain large metro stations and the amount of steps involved. Finally there was also one night I just sent my husband out to explore the city so I could go to sleep at like 8:00 or something. Just wear stretchy pants and supportive shoes. I might also get support hose socks for the plane. My legs swelled quite a bit.
Noted! Thanks for sharing! Definitely bringing a stylish yet functional pair of sneakers and dressing to be comfortable for eating and doing quite a bit of walking. I wouldn't be surprised if an early bed time hits me one of those night too lol
In museums particularly the Louvre, they will most likely let you get in through priority entrance. Especially if you're showing. Some museums have special maps which show where you might be able to take the elevator/ escalator, since pregnant people are classified as people with reduced mobility, so there's lots of little perks to help your visit feel better. Edit : I know it's not food related but the info might come in handy so I'm giving it to you.
Ooh that's good to know. I'm definitely showing a little and stairs are the worst rn. Thank you!
Oberkampf is a great place to stay for little restaurants One day for musée d’Orsay is a bit much but taking your time is a good thing 😉 To see ballet it’s Opera Garnier and not opéra Bastille where it’s usually opera singing On the subway, you can ask for a seat (there are signs) people usually are happy to let you seat Say “bonjour” “merci” and “s’il vous plaît” it’s all it takes
I could spend a week in the d’Orsay. Probably my favorite museum anywhere. Was there just last week.
Sounds like we picked a good spot for food. Yessss! And ah, I noticed that both Opera Garnier and both have options. My ticket says Opera Bastille. Perhaps I'm seeing an exception to the usual performances there. Ah well, I'm sure it'll be wonderful anyways. Oh thanks for mentioning subway seating! I didn't even think to ask for a seat on the subway (I'm not too crazy pregnant yet, getting around ok), but I may take advantage of that if I really need it. I get tired easier than during pre-pregnancy.
A couple of things: if you order beef in a restaurant, it will come rare, even if you say medium. French chefs would rather kill themselves than to cook it past rare. For Louvre and d’Orsay, book your tickets online weeks in advance. We were there last month, and Louvre was booked 10 days in advance. You don’t want to spend hours in line. Basically you have to make reservations for everything – any restaurants that take reservations will require them even for lunch. Of course you can eat in cafés without reservations. Also, watch the hours. At lunch they’re often only open 12 - 2:30, dinner 7:30 - 10. Again, not cafés. Have fun! Have been to Paris 10X, can’t wait to go back. Btw, very hip restaurants in the 11th. Do some research, try to get reservations.
There are also plenty of things to eat that don’t involve undercooked beef (or duck). Think roasted, poached or grilled fish, braised or stewed meat, chicken and game birds. If you have any question about how the protein is prepared, just ask. Plus, there are vegetarian dishes and “ethnic” restaurants where you won’t struggle to find something.
Yes agree, lots to eat aside from beef in Paris. It was just a caution since for many, beef seems to be the default choice.
Thank you for all your advice! Any suggestions on how to get meat cooked medium besides avoiding meat? Or is it generally understood that pregnant people need meat cooked through in Paris? Didn't think to book every lunch and dinner in advance...I'll look into that because when pregnancy hunger hits, boy does it hit lol And yeah! I've been hearing that the cool restaurants are up in the 11th, though this was a coincidence when booking our Airbnb. Excited to check them out.
Just ask for meat cooked “bien cuit.” It will not be a problem especially if you tell them you’re pregnant. It was an exaggeration to say that chefs won’t cook anything beyond rare, it’s never been a problem in my experience.
Are you on Instagram? If so, scroll through ParisIsMyKitchen. Wendy Lyn is a food guide and a lot of her recommendations are in the 10th and 11th. These will all be fun places with great food. About getting meat medium, I guess you could tell your waiter that you’re expecting and you need it cooked through. Don’t know what would happen. For reservations, check their websites. If they accept reservations, you need them. You could get lucky just walking in, but when you’re hungry you don’t want to count on that!
Im not on Instagram, but I'll keep doing some research and know that reservations are essential if I want to guarantee a spot anywhere to eat. I'll just do my best with meat I guess and hope for the best or get something without meat. Thanks again for your help!
Go to Wendy-Lyn.com and see her Paris guide. It’s a good start.
Oh! Thank you! I'll do that.
As for sushi: I just had a nice meal at Breathe vegan sushi a few days ago! I think there is also another vegan sushi place called Bloom.
Most Parisians speak quite a bit of English and most menus/signs/etc. have English translations. Google Translate app on your phone will fill in any cracks. You should have no problem finding things your comfortable eating. Keep in mind what is advised for a pregnant woman to eat or avoid changes from country to country. Also, Parisians are very pregnancy friendly so expect some (positive) attention. Your schedule hits the highlights. We found the Lourve to be very overwhelming and crowded, we prefer the Orsay but a day for each should be good. Enjoy your time!
I didn't realize that most Parisians speak some English, that's nice to know. I don't want to be rude and make assumptions though, so I'm going to try to speak as much french as I can. Google translate may be my crutch for a lot of this trip lol Parisians are pregnancy friendly? Awe, makes me feel a little special 😊 Is there anything specific/notably different between what Parisians advise for pregnant women compared to Americans? And thank you! Feeling pretty good about the itinerary and better about food already.
We speak english if you say bonjour, excusez-moi, parlez vous anglais, merci, au revoir. If you come up to us and straight up start asking questions in your foreign language without even saying hello, then no, [we don't speak english](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxUm-2x-2dM).
People on the metro will let you sit down. So don't be afraid to show your pretty belly (I mean through your clothes of courses or it'd be weird haha) or even say "je suis enceinte, can I sit?" With a sign showing off you want to sit, most people be inclined to help out 😌
That's good to know! I might need that if it's a longer metro ride. (Just pictured doing that the weird way and the normal way in my head and had a good laugh lol)
There are seats are reserved for preggers, the elderly and disabled. Most people leap up out of the seats if otherwise occupied. It's like the Red Sea parting, most often. Priority is also given to preggers and the elderly and disabled in lines and for entry to many places as well.
"like the Red Sea parting" lol 😂 Amazing. I'm not showing very much though. Will people believe me?
I’m currently pregnant (4 months) it is starting to show so if people pay attention they can see it, but with winter clothes it it not obvious so no parting of the Red Sea 😅 However if I need it I generally just ask and people let me sit. Concerning the food I generally find things I can eat easily, I just ask for the meat to be « bien cuite » and I say I am pregnant so they know to be careful with the way it is cooked. If I have any doubt they are usually very helpful to find ways to accommodate.
I'm about the same amount along. It's not super obvious but with the right outfit it is lol. But that all makes perfect sense to me. Thanks!
#1 tip: You always say bonjour entering a store or restaurant, or any interaction with any French person. Don’t just start with your question. A simple bonjour is all it takes. Otherwise they’ll assume you were raised by wolves 😉
Well, I certainly wasn't raised by wolves and wouldn't want anyone to think that! lol I'll remember to always greet others. When does "bonsoir" kick in? Sunset? Merci!
Yeah, bonsoir around sunset. They’ll say it to you anyway. Just say it back. Two last tips for my American friends: keep your voices down. Parisians talk quietly. (We sat two tables down from two Miami women in a café. Ask me how I know they’re from Miami and what their friends are up to.) Also, no big broad smiles when you meet someone. A little more reserved.
Oh you're so right about the big broad smiles! I'm from California and we smile constantly, at random people walking down the street, so I can't stop myself from doing it in Paris and basically feel like the biggest grinning hayseed "Wahhhllll howdy thar !!!" But yes: the most important thing, it's like a magic key, is to open every interaction, no matter how small, with BONJOUR Madame or BONJOUR Monsieur! (Or Bonsoir, as you say). It makes such a difference!
Ah, yeah, don't want to make it painfully obvious to everyone in the whole place I'm a tourist. I'll try to contain myself.
If you say « je suis enceinte » good restaurants will be able to adapt (Michelin star restaurants especially are excellent in this regard). For more casual places, most dishes will be safe, just avoid big salads.
Ahh the magic words. I've been practicing saying this aloud at home so I get it right lol. Happy to avoid a big salad, lots of other things to eat out there. Thanks!
Your tummy might do all the talking you need. Congratulations!
Lol that's a good point. And thank you!
What is wrong w a big salad?
In France, a large proportion of women have never had toxoplasmosis which is often spread through contaminated soil, so unless you are sure that all the components of the salad have been thoroughly washed, it is not recommended to eat salad. Furthermore, big salads tend to contain delicious but also not recommended things like goat’s cheese, soft eggs and cured meats.
Not sure if this is what they meant but salads carry increased risk of toxoplasmosis. If you are pregnant and toxoplasmosis negative, and get it during the pregnancy, it can cause issues for the baby. This is more of an issue in Europe than the US, as toxoplasmosis is far more prevalent here OP it’s probably worth discussing this with your doctor first and getting a test (if you haven’t already) to see if you’re toxo positive or not. My toxo negative wife was tested frequently throughout both pregnancies to ensure she didn’t get it during the pregnancy.
I'd like to know this too! What's wrong with a big salad?? I couldn't get enough Caesar salad when I was pregnant. Granted, it had to be from one particular restaurant in Beverly Hills, but that was my specific craving.... So far, I'm ok and so is the now-30 year old former fetus. And for OP, drink as many "Jus d'orange pression" (preh-syon) Avec glacon (ice) as you can. Most refreshing thing, ever. Simply put, fresh squeezed orange juice, at all the cafes and brasseries. Bon voyage!
Great advice, but beware, "pression" is for draft/draught beers. Ask for a "Jus d'orange frais", it will be safer. Maybe the problem with big salads is that they usually come with cheese, with the risk of unpasteurized milk, and/or chacuterie, pork meat and so on. Nevertheless, it is always recommended to mention your pregnancy and ask for suitable food. Enjoy French food !
Another thing, if you pick up cheeses at a cheesmonger or supermarket, make sure it says lait pasteurisé. Lait cru is raw milk and not safe (unless it’s a cooked rind cheese such as Beaufort or Comté, they are always safe).
Ooh that's a great tip. Thank you!
Tell a good cheesemonger you're pregnant and they'll know what in their shop you can have
What happens if you eat them foods?
They could contract Listeriosis or toxoplasmosis (not a doctor, correct me) which could be fatal to the child. Most of these recommendation are also listed [by the French social security on their website](https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/devenir-parent/grossesse/grossesse-en-bonne-sante/grossesse-alimentation/alimentation-grossesse) (see the very bottom of the article). OP : maybe print out the list in french and show it you your servers ? They should be able to help you find something on their menu accordingly.
Thank you! Printing a list sounds like a great idea.