When a woman is pregnant, her protein requirements increase significantly. If you are pregnant, you can get protein from various food sources. Both, plant-based and animal-based sources. But if you are vegan or do not eat meat, then you will have to consider a supplement or powder.
Protein powder is a good source of protein plus other vital nutrients. However, due to some of the additives in the powder, such as artificial sugars and preservatives, brings its safety to question, more so during pregnancy.
How Much Protein Does a Woman Need While Pregnant?
- The protein requirement of a pregnant woman increase as the pregnancy progresses.
- It peaks during the second and third trimester when the baby is growing rapidly.
- The everyday requirement of a pregnant woman depends on the woman’s body weight. It should be within the weight recommendations of normally nourished women gaining gestational body weight.
- The rule of thumb is to multiply the body weight in kilograms with 1.2 to get the amount of protein in grams. For example, if you weight 60 kg during early pregnancy, your requirement per day would be 60*1.2 = 72grams.
- By the time you reach the third trimester of your pregnancy, your protein requirement would be higher. Your body weight will then be multiplied by 1.5. The numbers 1.2 and 1.5 are protein in grams required per kilogram of body mass per day during early and late gestation.
Are Supplement Powders Safe to Consume During Pregnancy?
Protein powders are generally used by athletes to boost their intake of protein every day for building muscles. They are also used by those who are on a diet, trying to cut down on carbohydrates.
These powders, however, may not be right for pregnant women as they often contain artificial sweeteners such as saccharin which can harm the foetus. Some brands also have herbs such as ginger, anise, liquorice root, chamomile, and others used for performance enhancement which could affect foetal hormones
If you want to take such a supplement during pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult your doctor. It’s important to know which powder is suitable for pregnancy. Most of them are made out of proteins such as whey, casein, and soy. Women allergic to dairy products can also switch to other organic options that are safe for consumption during pregnancy.
For expert guidance towards your diet, make an enquiry or book an appointment with the top dietitians in Noida.
