Pregnancy is a special time for expecting mothers, and it's essential to ensure that both you and your baby are getting the right nutrition. Protein is an essential nutrient during this period, but it can be difficult to get enough of it from food sources alone. This is where protein powder can come in handy, but is it safe to take whey protein while pregnant? In general, protein powders are safe during pregnancy. However, it's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and risks associated with taking whey protein while pregnant.
Hormones can be a problem when you opt for dairy-based powders that contain whey and casein. Dairy products usually contain traces of hormones such as rBGH (bovine growth hormone), which can be bad for the fetus, so it's best to avoid whey protein powder during pregnancy. If you're vegan or vegetarian, protein shakes can help you meet your protein needs during pregnancy. One of the most obvious benefits of protein powder is that it helps provide a quick and convenient source of protein for expectant mothers, who may not be able to get enough of it through their diet alone.
However, pea protein is a plant-based protein powder that contains the 9 essential amino acids that the body does not create on its own. This plant-based protein powder has 20 grams of protein per serving and also includes 250 milligrams of choline, another important nutrient in pregnancy for fetal neurodevelopment. This protein shake contains 20 grams of protein per serving, 170 calories and is gluten-free and dairy-free. Whey protein (such as Fertiliwhey) is a high-quality, easy-to-digest protein that can complement a balanced diet if used as directed.
Although the amount of protein needed during pregnancy may vary depending on factors such as weight, an expecting person should try to consume a minimum of 60 to 70 grams of protein per day, which should represent between 20 and 25% of their total caloric intake. You can drink protein shakes during pregnancy, but in moderation. They're not the healthiest way to meet your nutritional needs, and they have some significant drawbacks. In addition to avoiding whey, carefully check the labels on protein powders to see if they contain milk ingredients such as casein or lactose.
Soy protein (also called isolated soy protein) contains something called phytoestrogens that mimic the body's own estrogens. The decision to use protein powder or not during pregnancy is a personal one, and it's important to remember that you can easily meet your protein needs if you eat the right foods.
