PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY | BY STAR OF BABY
Jan 23,2023
By Star of Baby
We all know that proteins are the source to maintain health in our body. It is necessary to add protein to your diet but a daily intake of protein is very much important during pregnancy to help pregnant women to grow and develop the foetus. Pregnant ladies need to understand the benefits of including protein in their diet, along with the quantity of protein that they are required to consume for a healthy pregnancy.
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WHY PROTEIN IS IMPORTANT DURING PREGNANCY?
As we know that each cell in our body has protein in it. Protein is required to maintain and repair those cells. Protein is very important to maintain the normal growth and development of the baby during pregnancy.
- Protein also promotes the growth and repairs new and damaged tissues
- It produces antibodies for the immune system
- Protein helps to create hormones and enzymes
- It promotes the proper functioning of muscles
- Oxygen moves through the blood with the help of protein
- Protein provides healthy birth weight in babies
During pregnancy, a high protein diet is mainly important during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy as this is the time when the baby grows faster. During this time, a pregnant woman’s organs, breasts, and body also grow to accommodate the baby. A sufficient quantity of protein help to facilitate these changes as well.
PROTEIN-RICH FOOD TO FULFIL PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS DURING PREGNANCY
Some protein-rich food sources are recommended during pregnancy.
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Food source |
Protein content (per 100 grams) |
Chicken breast without the skin |
32 g |
Chicken eggs |
12.5 g |
Salmon |
24.2 g |
Mackerel |
20.8 g |
Cheddar cheese |
25.4 g |
Whole milk |
3.3 g |
Semi-skimmed milk |
3.4 g |
Cottage cheese |
12.5 g |
Peanut butter |
23 g |
Almonds |
21.1 g |
Walnuts |
14.7 g |
Chickpeas |
8.4 g |
Red lentils |
7.6 g |
Cooked beans |
7.5 g |
Oats porridge |
12 g |
Avocado |
10 g |
Yoghurt |
10 g |
Plain soy milk |
6 g |
Roasted peanuts |
25 g |
Tofu |
8 g |
Wheat germ |
31 g |
Quinoa |
13 g |
Algae (Seaweed) |
1.7 g |
WHAT AMOUNT OF PROTEIN IS REQUIRED DURING PREGNANCY?
Most women require about 70 to 80 grams of protein during pregnancy, it is about 25 grams more than what a normal woman would need. Protein requirement during pregnancy varies and is based on the level of activity. If you are active and do regular exercises, you may need to increase your protein intake to 80 to 100 grams per day.
The protein requirement also varies by the weight of a pregnant woman. Normally, adults need around 0.75 grams of protein for every kilogram of their weight. But a pregnant woman would need an extra 6 grams of protein on top of this. Some women may need less protein if their body weight is less.
You should always discuss it with your doctor to know the exact quantity of protein that you will require that will be based on your level of activity and body weight.
Pregnant women need to understand while the quantity of protein is important but the quality of protein also matters. The most gynecologists would agree that animal protein is the best quality protein during pregnancy. However, if you are vegetarian, you can get a sufficient amount of amino acids from a good serving of legumes and grains.
FAQ on protein requirement during pregnancy
- Is it safe to drink protein shakes during pregnancy?
Ans. If it is recommended by the doctor it is okay to consume protein shakes during pregnancy. This will help you to get a sufficient amount of protein during pregnancy.
- Why do women’s protein requirements increase during pregnancy?
Ans. Because the protein provides building blocks for your baby's cells during pregnancy. It also helps to develop skin, hair, fingernails, and muscles.
- How much protein does a pregnant woman require every day?
Ans. A pregnant woman needs an average of 71 grams of protein every day during pregnancy, It also depends on your weight, physical activity level, and trimester.
- How can I increase my protein during pregnancy?
Ans. Include eggs, lean meat and cottage cheese in your diet to increase protein consumption during pregnancy.
- What happens if you don't eat enough protein while pregnant?
Ans. Protein in inadequate amount during pregnancy may increase your child's risk later for developing diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or high blood pressure later in life. Inadequate protein can lead low birth weights in your child.
- Is high protein bad for pregnancy?
Ans. Yes, anything in excess can harm and so protein. It can increase the ammonia which can be fatal for the fetus.
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