Protein powders have a lot to talk about, and if used properly, it can have many benefits. To choose the safest protein powder for pregnancy, you should search for natural forms of protein powder. In other words, the pregnant woman must avoid artificial sweeteners or nasty preservatives.
At “Hipregnancy”, we will explain if protein powder is safe to use when you’re pregnant. In general, this answer is always depends on what products you are consuming. In the following, we help you choose the best one for pregnancy. Stay with us.
What are protein powders, and how to use them?
One of the prevalent dietary supplements is Protein powders. As you may know, protein is a fundamental macronutrient that repairs tissue, makes a difference in constructing muscle boosts chemicals and hormones. Eating protein powder helps weight misfortune and offer assistance to individuals in toning their muscles. There are numerous diverse sorts of protein powder, such as plant-based powder or dairy-based.
Protein powder might come from:
- Milk
- Eggs (Read more about eggs during pregnancy)
- Rice
- Soybeans
- potatoes
- peas
- hemp
These are often fortified with other nutrients but don’t forget that protein powders aren’t designed to restore a meal.
Do you know the best way to consume protein powder? Before consuming, you should calculate all the general needs of your body; this is especially true for women who do not get enough protein from their diet.
Research has shown that excessive protein intake can damage the kidneys and liver. It also upsets calcium balance.
Also, using high amounts of protein powder will result in a reduced intake of other beneficial foods, such as vegetables, fiber-rich fruits, and legumes that the body uses to sustain gut bacteria. Many people believe it is better to use protein powder after workouts, but some researches need to be more conclusive due to studies creating conflicting results.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the benefits of protein supplements, you can eat them with meals. In this way, weight management and reducing fat mass are better.
For better results, you can mix flavored protein powder with water according to the directions on the packaging. Also, you can mix protein powder into milk, or fruit or vegetable smoothies. [1: medicalnewstoday]
Also Read: Best Fruits For Pregnant
Can you have protein powder while pregnant?
The best protein powders for pregnancy can help you meet your protein needs. Always consult your doctor before adding any supplement to your diet, such as protein powders.
Your doctor depending on your needs and situation, can recommend what protein powder you eat. It’s best to buy an unflavored variety with very few ingredients, as with any food supplement.
One of these products is whey powder. This product is a natural protein powder that’s made from milk. You can look for pure whey powder that has no added ingredients. But some pregnant women are allergic or sensitive to dairy and so they should make sure they’re not taking a milk-based dairy powder. In other words, unnecessary bloating and gas is the last thing you want during pregnancy.
One of the most important issues is carefully checking protein powder labels for milk ingredients like casein or lactose. You can easily use a protein powder instead. [2: healthline]
Is orgain protein powder safe for pregnancy?
Orgain protein powder consists of 20g of protein is vegan and made with fewer ingredients. This product is without dairy and gluten. Although this product is not designed for pregnancy, it’s a great plant-based option, especially for vegan moms.
Vegan moms usually have difficulty meeting protein needs during pregnancy. Orgain’s protein powder is made from peas, brown rice, and chia and has 21 grams of protein.
Also Read: Apple Cider Vinegar And Pregnancy
Does protein powder increase weight during pregnancy?
This question that does protein powder increases weight during pregnancy may be on the minds of many mothers. If pregnant women eat balanced protein energy supplementation, such as protein powders, there will not be a problem.
Instead, pregnant women with energy or protein deficit can improve fetal growth, increase birth weight and height, and eventually decrease the percentage of low birth weight.
Because protein powder is associated with muscle building, many believe that consuming whey protein powder or supplements in other forms will make them gain weight. The truth is, protein powders, if used balanced – will not make pregnant women overweight. [3: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Benefits of Protein Powder During Pregnancy
Protein powders can help pregnant women and their babies develop properly. The benefits of protein powders during pregnancy are:
- Supporting Muscle Mass
One of the most important benefits of protein powder during pregnancy is maintaining muscle mass. Your protein intake will be higher, and so will help you maintain your muscle mass during pregnancy because pregnant women’s metabolism will significantly decrease, they can lose muscle mass and gain fat and water.
- Maintaining Healthy Habits
When pregnant women use this product, their body metabolism improves. In other words, they will no longer eat too much and have a balanced weight.
- Repair of Damaged Tissues
As most of us know, women’s bodies need repair before and after childbirth due to pregnancy. Protein is one of the things that can help the body a lot in this case. So the body tissue of pregnant women will be better restored by consuming protein powder during this period.
- Feeling Full
One of the things that are very difficult to manage during pregnancy is cravings and hunger. Cravings and extreme hunger pangs may make you eat more than necessary. One of the benefits of protein powder during pregnancy is that it helps you feel full and avoid foods high in oil, sugars, and fats.
- Producing Hormones and Enzymes
Protein discharging in maternal and fetal tissue increases throughout pregnancy. But mothers who take protein regularly can maintain their health while supporting increased growth of organs, blood supply hormones and enzymes crucial for your body to function properly.
- Healthy for Your Baby
Protein is the most important building block for your baby’s body. Protein consumption is particularly important during the second and third trimesters, when the baby needs the most protein. Protein powders are sometimes the best option; instead, eat a healthy variety of fruits and veggies, with lean protein sources like chicken, eggs, and beans. [4: plixlife.com]
Also Read: Nutrition And Pregnancy
What are the risks of using protein powder during pregnancy?
There are some risks of taking protein powder for pregnant women.
- Unsafe ingredients
There is a lot of debate about the safety and reliability of protein powders. More importantly, the FDA (the Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate these products. You should go to reliable sellers to get them. Lastly, keep in mind that not all sellers are trustworthy, and you should always pay attention to this product’s ingredients and food label.
- Excessive consumption of protein powder
Eating high protein foods during pregnancy means you do not need to consume much protein powder. Remember that high consumption of this product can be associated with some risks. Studies have shown that pregnant mothers who consumed high protein and low carbohydrates developed gestational diabetes.
- The sugar
You must carefully look out for hidden sugars in protein powders. Too much sugar is dangerous for pregnant women and can cause unhealthy weight gain.
Also Read: What Can Pregnant Woman Eat?
10 Safest Protein Powders For Pregnancy in 2023
1. Best Overall: Baby Booster Prenatal Vitamin Supplement
Baby Booster protein powder has been designed for pregnant women. It contains vitamin B6, vitamin D, folate, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and calcium, all crucial nutrients for mother and baby. This product can help with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
2. Best Plant-Based
Orgain Grass Fed Clean Protein Shake is a great plant-based option, especially for vegan moms who may have difficulty gathering protein needs during pregnancy.
3. Best Flavor: Ritual Essential Protein
Ritual Essential Protein tastes amazing; Ritual sweetens this protein powder with natural vanilla bean extract from Madagascar, monk fruit, and fermented sugarcane. There are no grams of sugar.
4. Best Budget: Mommi Prenatal Protein Shake
Mommi Prenatal Protein Shake has essential nutrients for pregnant women. This product includes vitamin B6 to help with nausea and has a strong smell without lactose. Recommend you read on article pregnancy protein shake.
5. Best Whey-Based: Naked Whey Vanilla Protein Powder
Naked Whey is a Gluten-free product. It doesn’t also come with any artificial or calories. Recommend you read the article whey protein pregnancy.
6. Best with Probiotic: Boobie Bar Organic Superfood
Boobie Body Organic Superfood Protein powder not only boosts protein intake but also gets a healthy dose of probiotics. This product also delivers 1,000 IU of vitamin D and 40% of the recommended daily value for iron which is very beneficial for moms and babies.
7. Best Premixed: OWYN Vegan Protein Shake
This product is a good protein powder for pregnancy and is specially designed for vegan moms because it has no gluten, dairy, or soy.
8. Best Sugar-Free: Needed Collagen Protein Powder
This product contains no sugar or artificial sweeteners and is ideal for moms. It also includes one ingredient, collagen. Collagen is the main structural protein in connective tissues like ligaments and skin.
9. Best for Gestational Diabetes: NAKED nutrition Naked Casein
If you have gestational diabetes, keeping your sugar intake low is very important. NAKED nutrition Naked Casein with stevia and monk fruit are considered safe and don’t impact blood sugar levels.
10. Best for Lactation: Milk Dust Lactation Protein Powder
Milk Dust Lactation Protein Powder is produced from plant-based proteins, including brown rice protein, pea protein, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds. It also supports breastfeeding and is very beneficial. [5: verywellfamily]
Protinex Mama protein powder for pregnancy
What you eat during pregnancy influences the development of the unborn baby. Therefore, you should have a balanceed diet rich in essential nutrient to support a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. Mama Protinex can help you meet your body’s protein needs and baby’s.
Protinex Mama protein powder is the best protein powder while pregnant, a supplement needed for the physical and brain development of the fetus. This supplement contains soy protein and milk protein. It is available in two flavors, including vanilla and chocolate.
Consuming this protein powder is safe while pregnant; however, it is not recommended for pregnant ladies with lactose intolerance or allergies to soya and peanut.
This protein powder provides DHA, 23 essential vitamins and minerals required during pregnancy and lactation. It contains nutrients like selenium, iron, zinc, iodine, and folic acid. Protinex Mama can keep the mother healthy, resulting in the fetus’s normal growth in the womb.
Best collagen protein powder for pregnancy
Collagen protein powder is beneficial for pregnant women due to several reasons, including;
- It can help your body meet protein needs while pregnant.
- Collagen is needed to form baby’s bone and skin as well.
- Consuming collagen protein powder can prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.
- This powder can relieve morning sickness, especially in the first trimester.
As you see, collagen protein powder is safe and useful for pregnant women and the developing fetus. However, Hipregnancy recommends you consult your doctor before having this protein powder during pregnancy. Below are some best collagen powders for pregnancy, including;
- Biomeology Prenatal Collagen Peptides
- Vital Protein Collagen Peptides Powder
- Bubs Naturals Powder Sticks
- NEEDED Pure Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder for Prenatal
- Pink Stork Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder
- Protiva Thrive Unflavored Collagen Peptides
The takeaway
In the end, we have a better understanding of this issue and what the safest protein powder for pregnancy is. Some kinds of protein powders are safe for pregnant women. They can add a spoonful – when needed because it can help meet daily protein needs for them and their growing baby.
Women who wish to supplement their diet with the best protein powder during pregnancy should choose a high-quality product and speak to their doctor before using it.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to take protein powder in pregnancy?
There is no exact time to take protein powder during pregnancy. In other words, taking protein powder in pregnancy depends on your body’s needs. Your doctor can tell you when to take protein powder based on your needs.
2. Is pea protein powder safe during pregnancy?
Yes, of course. It is safe to consume pea protein powder during pregnancy. The noticeable point about pea protein powder is that it contains DHA, a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid that boosts fetus growth.
3. Is soy protein powder safe during pregnancy?
It is better not to consume soy protein in pregnancy or have it in limited amounts. The reason behind this idea is the lack of research and studies related to the effects of eating soy protein powder on pregnant women.
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