Is it OK to use protein powder when you're pregant? Find out how much protein you and your baby need, what the best sources are, and how to make sure you're getting enough
“As a doctor and recent fitness enthusiast, I love listening to your podcasts because I know you'll only give me evidence-based information with a dash of common sense. What I'd like to know is if protein powders are safe in pregnancy and if so, which ones in particular.”
Before I talk about protein powder specifically, let’s talk briefly about protein in general during pregnancy. Protein needs increase during pregnancy, along with the requirements for lots of other nutrients. How much protein you take in during you pregnancy can affect things like the baby’s birthweight and body composition, head circumference, and could even affect the baby’s long term risks of diabetes, heart disease, or obesity.
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How Much Protein Do You Need During Pregnancy?
You probably won’t be surprised to learn that mothers who don’t eat enough protein tend to have smaller babies and higher rates of pre-term births. However, some research suggests that diets very high in protein could create different problems.
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