The Increased Importance of Protein During Pregnancy
Every nutrient that’s important to you as a woman is necessary for your baby’s growth and development. Yet, protein is one of the main nutrients that stand out as particularly important to your child, especially as pregnancy progresses. The recommended protein requirement for healthy women is 45-50 grams per day, while for pregnant or lactating women the recommended intake rises to 71 grams of protein a day. Upwards of 130 grams of protein per day is recommended for moms expecting twins, with some researchers recommending more than 170 grams of protein per day for your twin pregnancy.
Poor protein intake during pregnancy increases the risk for having a low birth weight infant and, a recent study suggests, negative effects on fetal brain development.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are the times when good nutrition matters most. While pregnant, women should consume an additional 300 calories compared to a regular diet. While nursing, you’ll need an additional 200 to 300 more calories than you did in your third trimester of pregnancy to sustain your milk supply. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends roughly one quarter of the calories you consume in a day should come from protein — an essential building block for you and your little one. The risks of inadequate protein. Protein is important to many physiological functions like growth, repair and maintenance of every single cell. Since inadequate protein during pregnancy and lactation jeopardizes the growth and development of your baby, it is important to review your diet to assure adequacy. Poor protein intake during pregnancy increases the risk for having a low birth weight infant and, a recent study from the University of Minnesota School of Medicine suggests, negative effects on fetal brain development. Protein from breast milk sustains a newborn’s rapid growth for the first year of his life. A breast-feeding mother also needs protein to recover from the physiological strain of pregnancy and childbirth. Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh produce, whole- grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy, and supplement with BNatrl’s vitamins and protein products made from organic and natural ingredients. This gives you the extra peace and assurance that you and your baby’s nutritional needs are met.
