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Protein is an essential macronutrient for the healthy growth of our body. Women have an additional requirement for this nutrient during pregnancy since their development depends on healthy foods. Pregnant women must make sure that they get enough of this nutrient through their diet. If the diet isn’t balanced, there are many protein powders specifically for pregnant women. Finding a safe and healthy protein powder for pregnant women can be easier when you know how to pick one.
In this post, we list some of the best protein powders for pregnant women. But before you use one, consult your gynecologist about it to ensure it is safe for you.
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7 Best Protein Powders For Pregnant Women
1. Protinex Mama
Protinex Mama is a 100% vegetarian supplement rich in proteins and provides nutrition to pregnant women and their fetuses. It contains Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA ), an omega-3 fatty acid that helps in the fetus’s physical and brain development. Protein powder also increases lactation and meets the requirements that are lacking in a regular diet. The protein powder ensures optimal health for both the mother and the unborn child.
Note: Protinex contains soy proteins and is not advisable for people allergic to peanuts or soya.
2. SimMom IQ+ During Pregnancy
SimMom IQ is a wholesome supplement with nutrients like DHA, protein, iodine, choline, iron, and zinc, essential for the fetus’ healthy brain development. Folic acid provides the mother with calcium, protein, and carbohydrate energy necessary for breastfeeding. Vitamin D helps build strong bones and teeth.
Antioxidants, along with vitamin C and E, help boost the child’s immunity. The formula is low in sugar and fat and has zero trans fats. It provides sufficient fiber for healthy digestion and enables healthy weight gain in the mother.
3. Develo Pregnancy Protein Health & Nutrition Drink
Develo Nutrition drink contains micronutrients with 100% of the daily requirement of vitamin B2, B12, and C, and helps the baby gain weight. High-quality proteins can promote a healthy delivery, while folic acid promotes spinal growth, and proteins help form fetal tissues. This nutritional drink also supplies energy, calcium, and protein for the nursing mother. It has zero transfats with low sugar and fat, making the inevitable weight-gain healthy.
4. British Biologicals Pro-PL
Pro-PL whey protein has 28 essential minerals and vitamins. The protein drink is said to prevent pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, and intrauterine growth retardation. Pro-Pl, which contains saffron, provides balanced nutrition during pregnancy and lactation period, while DH and GLA can help develop the brain and the fetus’s neural, visual, and cognitive senses.
5. Vivamom™ Maternal Nutrition Supplement
Vivamom Nutrition supplement is a protein-rich drink with 34 nutrients. It includes the characteristic Certi5TM signature nutrients: proteins, dietary fiber, DHA, probiotics, and amino acids that support the development of the child’s brain and eyes besides strengthening the mother’s immune system and the fetus. The powder also provides ultra-nutrition to breastfed babies.
6. Pro360 MOM Pregnancy Protein Powder
Pro360 Mom protein powder can meet the nutritional needs of pregnant women, breastfeeding, and nursing mothers. It contains natural dried fruits, such as pistachios, almonds, green and black raisins, which provide nourishing antioxidants with no added sugar. The natural saffron present in this formula helps relieve pain and stress.
The protein forms a protective coating in the digestive tract, which helps in better digestion. This supplement could also help manage blood pressure, eliminate cramps, relieve morning sickness, balance mood swings, and increase the mother and fetus’s iron content. Pro360 Mom contains milk, whey, and soy protein.
7. Horlicks Mother’s Plus
Horlicks Mother’s Plus is a scientifically formulated nutritional supplement for pregnant and lactating women. It contains 25 essential nutrients, which can provide nutrition for mothers and help babies grow. It provides 100% RDA of vitamin B2, B12, and C during pregnancy and 100% RDA of folic acid and iron during lactation.
The micronutrients, such as iodine, zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, B6, vitamin D, selenium, and protein, can promote healthy birth weight and improve breast milk quality. At the same time, DHA and choline can promote brain development. All these nutrients strengthen the immune system of the mother and baby.
Disclaimer: The information given in the section has been taken from manufacturers’ sources. MomJunction is not responsible for any of the claims made here. We recommend readers’ discretion.
How To Choose The Right Protein Powder For Pregnant Women?
During pregnancy, the mother’s demand for nutrition is high and often difficult to achieve through a regular diet. Protein supplements can optimize the nutrition and health of pregnant women and their babies. However, you must check the protein powder ingredients and avoid those that you may be allergic to. Also, check with your gynecologist or physician before using any protein powder for supplementation.
“These supplements should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet, and not as a weight loss supplement,” says Jenni Hackworth, a nutritionist and RYT200. She adds, “Sometimes it’s difficult to get all the nutrients you need from your diet when you have nausea or are super busy. Using supplement powders, such as the ones listed here, can help bridge that gap in your nutrition.”
Pregnant women have specific health and dietary requirements that are recommended for a normal pregnancy. Protein is one of these crucial elements that make up a balanced diet for moms-to-be as it allows you to stay energetic throughout the day while helping with the fetus’ development. The best protein powders for pregnant women listed here are formulated to help you meet your nutritional requirements on a daily basis. However, before choosing one, ensure you consult with your obstetrician or nutritionist to find a suitable one
Infographic: How Can Protein Powders Affect A Pregnant Woman?
Pregnant women need a higher protein intake and other nutrients to support healthy fetus development. While dietary sources can fulfill these increased requirements, sometimes, doctors may recommend adding supplements, such as protein powders. The infographic below includes the pros and cons of taking protein powder during pregnancy to help you make an informed decision.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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