Is It Safe to Drink Protein Powders While Pregnant?

Most pregnant women have a hard time eating during pregnancy. But staying on track with a balanced diet is now more important than ever. Pregnancy hormonal changes are particularly responsible for occasional appetite loss and food aversions. Aversion to certain food types is higher than others, which includes red meats, chicken, fish, eggs, and so on. These are some great sources of protein. If you avoid these protein-rich foods, you will likely suffer from protein deficiency. You might feel tempted to try alternative options like protein shakes or smoothies to load up on enough protein. But are protein powders safe while pregnant?

We have talked with a number of nutritionists and dietitians to find out the answer.

Are Protein Powders Safe during Pregnancy?

Many of us try protein shakes first thing in the morning for breakfast. These drinks are a great source of protein, calcium, potassium, and other nutrients. When it comes to pregnancy, many of us might wonder if it is safe to continue drinking. The answer is Yes; you can add protein shakes to your diet, pregnant or not. But you should be careful while choosing protein powders during pregnancy because some might contain ingredients like artificial sweeteners and fillers that are best to avoid while pregnant.

Plant-based protein powders are the safest option to try during pregnancy. If you want to know if a particular protein powder is safe while pregnant, you should consult with your OB/GYN. 

What are the Benefits of Protein Powders during Pregnancy?

An expecting mom’s body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. That’s why getting the right nutrients and proteins during pregnancy is important.

Protein supplies the basic building blocks of your body’s cells and your baby’s body as well. With the right kind of protein, you gain extra strength to support the needs of your growing baby.

With all the food cravings and aversions during pregnancy, you might struggle to maintain a healthy diet. The convenience of taking protein as protein shakes, protein smoothies, and others should help you get the optimal amounts of protein during pregnancy. You can even add protein powders to soup or any safe teas during pregnancy, and they will still taste great.

How Much Protein Does a Pregnant Woman Need?

Balance is crucial when it comes to protein and pregnancy. You need to ensure that you are maintaining an optimal protein intake level. 

According to nutritionist Nancy Hudson, M.S., R.D., pregnant women should get around 60 to 80 grams of protein daily, depending on body weight. As long as your protein intake is within the limit, you should be fine.

To learn how much protein you need each day, it’s best that you talk to your doctor.

Final Thoughts

As mentioned earlier, not all protein powders on the market are safe while pregnant. So try to pick a powder with the least ingredients possible. Also, check the ingredients listed on product labels and read the warnings if there are any.

But if you want to be on the safer side, seek advice from a nutritionist or dietitian.