Protein and pregnancy – the construction worker of your body
Nutrition
Protein is made of amino acids, which are the foundation for every single cell in your body – and those of growing Your Child. It affects the development of all important organs and also the brain.
How does protein affect fetal growth?
Since Your Child grows more rapidly during the second and third trimesters, your protein levels during the latter half of the pregnancy are maybe more important than earlier in fetal development. Maternal protein intake supports the growth of the fetal brain, especially during the final trimester; so, not getting enough protein during this time period can affect the mental functioning of the child.
How much protein do I need?
Fortunately, sources of protein are easy to find, and most pregnant women should have no trouble maintaining an adequate intake to support fetal growth and development. Pregnant moms are recommended to get at least 75g of protein/day.
What are some good sources of protein?
Many women can easily get their daily dose of protein, as every type of meat contains a lot of it. In fact, 100g of meat contains around 20-30g of protein. Some of the most healthy sources of protein from meat are chicken breast and salmon. Pork and beef also contain a lot of protein, but red meat is not that healthy.
For vegans or vegetarians, it can be a bit more difficult to meet the daily protein requirements. But there are some good sources:
- Peanuts (100g / 25g)
- Yogurt (1 cup / 10g)
- Rice (1 cup / 7g)
- Sunflower seeds (100g / 20g)
- Tofu (100g / 6g)
- Eggs (1 egg / 6g)
- Skim milk (1 cup / 8g)
- Soymilk (1 cup / 8g)
