Complete Protein During Pregnancy for Health

Why Protein is Important While Pregnant

Protein is a structural element of your body and your baby's body. New tissues and organs grow by laying down and combining millions of proteins. Protein is formed by amino acids, 12 of which the body produces naturally and 9 of which, called essential amino acids, must be added to the body through our food. To make sure this process happens properly eating complete proteins is necessary during pregnancy.

Why is protein important for pregnancy health?

Protein has taken on a new importance in the health of pregnancy through the work of Dr. Tom Brewer, a physician who specialized in preeclampsia and toxemia patients in a Chicago suburb clinic in the 1960's. Dr. Brewer's work revealed the importance of good diet in preventing these pregnancy health risks and complications.

Protein is used to build the baby's tissues, build a healthy placenta and create red blood cells. Protein deficiency has been linked to reduced placental growth and function. Poor protein intake also has a higher risk for impaired brain development and increased risk of preecplamsia.

How much protein for a pregnant woman need for proper health?

A pregnant woman needs about 80 grams of complete protein each day for optimal health. Because prenatal vitamins and mineral supplements do not provide protein it is worth tracking how much you are eating each day during pregnancy.

What is a complete protein and an incomplete protein?

Remember those 9 essential amino acids that are needed through our healthy diet? Animal proteins have all 9 of these essential amino acids and so are considered complete protein sources. There are three groups of vegetable protein sources: grains, legumes or nuts and seeds. These proteins are called incomplete proteins each group has one or more of the essential amino acids either missing or in only minute amounts.

How can I make sure I get healthy and complete proteins?

Eating animal sources of protein like eggs, milk, fish, poultry, and meats are all sources of complete proteins. Avoiding high-fat and red meats during pregnancy is always a healthy decision but eggs, milk, fish and poultry are lean options.