| While the actual recommended amount of protein | | | | Waste Removal Systems Have Added Strain for |
| might vary from doctor to doctor, all health care | | | | Pregnant Women |
| providers agree protein is a vital component of a | | | | During pregnancy, mom's waste removal systems |
| healthy pregnancy diet. Protein supports a wide | | | | kick into over drive. This means the kidneys, liver, |
| variety of important body functions for expectant | | | | blood stream and all other body components used to |
| mothers, while providing the raw materials necessary | | | | scour toxic substances from the body need extra |
| to build a healthy new human life. | | | | support. |
| Daily Recommendations for Pregnant Women | | | | Protein is a key player in waste removal. As protein |
| The recommendation of protein as part of a daily | | | | digests, it is broken into small pieces. The smallest of |
| diet for a pregnant woman fluctuates. These | | | | these elements are indigestible sponge-like molecules. |
| fluctuations are reflection of the ever-changing food | | | | The body uses these protein sponges to soak up |
| pyramid recommended by the USDA, the care | | | | and remove waste particles from the blood stream. |
| provider's personal leanings and the latest medical | | | | Without adequate proteins, wastes build up resulting |
| research. | | | | in fatigue, swelling and potentially the life-threatening |
| Some providers recommend as little as 40-50 grams | | | | complication, toxemia. Research in this aspect of |
| of protein daily, while others bombard women with a | | | | protein's benefits is still ongoing. |
| minimum recommended amount of 90+ grams daily | | | | Fetal Development and Protein |
| as part of a healthy pregnancy diet. | | | | Proteins are made of long strands of amino acids as |
| Most doctors recommend moderation, which splits | | | | well as vital fatty acids like omega-3. Both nutrients |
| the difference between these high and low numbers | | | | play important roles for mother and baby. |
| landing at 60 grams of protein daily. This amount | | | | Amino acids are the basic building blocks of life. Trying |
| stays steady as part of diet during first trimester | | | | to develop a healthy baby without amino acids would |
| pregnancy as well as every subsequent trimester. | | | | be like trying to build a log cabin without logs. |
| Protein needs to be high priority from pregnancy's | | | | Maintain Steady Blood Sugars with Protein |
| beginning to its end. | | | | Proteins also help mom's body to maintain normal |
| Getting adequate protein is of such vital importance | | | | blood sugar levels. This helps with mood swings, |
| that some doctors even go so far as to advise | | | | energy levels, appetite control and even reduces or |
| against a vegetarian diet in pregnancy. | | | | eliminates morning sickness. |
| The body uses protein in many ways. During | | | | As you can see, protein is a vital part of a healthy |
| pregnancy, the multi-tasking elements of protein's | | | | pregnancy diet for both mother and child. |
| nutritive powers are pushed to the limit. | | | | |