During pregnancy, the female body's demand for vitamins, nutrients and trace elements increases dramatically. Even if the expectant mother tries to eat right and carefully chooses products, she can not always provide herself and the baby with useful substances. Doctors often prescribe pregnant women vitamin-mineral complexes and infant formula to improve their diet. Below we will talk more about protein shakes for pregnant women.
Importance of protein
For girls expecting a baby, it is very important to get enough protein into the body, as it promotes the development of a healthy fetus and supports the health of the mother. Not everyone knows that protein takes an active part in the creation of the placenta, red blood cells and soft tissues of the baby growing in the womb. In addition to participating in the formation of nails, hair, various organs and bones, it also regulates many functions in the body.
Since this element is very important, its great importance during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, is understandable. Numerous studies have shown that protein intake directly affects the birth weight of a baby. Babies born to women who have consumed the right amount of protein during pregnancy have more birth weight.
It is worth noting that underweight in an infant can lead to a large number of problems, including an increased risk of contracting various infections, jaundice, and respiratory distress syndrome. Also, a lack of protein can lead to the birth of a sick or weak child.
Purchased Maternity Protein Shakes (Names)
Recently, on sale you can find a large number of protein shakes for pregnant women, which are balanced dry mixes enriched with various vitamins and mineral supplements. As a rule, milkshakes for pregnant women are prescribed by a doctor. Dry additives are made on the basis of goat or cow milk, and in some cases from soy.
Such products can be divided into three groups. The first includes mixtures that provide increased body needs for nutrients during gestation. Such cocktails reduce the risk of intrauterine hypotrophy of the child, the development of early toxicosis, and also stimulate future lactation.
Cocktails from this group can be consumed during the entire period of pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding. This includes the following products:
- "Femilak". Cow milk based dry mix fortified with whey proteins. This product has an optimal ratio of calcium and phosphorus, which allows better absorption of calcium and reduces the risk of osteoporosis in pregnant women. In addition, Femilak contains vitamins C, D, E, folic acid, iron, copper, iodine, zinc.
- "Mom plus thought." This product has the right combination of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and is also enriched with calcium, folic acid and taurine. It contains selenium, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene.
- "MD-mil mom." In addition to skim milk, this mixture contains a mixture of vegetable oils (palm, sunflower and rapeseed), as well as fish oil. In addition, the product is enriched with beneficial minerals and vitamins.
- Enfamama. Another protein shake for pregnant women, which contains the correct ratio of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins.
Second group
This group includes products enriched with some important elements that provide the individual needs of a pregnant woman. Most often, doctors recommend such mixtures to girls who have problems during the period of bearing the baby. An example of a mixture from this category is Anna Maria. This is a fortified dry supplement containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is prescribed to women who have high cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood, overweight, and increased appetite during pregnancy.
Third group
This includes protein shakes for pregnant girls who are prone to allergic reactions. An example of such a mixture is Amalthea fortified milk supplement. It is made from goat milk. Goat milk is considered a hypoallergenic product, that is, it does not cause (or very rarely causes) allergic reactions. In addition, Amalthea is enriched with folic acid, calcium, iron, selenium and iodine. This mixture is often prescribed to women suffering from intolerance to cow's milk, allergies and digestive system diseases. Based on this product, you can cook yogurts, starter cultures, cottage cheese.
How to cook
Protein shakes for pregnant women, purchased at the store, can be used both as food additives, diluting the mixture with milk, and as an independent dish. Cocktails are prepared very simply: a couple of tablespoons of the product are dissolved in a glass of warm boiled water and taken two to four times a day. Different manufacturers instructions may vary, so before using the supplement, you should carefully read the annotation. Also in such cocktails, you can add fruits and other ingredients to taste.
The benefits of infant formula
- The balance of all components.
- Full satisfaction of the needs of the body of a woman and a child in energy and nutrients.
- Full assimilation of all useful substances, due to their simultaneous intake in the body.
- Reducing the risk of contracting any pathogens through poor-quality food.
All mixtures are selected individually, as a rule, as directed by a doctor. Before buying, you must carefully study the composition, as it may include hazardous concomitant substances. It is best to discard products that contain colorants and flavors. After all, these elements can harm not only the woman, but also the unborn child.
In addition, even a protein shake as close to natural as possible can be contraindicated if a girl has problems with the digestive tract and digestion, since concentrated protein is poorly absorbed. In any case, before buying a mixture, you must consult with a specialist.
How to cook yourself
For the preparation of a protein shake for pregnant women at home, it is not necessary to use ready-made mixtures. You can always use recipes that include regular foods:
- Classic protein shake. It includes: milk - 350 grams, one banana, cottage cheese - 100 grams, 4 boiled egg whites, one tablespoon of olive oil, two tablespoons of honey. All ingredients are crushed in a blender and filled with milk.
- Raspberry Protein Shake. It includes: milk - 200 grams, natural yogurt - 200 grams, raspberries - 100 grams. All products are crushed and mixed.
- Peach. This maternal protein shake recipe at home is very simple. It includes: two peaches, honey to taste, one cup of water, one tablespoon of eco-porridge "Samara healthy man" or "Vitamin", one tablespoon of any protein mixture purchased. All ingredients are loaded into a blender and mixed until smooth.
- "Orange Freshness". The cocktail includes non-fat natural yogurt - half a cup, freshly squeezed orange juice - one cup, a purchased protein mixture - one tablespoon. The method of preparation is the same as that of the previous cocktail.
Reviews
Reviews of protein shakes for pregnant women are positive. Many women note that the use of such mixtures positively affects the health of not only women, but also the unborn child. Many girls note an improvement in their condition during pregnancy, a decrease in toxicosis. It is also noted that the choice of cocktail should be made in conjunction with a specialist who will select the necessary mixture and tell you how to take it correctly.