best protein powder for pregnant women

The Best Protein Powder for Pregnant Women (2022)

Many pregnant mamas are looking for a protein powder they can trust during their pregnancy. With so many options on the market, and the concern for ingredients, it can be overwhelming to find one that seems healthy, clean and overall safe for mom and baby. Here at Milk Dust, we wanted to create a twin sister to our signature lactation protein powder, but with a small twist for pregnancy. The reaction from pregnant mamas has been fantastic. Hundreds of mamas have fallen in love with our pregnancy protein powder, and it is important to get into the details on what makes this protein powder so perfect for pregnancy.

Is protein powder safe for pregnancy?

is protein powder safe pregnancy Yes and no. Some protein powders are full of chemicals and artificial sweeteners that aren't really that great for anyone. Studies haven't really been done to prove them unsafe for a mother or a baby, but because they aren't a natural product, it's usually best to steer clear. Of course this isn't medical advice, and your doctor will be able to better guide you on which ingredients are safe and which ones aren't. Needless to say, there is some common sense to be used here, and unknown chemicals and sweeteners are probably not a great idea. Other protein powders, like Bump Dust, stick to as many natural ingredients as possible. Bump Dust, for example, is a protein powder formulated for pregnant mothers It is comprised of natural, plant-based proteins, superfoods, herbs, Tumeric and other amazing vitamins and minerals that aren't synthetic. Even prenatal vitamins use the synthetic folic acid, rather folate. Bump Dust uses folate (methylated), which is really important considering many woman can't absorb folate. With all of that being said, protein powder can absolutely be safe for pregnancy assuming the ingredients are natural. If so, protein powders can be a great way to add additional nourishment for mama and baby.

What makes Bump Dust a great pregnancy protein powder?

Bump Dust takes the amazing nutritional foundation of Milk Dust, and twists the herb blend slightly to make it more pregnancy friendly. Many of the essential nutrients for breastfeeding mamas are really important for pregnancy as well. We toned down some of the lactation herbs like fenugreek and fennel seed (which can still be beneficial for pregnancy!), but kept the brewer's yeast for the vitamin B content. Each ingredient serves a purpose, and plays a role in nourishing both mama and baby.

Bump Dust also tackles cravings, to help with weight management during pregnancy.

Cravings are a big issue for pregnant mamas, and by offering specific nutrients, Bump Dust can help manage these. A body that is properly nourished with enough protein, vitamins and minerals will not send out cravings nearly as often. Most of the sugar cravings pregnant moms experience are stemming from a lack of protein (eating more carbs and fat), a deficiency in chromium and magnesium, and blood sugar drops. Bump Dust helps by supplying chromium and magnesium, as well as cinnamon bark to help control blood sugar. Blood sugar imbalances often occur during pregnancy from hormonal changes and changes in diet. Many women start eating more carbs (especially on queasy tummies in the first trimester), which results in fluctuating blood sugar levels. Ingredients like cinnamon bark and Tumeric can help balance blood sugar, and have been used to treat people with diabetes.

How much protein do you need during pregnancy?

According to American Pregnancy Association, experts recommend 75 to 100 grams of protein per day. A typical serving of protein powder contains anywhere from 15 to 20 grams of protein. This is why protein powder can be super beneficial for pregnant mothers to get in the protein they need. This is especially true for pregnant mamas with aversions to meats and eggs, which are good sources of protein as well. If you are super nauseas, smoothies can be very soothing, and a great way to get your protein in without gagging.

What are the benefits of protein during pregnancy?

According to the American Pregnancy Association, protein positively affects the growth of fetal tissue, including the brain. It also helps your breast and uterine tissue to grow during pregnancy, and it plays a role in your increasing blood supply. We also have a great nutritional guide for pregnancy and postpartum you can read, which will guide you on how much of specific nutrients you need to eat. also read: Important Benefits of Protein Powder During Pregnancy

What's the best way to drink your pregnancy protein powder?

how to drink protein powder during pregnancy A smoothie is always the best way to drink your protein powder because you are adding in the fresh fruits or veggies for additional antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. You can try our favorite pregnancy protein smoothie, or add your Bump Dust to frozen fruit, fresh spinach and your favorite milk. You can also use a protein shaker and your favorite milk to mix with your protein powder for a fast and easy drink. Many pregnant mamas find that protein powder is a delicious and fast way to get in the essential protein. A smoothie can taste like a milk shake, which is perfect for pregnant mamas that can't stomach various sources of protein.

Should you drink a plant-based or whey protein during pregnancy?

Part of the confusion around protein powder during pregnancy is whether to choose a plant-based or whey-based powder. This is entirely up to you, what you want and what you can digest. Many mamas find that their breastfeeding babies have difficulty with dairy, so our Milk Dust is a plant-based protein powder. We kept this route with Bump Dust as well. Some find that whey or casein protein powders are difficult to digest, so a plant-based protein powder is better. You can get sample packs of many protein powders to give them a try, and see which kind seems to work best for you. Our Bump Dust is a blend of a few different proteins to provide a variety of nutrients and amino acids.

Sample protein-rich, healthy meal plan for pregnancy:

There are many ways to get in a lot of protein, starting with a delicious prenatal protein shake. Here is a sample meal plan that will help you get in the protein you need as a pregnant mama.

Breakfast: Protein Smoothie 1 scoop Bump Dust, 2 hand fulls of spinach, half cup of frozen blueberries and milk of choice.

Snack: 3 ingredient pancake with eggs, bananas and oat flour (many recipes on pinterest!) and drizzle of honey.

Lunch: Chicken salad with hard-boiled eggs, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of blue cheese dressing

Snack: Hummus with carrots and cucumbers

Dinner: Ground turkey with cauliflower rice, black beans and salsa

These are some samples of meals you can make to ensure you get all the protein in you need while pregnant, while also staying super healthy and managing your weight gain.