Protein Requirements during Pregnancy

[lynn]

Hi everybody-
I just read in my "What to Expect when you are expecting" book that women need at least 100 gms of protein per day when pregnant. That isn't a problem for me since I have always gotten that amount plus some before I was pregnant.
However, I plan on continuing strength training (modififying when needed) for as along as its ok.. Should I try to increase my protein level above the 100 grams since I will continue to lift? I was wondering if there were any guidelines on this somewhere that I haven't found yet.
Thanks in advance.
Lynn M.

 

[Sheila]

Hi Lynn,

The US Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)(set by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences) for pregnant women is 65 grams of protein a day. This is only a 15 gram increase over non-pregnant needs. Pregnant women actually have a built in mechanism that allows them to utilize the protein that they ingest more efficiently than when they aren't pregnant - another one of nature's wonderful built-in "feto-protective" mechanisms.

I would not recommend that you increase your dietary protein because you are lifting weights. I would check with your doctor and maybe even a licensed dietician to get specific information for your situation.

Sheila Watkins

 

[arogerson]

You will probably have a routine blood test which will indicate if you need more protein in your diet. If you supplement and do not need to, you might find that you have more nausea as well.

 

[lynn]

Thanks for the advice on how much protein.. It is good to know that the RDA is only 65 gms/day, since right now I am having a hard looking at meat as actually edible ..morning/allday sickness isn't fun!!. Will be glad when this part is over!
Thanks again!