are protein shakes recommended during pregnancy

[Alexis2358]

Just wondering if anyone knows if the protein shakes are recommended or not advisable.   I've read alot of conflicting information on the internet.   I know I should ask my OB, which I will next week at my next appt., but until then, i always hate being a pain and making calls into the office.

I had gestational diabetes on my last pregnancy 9 years ago, and now I've had 2 episodes already at 14 weeks pregnant where I can feel my body have a huge high and then a big dump of my blood sugar.   Its frightening me slightly so I'm trying to find ways to incorporate alot of protein in my diet.    I can't stand meat right now, and I don't like lentils or greens that have protein in them.    I WILL eat the stuff to some degree just for the baby, but there's a fine line between being able to keep it down and getting enough in.

I do like peanut butter, but peanut butter also has alot of fat in it as well, which I know isn't great either.   I found a whey protein shake that has 31 grams of protein with each serving and only 1 gram of carbs.    I bought it thinking it would be a great idea 2 days ago and now all of a sudden it hit me that maybe I should check on this.

does anyone know anything about this?

Thanks

[Alexis2358]

Wow, thank you everyone for the great advice.    I will do some checking on these recommendations.   I don't mind the expense, this is the most important moment of my life and I want to make sure I do it right.

I've had a tough time handling eggs as well, truly about the ONLY thing I can really handle eating is cinnamin raisin toast and noodles.....hmmm none of which are doing much for me except soothing my tummy.    

thanks so much ladies, I appreciate all the help.

[Birds71]

Jay Robb makes an excellent all natural, rBGH-free protein powder that is sweetened with Stevia - which is all natural.  So there is nothing like Splenda or Aspartame that you may or may not have objections to consuming.  It is a little on the spendy side, but IMHO worth it when you're carrying that precious cargo.  :)  You can do a search for it, or if you have Whole Foods near you, they carry it.

I was really queasy around meat too with my last pregnancy.  Cheese is a great source of calcium and some protein as well as eggs if you can handle them.  If you are near a Trader Joe's, they carry a peanut flour that can be re-constituted to make peanut butter.  it is awesome stuff!  much lower in calories than reg. peanut butter...and would also be great in your protein shakes!

[SabrinaB39]

There is a brand of protien shake for pregnant woman. It is made by Belly Bar.  They also have protien bars.  Motherhood maternity carries them but you may find them on the internet.   I have not been gaining weight with my pregnancy and thought these would help. They come in 4 packs for about $7-8.  Not to bad if you put them in the freezer to get slushy.  I've only had the vanilla.

Good luck.

[Alexis2358]

Thanks for the info.    My bag does not say anywhere on it that pregnant women should avoid, however I think I will take it in to my OB and get her opinion.      Its so confusing to figure out what is good for you to eat and what isn't.  

My DH really enjoyed making me this shake in this morning, we just started doing it, but we use milk and ice and change the fruit up that goes in it, but we do sprinkle the vanilla protein powder in there.    They taste awesome, so I hope I can continue to drink them, but I definately don't want to do anything that would risk my precious little one.

[adgal]

My understanding is that it depends on the shake, and the ingredients.  There are so many things not recommended during pregnancy, so I think you just have to be on top of what is in the shake, and what is recommended.  I think it you went the route happynifer is going with making her own, that is probably the best idea.  I too made homemade shakes during pregnancy and they were fine. I personally would not use the store bought ones.  Just thoroughly check out those ingredients.  Good luck!

[RavenT]

I was reading my Whey protein container and it does warn pregnant or nursing women to not use the product.. i love my homemade fruit smoothies made with Whey protein... low carbs and high protein... I use frozen bananas, frozen strawberries or another fruit and Greek yogurt & Whey... love them... I'm not pregnant but trying to get that way!!!

Was wondering if this means I need to stop making smoothies with the Whey protein???

[happynifer]

i disagree with the previous poster.
my midwife recommends protein shakes (whether made yourself or purchased)
getting 100g of protein per day is important to your baby's health, helps with fluid retention later in pregnancy, etc
i generally make my own using a whey protein powder, forzen bananas, flax seed oil and yogurt, but certainly have used powdered shake mixes as well.
soy is controversial due to the high amount of estrogens in it, especially if you are carrying a boy.

[Angebelle]

Protein shakes (made from the powdered or liquid supplements) during pregnancy isn't advisable because they can be harmful to the fetus.  Consumer Reports tested 15 protein shakes this past year and found that each had at least one toxic ingredient (lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic) of low to moderate levels.  While our bodies may be able to process them with little problems, the fetus cannot, thereby absorbing the toxins.  

With that said, high-calcium foods contain proteins (milk, cheese, yogurt) as well as hard boiled eggs or egg whites, soy-based snack bars, nuts and seeds, tofu stir fry, even TVP are some better choices until you can stomach meat and legumes again.  All the best to you and your baby!