During pregnancy extra protein is needed to help with foetal brain development and muscle and tissue formation. Not enough protein can impair the development of the placenta and foetus and may result in low birth weight and intra-uterine growth retardation. For mums, protein is essential for the increase in maternal blood volume and for the formation of amniotic fluid, and your protein needs to increase as your pregnancy progresses.
The Amino Acids in protein are the building blocks of the human body. Proteins repair muscle, tissue and red blood cells and support the growth of fetal tissue as well as breast and uterine tissue during pregnancy. It also helps increase your red blood cells which transport nutrients and oxygen around the body and controls blood clotting, particularly around the uterus and placenta. Because the baby’s cells are multiplying rapidly, protein is an important part of your pregnancy diet.
Natural sources of protein include lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, tofu and yoghurt. MamaCare Pregnancy Supplement for pre-conception, pregnant and nursing mothers contains 13.3mg protein per serve, providing an important source of protein for you and your developing baby.