PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY

 

Proteins are the source to maintain health in our body. It is important to add protein to your diet but daily consumption of protein is much more needed during pregnancy to help pregnant women to grow and develop the foetus. Pregnant ladies need to know the benefits of including protein in their daily diet, with the quantity of protein that they are required to consume for a healthy pregnancy.

WHY PROTEIN IS AN IMPORTANT THING DURING PREGNANCY?

Each cell in our body has protein in it. Protein is needed to maintain and repair those cells. It is very important during pregnancy to maintain the normal growth and development of the baby. Not only this but protein also help in…

• Promotes the growth and repairs new and damaged tissues
• Produces antibodies for the immune system
• helps to create hormones and enzymes
• proper functioning of muscles
• Move Oxygen through the blood
• healthy birth weight in babies

Also Read: BENEFITS OF EATING DATES DURING PREGNANCY | BY STAR OF BABY

 During pregnancy, a high protein diet is important, especially during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy this is the time when the baby grows even faster. At this time, a pregnant woman’s organs, breasts, and body also grow. Enough quantity of protein help to facilitate these changes very well.

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PROTEIN-RICH FOOD TO FULFIL PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS DURING PREGNANCY

Also Read: 5 HEALTHY AND REFRESHING JUICES DURING PREGNANCY By Star Of Baby

 

Food source	Protein content (per 100 grams)
Chicken breast without the skin	32 g
Chicken eggs	12.5 g
Salmon	24.2 g
Mackerel	20.8 g
Cheddar cheese	25.4 g
Whole milk	3.3 g
Semi-skimmed milk	3.4 g
Cottage cheese	12.5 g
Peanut butter	23 g
Almonds	21.1 g
Walnuts	14.7 g
Chickpeas	8.4 g
Red lentils	7.6 g
Cooked beans	7.5 g
Oats porridge	12 g
Avocado	10 g
Yoghurt	10 g
Plain soy milk	6 g
Roasted peanuts	25 g
Tofu	8 g
Wheat germ	31 g
Quinoa	13 g
Algae (Seaweed)	1.7 g

 

Also Read:  Frequently asked questions | Breastfeeding Pumps | Star of Baby

 

FAQ

1. Is it good to drink protein shakes during pregnancy?

Ans. During pregnancy, if it is advised by the doctor it is okay to consume protein shakes. This will help pregnant women to get enough amount of protein during pregnancy. 

2. Why during pregnancy, women’s protein requirements increase? 

Ans. It is because the protein offers building blocks for the baby's cells during pregnancy. It also helps to grow skin, hair, fingernails, and muscles.

3. How much protein does a woman require every day during pregnancy?

Ans. They need an average of 71 grams of protein every day during pregnancy, It also depends on their weight, physical activity level, and trimester.

4. How can women increase their protein during pregnancy?

Ans. Include protein-rich food such as eggs, lean meat and cottage cheese in their diet to increase protein intake during pregnancy. 

5. What happens if you don't eat enough protein during pregnancy?

Ans. Protein in fewer amounts during pregnancy may increase your child's risk later for developing diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or high blood pressure later in their life. Low protein can lead to low birth weights in your child.

6. Is high protein bad during pregnancy?

Ans. Always remember, anything in excess can harm you and so protein. It can increase the ammonia which can be harmful for the fetus.

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Benefits And Precautions While Consuming Honey During Pregnancy

 

Being a great replacement for sugar, honey is very popular among diet-conscious people. Honey is known to enhance the taste. We all know that honey is a good source of antioxidants and amino acids and is also used for medicinal purposes too. Having countless benefits, honey also offers certain types of bacteria that can lead to botulism in infants. It is advised not to give raw honey to children younger than 1 year because their digestive system is not developed properly to handle it and may lead to diseases. Many of you must have already been aware of this. During pregnancy, many women would feel puzzled about consuming honey during their pregnancy because it can reach the unborn baby directly. If you also have a question about whether consume or not to consume honey during pregnancy.

Is it safe to consume honey during pregnancy?

If you are doubting consuming honey during pregnancy. So, here is the answer, honey is safe and beneficial to consume during pregnancy. You can include honey in your diet during your pregnancy without any doubt unless your doctor advised you otherwise.

If you are still confused, then you should know the fact that proves that honey is safe and beneficial for you during pregnancy if you are an adult, it is easy for you to digest everything and as an adult, your gut can handle the bacteria that honey offers. The biggest concern regarding consuming honey during pregnancy is the same bacteria that arrive with honey. This bacteria leads to ‘botulism’ in infants it is a rare but serious kind of illness that happens due to contaminated honey containing Clostridium spores which is a harmful bacteria. But during pregnancy, the placenta blocks these spores or their toxin to enter the foetus so that they can’t contact the baby in the womb.

 

Also Read: 10 fruits that you should consume during pregnancy by Star of Baby

 

What are the benefits of consuming honey during pregnancy:

Honey has countless health benefits that come with various medicinal properties. The importance and benefits of honey are also described in ancient Indian scriptures. There are uncountable health benefits that you may receive from consuming honey during pregnancy. Here are some of the benefits that honey offers.

1.     Good for the immune system: A pregnant woman needs to have a strong immune system to stay safe from any disease during this important phase of pregnancy. You need to understand that any kind of complication can harm your baby. Honey has those qualities that can help you strengthen your immune system. Honey is rich in antioxidants and antibacterial qualities that make it a perfect immunity booster. Including honey in your diet during pregnancy can help to boost your immune system.

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2. Work in cough: If you have a cough, you can go with honey. Mixing it with a spoonful of ginger juice can soothe your sore throat. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, honey soothes your sore throat.

3. Fight cold: Honey is popular to get relief from colds and flu having anti-viral properties and immunity-boosting properties. You can consume honey with lukewarm water or green tea to stay safe from colds and flu.

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 4. Help to cure ulcers: Daily consumption of honey can help people with gastritis heal their stomach ulcers quickly. It is against duodenal ulcers, a type of peptic ulcer, caused by H.pylori infection. If you are experiencing ulcers you need to consume honey after consulting with your doctor.

5. Prevent allergies: Local varieties of honey that contain pollen prevent and improve some seasonal allergies. Daily consumption of honey can help your body to build immunity.

Also Read: PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY | BY STAR OF BABY

 

Precautions while consuming honey during pregnancy:

However honey is safe to consume during pregnancy, but the way you are consuming honey will decide will be beneficial for you or not. This is why to get the maximum possible benefits of honey,  here are some precautions you should follow while consuming honey:

·        Always remember, never add honey into hot water, it may destroy some of the useful enzymes and nutrients of honey.

·        Foods which are rich in Vitamins C and D lose their nutrient value with honey as some of the minerals present in honey tend to destroy the benefits of these vitamins.

·        Never mix honey with bean curd, it can cause indigestion, and upset your stomach and hence should not be taken together.

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WHAT IS BREAST ENGORGEMENT?

 

How To Get Relief From It? 

If you are you experiencing sore and swollen or out-to-burst breasts? Are your breasts becoming huge and tender after giving birth to your baby? It might be breast engorgement that happens due to a sudden flow of breast milk post-delivery. + can lead to other breastfeeding problems if not treated on time such as cracked nipples, clogged milk ducts, and mastitis which is not funny. If you want to know what breast engorgement is read this blog to the end also know how to get relief from breast engorgement. 

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What is breast engorgement?`     

Breast engorgement happens when breast milk first comes in. Post-delivery when your breasts are filled with milk, your breasts are not ready for this change which can be a reason for engorged breasts. As a result of breast engorgement, you will experience swollen breasts, hardness and pain. Here’s how breast engorgement happens: When breast lobules produce and store milk in women’s breasts so that their breasts have an efficient supply of breast milk whenever their babies feel hungry. If breast milk is not drained frequently and properly, breast milk will be collected in the lobules and will create swelling, hardness and pain in the breasts. 

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Breast engorgement usually happens some days after giving birth because, at that point, your breasts will be switching from colostrum to mature milk. Your breast will be normal within two days and will be full of milk right before a breastfeeding session. Breast engorgement can be uncomfortable; however, it also can be a sign that your body is working correctly. If there is any other sickness while you experiencing engorged breasts, it can be a matter of worry and if you are not feeling any sickness and your breasts are drained from time to time properly, there is nothing serious about it. Engorged breast is a normal process that can subside within two to three days. 

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Breast Engorgement Symptoms: 

• If your breasts grow a little post-delivery it is normal, but if the size seems larger than normal and does not get to the normal size, It can be the symptom of breast engorgement.
• If you are experiencing any kind of hardness in your breasts and it feels like bursting up, it also can be a symptom of breast engorgement.
• Symptoms of breast engorgement make latching difficult for babies and also flatten up your nipples and make the areola harder.
• If any spots on your breasts feel like a bruise it might be a sign of infection. Go and consult your doctor as soon as possible.

 Also Read: Get started with breastfeeding and pumping schedule

How long does breast engorgement last? 

On the days when you are experiencing engorged breasts, you should feel relaxed right after draining out the milk or breastfeeding your baby and swelling should subside within two to three days. Taking the proper bed rest while breastfeeding by the time of breast engorgement, can subside the breast engorgement within 24 hours. 

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How to relieve engorged breasts?

Here are some easy ways to get relief from breast engorgement: 

1. Put the baby on your breast as often as possible: Drain out your breasts every two hours, it is the best option. If you are experiencing discomfort due to engorged breasts, put your baby o latch on your breast as often as possible so that you can feel relaxed and it will relieve the engorgement.

2. Apply a warm and moist compress: Make sure you warm up your breasts just before breastfeeding time, it would help to soften your breasts and will encourage the letdown. But do not apply the warm compress for more than a few minutes because excessive heat can increase swelling and inflammation.
3. Get relief with massaging: To help your breasts drain out and to bring down the swelling, massaging your breasts gently can help. Use your fingertips to massage in a circular motion toward the nipple and push in toward your chest.
4. Use a cold compress: If you have done all the above things and still not feeling relaxed and relieved from breast engorgement, you can try putting a cold compress on your breasts that would help to reduce inflammation. Do not try all the tactics at the same time, the situation can go worst!!! take rest in between.
5. Cold cabbage can help: You also can place cold and clean cabbage leaves on the breasts to get relief from engorged breasts. Just remove the leaves right after the swelling goes otherwise it can lead to a low milk supply
6. A manual breast pump could work: Use a manual pump to express breast milk, it can make you feel relaxed. Note that an electric breast pump can be harsh on the engorged breasts. Manual breast pumps are said to be gentle and can soften your breasts.

 Also Read: Frequently asked questions | Breastfeeding Pumps | Star of Baby

Tips to prevent breast engorgement: 

• Breastfeeding your baby right after, every two to three hours will help to prevent your breasts from overfilling.
• Never limit the feeding time of your baby. Let them empty your breasts fully whenever they are hungry.
•  Consult your lactation expert to give you advice on smoothening your baby’s latch.
• In case you are not with your baby, keep a breast pump with you and go with your breastfeeding schedule. As your breasts need to be drained every two to three hours.
• Go with a manual breast pump as electric breast pumps can be harsh on engorged breasts.
• Drink plenty of water so that the lymphatic system can work efficiently.

BENEFITS OF EATING DATES DURING PREGNANCY

Dates are sad to be a powerhouse of nutrition. Eating a date per day can benefit a human being. But do they benefit during pregnancy also? People say eating dates during the ninth month of pregnancy can ease labour. Let’s find out how true is this. Before going ahead to know the benefits of eating dates during pregnancy, let’s find what benefits the dates have for a normal human. 

Benefits of eating dates: 

Do you know these tiny dates are hiding so many benefits? For example, dates have an excellent nutrition profile. After drying up them, their calorie content is higher than most fresh fruits. 

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Dates are high in carbs so, they provide calories in good amounts. Not only calories, dates also contain some important vitamins and minerals and protein and a significant amount of fibred. 

Here is a table that shows the nutrient that a 100-gram serving of dates can provide: 

Energy	227 Kcal
Fibre	6.7 g
Proteins	1.8 g
Iron	0.9 mg
Folate	15 mcg
Fat	0.2 g
Vitamin K	2.7 mcg
Potassium	696 mg
Magnesium	54 mg

 Also Read: FOOD TO EAT AND AVOID DURING THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF YOUR PREGNANCY BY STAR OF BABY 

Pregnancy and Dates (Khajoor): Should you eat dates during pregnancy? 

As many old women suggest eating dates during the ninth month of pregnancy to ease the labour, many pregnant women follow them but we know that Dates (Khajoor) are considered hot food and consuming hot food in excess amounts can lead to many problems such as nose bleeding it also can upset your stomach. So, are they really good and safe for you during pregnancy? Let’s find out!! 

There is no doubt, Dates are safe and beneficial for both the mother and  the baby. Dates consist of fructose that breaks down quickly and provides instant energy without increasing one’s blood sugar levels. Eating dates during pregnancy is good because they contain laxatives that aid in uterus contractions and shorten them which eases labour. 

Research has said that the consumption of dates during late pregnancy can affect delivery positively and shorten labour. 

Dates (Khajoor) can reduce the risk of anaemia in pregnant women so, they are highly recommended during pregnancy. 

Consuming dates can also help cope with morning sickness, regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, get rid of toxins, boost immunity, and maintain calcium content in the body. 

Also Read: Foods that you should avoid during pregnancy by Star of Baby 

Now we can say that dates are good and safe to consume during pregnancy as dates are filled with multiple nutrients which can help a pregnant woman tremendously. 

What are the benefits of eating dates during pregnancy? 

Also Read: Benefits and side effects of honey during pregnancy by Star of Baby 

Here are some of the benefits of eating dates during pregnancy: 

1. Dates contain proteins which help build amino acids that are required for bodily growth.
2. Research has proved that more than 83% of women have their membranes intact when they were admitted to the hospital, ate dates and less than 28% of these women were needed to give synthetic oxytocin or prostin gel during labour. Besides 60% of women who didn’t eat dates had their membranes intact, while about 43% of them needed prostin gel.
3. Consumption of dates during pregnancy can help boost the oxytocin effect, the contraction of the womb which enhances uterus sensitivity.
4. Dates are rich in calcium, serotonin, and tannin that help pregnant women in the proper contraction of the uterine muscles.
5. Dates have both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids that supply energy.
6.  Dates also help in producing prostaglandins.
7. Dates provide laxatives that ease and shorten labour as they aid contractions

 Also Read: PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY BY STAR OF BABY

What are the different ways to consume dates during pregnancy:

There are many ways that a woman can try to consume dates during pregnancy. Eating them raw is normal of course. Let’s check out the other ways to eat dates:

Also Read: 5 HEALTHY AND REFRESHING JUICES DURING PREGNANCY BY STAR OF BABY 

• Mix dates with a cup of yoghurt and blend them and make smoothie.
• You can also make date syrup at home by blending them with milk. Pour and enjoy the mixture over ice cream, toast, waffles or oatmeal and enjoy.
• You can add dates while making pudding.
• Grind dates and nuts in the grinder to make a smooth puree. Mix that puree in the pie dough. Enjoy your healthy and tasty date pie.
• Replacing sugar with dates is another best way to enjoy your drinks.
• After removing the seeds, cut them into small pieces, and add them to your cookie or muffin batter to enhance the taste.
• You can also add dates to your chicken and tuna wraps for a better and sweet taste.

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