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Pregnancy

      Pregnancy Nutrition: Protein

      Salmon With Spices

      Pregnancy Nutrition: Protein

      Protein power

      The importance of protein during pregnancy

      With a vital supporting role for every cell in the body, protein is essential for you and your baby. Learn how many portions to eat as part of a well-balanced pregnancy diet, and why oily fish is an excellent source.

      What is protein and why is it important during pregnancy?

      Proteins are found in every cell of the body, making up skin, muscles, hair, fingernails and all other tissues. They provide structure to cells and help them function properly, as well as helping cells repair themselves.

      During pregnancy, the protein you eat helps your baby grow normally while contributing to other important areas of their development, including:

      • Growth and repair of new and damaged tissues
      • Making antibodies for their immune system
      • Making hormones and enzymes
      • Helping muscles function properly
      • Transporting oxygen through their blood

      Your own need for protein increases during pregnancy too, with a healthy intake needed to support the various changes your body is going through.

      A healthy intake of protein during pregnancy supports your baby’s growth and helps their rapidly multiplying cells to function normally.

      Which contains more protein per portion?

      Correct answer

      Salmon – a 140g portion of grilled salmon contains 33.88g of protein.

      Salmon With Spices

      Incorrect answer

      Red lentils contain significantly less protein than salmon: around 7.6g per 100g portion. 

      Red Lentils

      The building blocks of good health

      A good supply of protein during pregnancy enables your baby’s cells to function well from the start. All future growth and development then has a strong foundation to build upon, throughout infancy, childhood and beyond.

      Nuts For Pregnancy

      Foods that contain protein

      With a vital supporting role for every cell in the body, protein is essential for you and your baby.

      Getting the right amount of protein to support you both

      The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of protein for women is 0.75g per kilogram bodyweight per day. So for a woman weighing 55 kg, they will need around 41g protein per day.  During the second half of pregnancy, this requirement increases by 10g per day. But it’s not just the quantity that matters. It’s also important to eat a variety of protein sources because different proteins provide different amino acids.

      Good sources of protein include:

      • Lean meat & chicken
      • Fish
      • Eggs
      • Dairy foods
      • Beans, pulses and nuts

      Because these foods are frequently eaten in the average western diet, most people in Ireland get enough protein without giving it special attention. Unless you are vegetarian or vegan, you probably don’t need to adjust your intake to meet your increased needs. People who choose to avoid animal products can obtain many of the essential amino acids by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables.

      A good rule of thumb is to include a portion at every meal so that you’re getting 2-3 portions per day. A portion is generally equivalent to the size of your palm.

      A particularly beneficial source of protein is oily fish, such as sardines and salmon, which have high levels of brain-building fatty acids

      Try to eat 2 portions per week

      Good protein sources and their protein content:

      One portion is equivalent to:

      • 50–75 g (half the size of the palm of your hand) cooked lean beef, lamb, pork, mince or poultry
      • 100g cooked fish
      •  2 medium eggs
      • 40g unsalted seeds or nuts
      •  100g cooked soya or tofu

      NEXT STEPS

      Add these protein-rich foods to your shopping list:

      • Meat
      • Poultry
      • Fish
      • Eggs
      • Dairy products
      • Seeds and nuts
      • Beans and lentils
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      Your baby's future health begins here

      Your baby's future health begins here

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      each new encounter, whether in pregnancy or after birth, can shape your
      baby’s future development. With our scientific expertise and one-to-one
      round the clock support, we can help you and your baby embrace tomorrow.

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