Protein shakes during pregnancy

[CrispsCrispsCrisps]

During pregnant with DS 1 I suffered from terrible rib pain and backache. This coupled with a complicated birth and emergency csection left me with terrible back pain. Over the last few years I've had three lots of pain injections into my back and to keep the pain away I have to use weights a lot to strengthen my back. After doing the weights and also every morning I drink a protein shake and find it helps with the muscle repair as well as a quick breakfast before I have a proper breakfast. We're trying for DC 2 and I want to be able to continue to drink protein shakes during pregnancy to help with my back and also because they are now part of my routine.

Has anyone drunk protein shakes through pregnancy and if so which ones? I alternate between Impact Diet whey or whey protein from Myprotein. I usually blend them with soya or almond milk as I'm lactose intolerant and also throw loads of fruit in.

Btw this isn't about meal replacement at all but more about wanting to continue with the shakes. I can add more protein to my diet but it's just not as effective.

[Skiptonlass]

Ouch! Sympathies on the back pain.

The answer is 'it depends..."

There's actually a limit on how much protein you can absorb per sitting - roughly about 30g (unless you're on anabolic steroids which I'm sure you're not...) Anything else is just used like a standard calorie for energy needs. If you're getting enough protein the rest of the day you don't really need it.

It can also put quite a lot of strain on your kidneys to process the extra protein, although tolerance varies a lot with the individual. Since your kidneys are under increased strain during pregnancy, it's possible this may not be very good for you (again, depends on your own makeup really.)

I'd also check what else is in the shake. Whey alone is reasonably harmless, but many sports brands have vitamins, herbs etc in them and those other components may not be wise to ingest.

I'd check with your doc and take the labels with you.

[Junosmum]

Check the levels of vit A in the shakes and the artificial sweeteners.

[lemon101]

Hi,

I've used the myprotein shakes in the first trimester to deal with the endless hunger and checked that as the poster above points out, both the sweetners contained are ok and there aren't added vits that could be harmful (everything is fine). One shake is 20g of protein and should be totally fine for you to take - if you find they are working for you carry on taking them!

I did a bit of reading round before I started taking them and it doesn't seem to be unusual for people to take protein shakes while pregnant, especially if still training.

...p.s. I can't stand the flavoured myprotein whey powder - they are really sweet, stick to the plain!

[CrispsCrispsCrisps]

Skiptonlass what are the signs of putting increased strain on your kidneys? I haven't noticed any adverse effects luckily.

[CrispsCrispsCrisps]

Thanks Lemon. I have also read women take them during pregnancy but wanted to be sure certain brands are ok. I've used slenderblend in the past but only once and wouldn't again because it was overpriced and branded as weight loss.

I know what you mean about the Myprotein flavours! I always buy plain and add lots of fruit. Was it the plain impact whey you used?

[lemon101]

Hey crisps!

I got vanilla whey protein on the strengths of the reviews and because I thought that I could add decaf coffee or coco to it to make it a little more interesting. There is nothing - nothing - that will cover that sweetener taste though! I ended up abandoning it and occasionally stealing some of the husbands plain impact whey, or rather naughtily buying the upbeat ready made protein shakes (got them from Tesco) - they are really delicious and have none of that gross over sweet taste! Same level of protein and also about 100 calories so you aren't in danger of over indulgence any time soon. They are about a pound a bottle though so its going to add up long term.

Not using them at the moment, as I am 20 weeks and feeling pretty good and (mostly) non-ravenous! However, I understand the hunger from hell comes back in the third trimester so will be looking them up again. I may also try your plain whey protein plus fruit idea though - not sure why I decided that I had to have the plain ones totally flavour free! Seems obvious now you said it!

[Skiptonlass]

Protein in your urine and blood pressure issues. Both of these are tested regularly during pregnancy.

[CrispsCrispsCrisps]

Thanks lemon!

Try adding pineapple or frozen berries and tangerines to your shakes. I add loads of fruit to mine