Pregnancy is one of the most important phases wherein a mother requires most nutrition to provide for herself and her growing baby. Every bite of her meal contributes to her baby’s growth, brain development, and long-term health. But, two most powerful nutrients: protein and choline play a crucial role.
These two essentials play an important role for brain and nerve development and ensure smooth metabolic functioning throughout pregnancy. And guess what, you can get these nutrients naturally from eggs. Let’s dive into how these nutrients found in eggs can help you with pregnancy.
What role does protein play in your pregnancy?
Protein is an essential nutrient which becomes the foundation of every cell in your body and your developing baby. During pregnancy, the protein requirement of the to-be-mother increases as your body constantly creates new tissues. This is because the tissues are created from placenta to the baby’s muscles, organs, and immune cells.
Typically, pregnant women require around 75-100 grams of protein. However, the amount you will require varies based on factors like your weight and the level of activity. You can always consult your doctor to help you determine the quantity of protein you’ll need throughout your pregnancy. Adequate protein intake during pregnancy is linked to your baby for:
- Growing and repairing new and damaged tissues
- Supporting muscle function
- Making antibodies for the baby’s immune system
- Making hormones and enzymes
- Transporting oxygen through their blood
Additionally, adequate protein intake also ensures healthy weight gain and reduces complications such as premature birth. It may also lower the chance of Preeclampsia which is a pregnancy-specific high blood pressure illness. It also helps in repair of maternal tissues and preparation for lactation after delivery. What’s more, babies born at a healthy weight are less likely to develop type-2 Diabetes or heart disease when they grow up.
What role does choline play in your pregnancy?
Choline plays a crucial role in the development of your baby’s brain and spinal cord, particularly during the first and second trimesters.
It supports the formation of cell membranes and neurotransmitters, substances that help your baby’s brain cells communicate effectively. The appropriate intake of Choline helps to:
- Enhance fetal brain development and memory function
- Reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs)
- Improve the baby’s stress response and cognitive performance later in life.
The problem is that many women often neglect Choline as part of their essential nutrient intake and do not meet the recommended daily choline intake (around 450 mg per day). That’s where eggs make a major difference. While many think eggs might not be good idea for pregnant women, the truth is entirely different!
Why are eggs the good pregnancy food?
Eggs aren’t just about protein and choline, they are a complete package of Vitamins A, D, E, and B12. It also has iron, selenium, and omega-3 fats (especially if the hens are fed a nutrient-rich diet). Together, these nutrients help:
- Strengthen the immune system
- Support eye and brain development in the baby
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Maintain healthy blood formation and oxygen supply
What makes eggs truly special is their bioavailability as your body can absorb and use the nutrients from eggs more efficiently compared to many other foods or supplements.
Each egg contains about 6 grams of high-quality protein, which is rich in all 9 essential amino acids: the ones your body cannot make on its own. Pregnant women can safely eat 1-2 eggs per day for protein.
Whereas, a single egg provides about 150 mg of choline, mostly concentrated in the yolk. So, eating two eggs daily can easily cover two-thirds of your requirement. Choline also benefits maternal health by helping with liver function and reduces the risk of fatty liver during pregnancy, and supports normal fat metabolism. Always ensure to fully cook them to avoid foodborne illness risks.
Why choose Eggoz eggs?
To get the best out of your eggs, always focus on quality. We recommend choosing local farm fresh eggs such as Eggoz Eggs from hens fed herbal or omega-rich feed. These eggs tend to have 6.5g of protein with orange yolk, a sign of better nutrient density.
Not just our 100% natural hen feed, we also make sure our eggs are the safest option for you. Each egg goes through rigorous 11 safety checks including Candling, UV sanitization and grading to meet the highest standards. This ensures best quality and nutrition to your plate.
Conclusion
For mothers who are expecting, there are several nutrients that she would need during that time to ensure best nutrition for herself and her baby. Among these, protein and choline are vital as they ensure your baby’s growth, brain development, and your own well-being.
By simply adding eggs to your daily diet, you support healthy pregnancy outcomes, improve your baby’s long-term cognitive health, and keep yourself strong and nourished. And when it comes to eggs that are better in nutrient quality, choose Eggoz eggs that come from 100% herbal hen feed, Orange Yolk and 11 safety checks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many eggs to eat for choline in pregnancy?
Pregnant women need 450 mg choline daily. Usually, 2 eggs (with yolks) provide about 410 mg. Hence, eating 2 would nearly cover choline needs for pregnancy.
Which trimester is choline most important?
The third trimester is when choline is most important in pregnancy. Taking choline will help babies develop faster thinking and learning abilities after birth.
When should you not take choline?
People with bipolar disorder should not use Choline as it may cause or trigger depression in some people. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their healthcare providers before taking any Choline supplements.
What is the best breakfast for pregnant women?
The best breakfast for pregnant women is balanced with protein (eggs, yogurt), whole grains (oats, whole wheat), healthy fats (nuts, avocado), and fruits or vegetables for vitamins, minerals, and fiber.