Soy Protein and Pregnancy?

[HeatherG]

First, thank you for the replies on my book question, I have order some of the mentioned books :)

Now my question about soy. I have been reading different things on soy and pregnancy. Is it ok to consume soy while pregnant or am I pre-disposing my baby girl to allergies? I get most of my daily protein from soy. Like soy “turkey” on soy pita bread with soy Nayonnaise, I think that sandwich adds up to about 20 grams of protein. I have just recently been able to eat again. I’m currently 21 weeks pregnant and just getting over Hypermesis. I am concerned about the amount of food I am eating, or should I say lack of food. I have been off the Zofran for 1 week and 2 days (YIPPY). I was 122 pounds before I got pregnant and I lost a total of 12 pounds and I just finally regained what I lost and am now back at my pre-prego weight plus 2. I had to be hospitalized and hydrated. My ultrasounds all came back good and the baby is right on target. But now that I am moving further into the pregnancy I am getting worried. I am playing the catch up game, I am super aware of everything I eat making sure not to eat “empty” or “junk” foods. But is there such a thing as too much soy? Hope I didn’t ramble too much…..

[Erin Pavlina]

If you're concerned abotu soy intake, switch to other sources of protein. Beans, legumes, nuts, grains. Rice milk instead of soy milk, etc.

I don't believe we have much to worry about, but because I don't know for sure, I moderate my intake of soy where I can and I don't worry about the rest.

[Christa]

I can't say that I know whether soy would create a problem in pregnancy re allergies for the baby & such. I have heard the theory, but don't know if there is anything to it. As Erin mentioned, there are other options if you are concerned.

In any case, I just wanted to comment on your weight gain concerns. If the baby looks fine in the u/s & you are eating enough, I wouldn't worry too much. You still have 1/2 of your pregnancy to go. I only gained 19lbs with my older daughter throughout the entire pregnancy, not due to lack of eating - that's just what I gained. My midwife was convinced that she was going to be tiny - 6lbs or so b/c I never really showed that much. She weighed 8lbs, 1oz, at birth, though. I gained 27lbs with my younger daughter, so I looked more pg, but she was nearly identical in size - 8lbs., 3 ozs.

Generally if you are eating enough & healthy foods, the baby will probably be fine. I loved banana shakes for breakfast - frozen banana chunks, soy or rice milk, and some kind of protein powder. You blend it all up & it tastes like banana ice cream - yum!

Good luck!

[Erin Pavlina]

Yes, exactly what Christa says about weight gain.

I'm 19 weeks pregnant and have only gained 4 pounds. This is exactly what happened in my first pregnancy at this point.

I gained 20 pounds with my first preg and lost 30 pounds within 2 weeks of giving birth. Bonus!

My docs were pretty concerned about my weight gain, but that's because they were used to seeing omnivorous women with weight gains averaging 35 pounds.

Fruit smoothies... I drink a ton of those during pregnancy. I have an article up with fruit smoothie recipes at www.vegfamily.com/vegan-pregnancy/fruit-smoothies.htm

[HeatherG]

Thank you both for your replies. They made me feel better :)