Pregnancy is hard work! There is no getting away from that, many moms feel the hit with reducing many things from their diets from certain foods to what they drink to protect their bundle. It poses the question: I took pre workout and I didn’t know I was pregnant, is it safe? Needing a little pick me up has never been so prominent yet is it safe?
I Took Pre Workout and I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant – Should I Be Concerned?
Can I still take pre workout while Pregnant? Some pre workout ingredients are known to be unsuitable for expectant moms. Taking it regularly during pregnancy can affect your heart rate and blood pressure hence why it is recommended to avoid it.
Energy Boost
Getting an energy boost from time to time is needed for many of us. With hectic lifestyles, there never feels as if there is enough time. This is more prominent during pregnancy. As you are physically growing a human and your energy stores seem to empty quicker than before, so turning to a pre workout for a little pick me up could cross your mind but how safe is it?
Can You Take Pre Workout if You’re Pregnant?
Traditionally the main thought about a pre workout would be to avoid it at all costs while pregnant. The ingredients can raise red flags over what’s considered safe. Caffeine being the main content. According to The American Pregnancy Association, you should avoid as much caffeine as possible but this isn’t always practical depending on your lifestyle.
Pre workout is full of supplements thought to help boost performance and enhance your gym session. Sounds like the perfect potion to help boost your energy when pregnant right? Unfortunately, the use of such supplements is not recommended during pregnancy due to the effects they can have on your baby.
To look at it in more depth I have picked out the individual ingredients so we can understand why pre workout is not suitable.
Is Pre Workout Safe During Pregnancy?
We have discovered many medical professionals opt against the use of pre workout during pregnancy. Many supplements have high doses of caffeine and Creatine which are not beneficial to a growing baby. Read further to find out why.
- Caffeine
If you are anything like me you are not truly awake and ready for the day without a coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant and pregnant women were advised from consuming any at all. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have since discovered that expectant moms are now considered safe to consume small amounts of caffeine providing it isn’t over 200mg a day. (The equivalent of two cups of coffee.)
With caffeine being one of the main ingredients in pre workout it can alter your views on its safety. Typically speaking one scoop of pre workout can contain anywhere from 150 to 250 mg whereas others can provide a huge 375 mg, now that’s a huge stimulant boost!
I think it’s safe to say we would need to be extremely careful about what levels of caffeine are in your chosen supplement.
- Vinpocetine
According to the FDA, dietary supplements containing Vinpocetine can harm the development of your baby. As some pre workouts contain this man made chemical I think it’s safe to say this is high up on the list to avoid!
- Yohimbe
Native to western and central Africa, Yohimbe is used to boost the performance of athletes so it seems only natural for this evergreen to be present within pre workout.
The risks to pregnancy are unknown which is why you should avoid this ingredient.
- Beta Alanine
Also a major component within many pre workouts is considered unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding moms.
- St. John’s Wart
This is a flowering shrub that can be found in some pre workouts. Generally, it is thought to be a mood boosting ingredient which could be wonderful for the hormonal mix of emotions you are facing.
Even though it is a less common ingredient it has some contradictory evidence stating whether it is safe during pregnancy. In the best terms, I would avoid it just to be safe.
- BCAAs
Branched Chain Amino Acids are included in pre workout to help reduce soreness in muscles and recovery so after a hard workout they are extremely effective.
A study has found that the use of BCAAs can have detrimental effects on fetal development, so not a recommended addition to your pregnancy diet.
Educate Yourself
If pre workout is something you feel you can’t live without then it is important you educate yourself on the ingredients in the brand you are considering.
Being pregnant you will become an expert at reading ingredients on food items so make note if any of your pre workout contains any of the above ingredients, it is best to avoid it for now.
If pre workout is a must in your dietary routine research which ones are suitable for pregnant moms – I will discuss safe alternatives further in this article.
I Took Pre Workout – I didn’t know I was Pregnant – have I caused harm?
Ok so now we have identified that some pre workout supplements are not recommended, you are probably sitting there terrified that you could have harmed your baby.
Taking pre workout is not recommended but if you didn’t know that you were expecting then it can’t be helped.
The best action you can take is to stop immediately and consult your doctor. Generally, there is no cause for major concern. So many of us women continue as normal until we recognize those undeniable signs of pregnancy.
I can remember being out with a few girlfriends, of course, there was alcohol involved and we partied the night away. It was within the next few days I found out I was expecting.
The point I am trying to make here is it is so common not to know you are pregnant until you miss your first period unless you were a serial pregnancy test taker (which I imagine would be severely costly).
Bottom line you are probably not the first or the last woman to consult your doctor about consuming foods/drinks in early pregnancy.
Pregnancy Friendly Alternatives To Pre Workout
The good news is there are pregnancy friendly alternatives to taking pre workout. Look at the options below so you don’t have to live the next 40 weeks in a sluggish fog.
- Green Tea
Green tea is a magical cure for any woman who is suffering from swollen joints. It can also boost your energy levels leaving you ready to tackle the day’s challenges.
It is important to note that Green tea does have a caffeine content. Each cup has less than your average cup of coffee with around 25 mg per cup so make sure if you are using this alternative you keep within your limits.
- Coffee
That’s right, I said coffee!
Personally, this is my lifeline when I’m in need of a pick me up pregnant or not. You can expect your fatigue to subside with a good cup of coffee but be sure to stick within caffeine limitations.
A regular cup can contain around 100 mg so keep in mind the larger the cup the more caffeine content.
- Spirulina
This is a form of blue algae that has major benefits for pregnancy. It is packed full of antioxidants and vitamins, a great way to boost nutrition and improve overall health!
- Fruit Smoothies
Why look further? Choosing your favorite fruit and veggies, throw them in a blender. Bish bash blitz and you have a healthy natural alternative that can help your health and provide your baby with all the goodness he/she needs.
Can You Take Pre Workout While Trying to Conceive?
Making the decision to start a family is a huge life choice. You want to ensure that you and your partner’s bodies are as fit and healthy as they can be. Taking steps to avoid alcohol and tobacco is obvious but what about pre workout?
Feeling fit is a great way to boost your fertility but consuming caffeinated products is thought to negatively affect a male’s fertility. For women, it is also for the best to avoid pre-workouts. It will help prime your body for the welcomed addition you are eagerly awaiting and you will be less likely to make the mistake of consuming dangerous supplements early on in your pregnancy.
Wrapping Up
I hope these facts haven’t scared you if you are in the “I took pre workout, I didn’t know I was pregnant” category, remember you are not the first woman to have consumed something that’s advised to be avoided.
There is nothing you can do so try not to worry. Consult your doctor and make sure you have all the relevant information for them to advise the best steps for you. They can also recommend a safe alternative for you to add to your diet.
If taking pre workout is something you feel you can’t live without then opt for a pregnancy safe alternative. This will ensure your baby’s safety and give you peace of mind that you are doing all you can to help their development.
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