Proteins

Proteins consist of amino acids and are essential for the function of every cell in your body. You could not survive without them. There are eight essential amino acids that you cannot make in your body so you have to eat them. Proteins are present in many foods, but the concentration is highest in meat, fish, eggs, many vegetables, beans and pulses, nuts, cereals and grains. Soya beans (tofu) contain the full complement of amino acids essential to build proteins. Vegetarians can get all the protein they need from plant sources. During the ninth month of pregnancy, your baby is putting on weight at the rate of up to 50 g (2 oz) per day, so sufficient protein and calorie intake is important.