Bone Broth During Pregnancy?
“What’s the big deal with drinking bone broth during pregnancy?”
It seems that bone broth is this season’s latest trend- but not without good reason. Here’s everything you need to know about bone broth and pregnancy!
Bone broth might seem like a new, trendy fad, but it’s been around for ages. I like to think that those who came before us knew how to get every last bit of nutrients and use out of what they had. We would be so wise to do the same!
So what exactly is bone broth? And what makes it different from the broth I get in a carton at the grocery store?
Bone broth is different in the sense that it’s simmered for hours, sometimes days, pulling every last bit of minerals, amino acids and other nutrients out of the bones. It’s a little thicker and has that decadent, creamy mouth-feel to it. What you’ll find in a carton will be much thinner and carry much less nutritional value, though it’s still great for flavoring your food with.
Here are a few things you can cross off that nutrient list of yours when sipping on a hot cuppa:
Calcium
Magnesium
Glycine
Phosphorus
Gelatin
Collagen
Glucosamine
Chondroitin
Glutamine
Proline
Arginine
“All that sounds great, Amy, but what does that actually mean for me and my baby?”
Here’s a very quick rundown:
CALCIUM
Important for blood-clotting capabilities, hormone production and regulation, healthy nerve signals, good muscle function and a normal heartbeat for baby. Much more than the healthy bones and joints we all think about!
MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is responsible for over 300 functions in the body, but especially helpful during pregnancy for blood pressure regulation, glucose control/insulin sensitivity, muscle relaxation and better sleep for mom and it plays a big role in nerve and muscle function, as well as healthy bone and teeth structure for baby. Magnesium also helps prevent your womb from contracting too early.
GLYCINE
Needed for DNA and RNA synthesis. Good for digestion, healthy muscle growth, and regulating the Pituitary’s Human Growth Hormone production.
PHOSPHORUS
Important for blood-clotting, healthy kidneys, good nerve function and healthy heartbeats. Vital for growing, building and repairing cells. Pretty much exactly what you need to grow a healthy baby.
GELATIN
Known for strengthening joints and growing strong bones. Vital for brain function, liver health and balancing hormones. Great for digestion (soothing when nauseated!), a healthy immune system and getting a better nights rest.
COLLAGEN
Considered the building block of all your cells and connective tissues- muscles, bones, joints, tendons, skin, hair and nails. Collagen is important for skin elasticity- something your growing belly needs - and is high in protein among other nutrients.
GLUCOSAMINE/CHONDROITIN
Check out any “joint health” supplement and you’re likely going to see these two paired together. These are great for supporting your body under the weight of pregnancy.
GLUTAMINE
Important for placental and fetal metabolism, mom’s gut health and healing after birth.
PROLINE
Helps you breakdown proteins and is good for heart health and skin elasticity.
ARGININE
Important for cell division, heart health, immune function, hormone production and proper kidney function. Increases the placental blood flow between mom and baby, helping rid toxins and give more nutrients to baby. Helps prevent preterm births and pre-eclampsia. Arginine is also really helpful when it comes to healing after birth.
All that goodness and you get to enjoy a hot cuppa? Yes please! A hot, salty, savory mug of bone broth is a great way to get in a little protein when the idea of chicken makes you feel like heaving. It’s great for boosting your immune system, helping to aid in the growth of all-things-vital in your little baby, and adding flavor to all of your favorite foods. You can easily make some for yourself (see below!), or if you’re local you can find some here in our Postpartum Nourish Package.
how to make simple bone broth
Fill your crockpot with roasted bones. Roasting your bones at 425 for 30 minutes or so will give you the best flavored broth! You can either get these from the butcher, dekalb market, or you can use your own from a leftover meal! If you are wanting that extra thick, gelatinous broth…you can add several chicken feet to your pot. Sounds gross, but they’re chock full with goodness and are pretty cheap to buy.
Add an onion, carrot and any veggie scraps you might have leftover. I like to save these in a ziplock baggie in my freezer!
Season with your favorite herbs (I like rosemary, thyme, black pepper, lemon, ginger, turmeric, etc.) and stick a bay leaf in for good measure. I use several garlic cloves in mine.
Add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. This helps pull more nutrients out of the bones.
Fill to the top with water, put on low and check back in about 24 hours! You can let it steep as long as you like, then carefully strain. Give it a taste and season with plenty of salt.
Fill your jars with your broth and let cool. Move to the fridge once they’ve cooled a bit. Once in the fridge, a fatty layer will form on the top- Not to be confused with the gelatinous layer of goodness! You can easily scoop this fatty layer off and discard or keep it for a flavorful cooking fat.
When you’re ready to use, simply heat up a savory mug full or spoon into your favorite meal for added flavor, minerals and protein. These will keep fresh in the fridge for a few days or you can easily freeze them in cubes or baggies.
Care to come over for a mug? Let’s do it!
In case we haven’t met…
Hi, I’m Amy. I love moms, babies, and all things motherhood. I’m a certified doula, placenta encapsulation specialist, childbirth educator and herbal tea connoisseur. I work with mothers and families in the Atlanta and surrounding area to help them achieve the births of their dreams. Want to know how I can help you? Let’s chat!