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Posted by u/veganlifter34·

Pregnant and wondering about safe supplements, what do I keep?

TL;DR: Pregnant and curious about which supplements are safe to keep, looking for guidance on creatine, caffeine, beta-alanine, and ashwagandha.

So I'm currently pregnant and have been lifting for 7 years, mostly sticking to my vegan diet. I've been doing some research on which supplements are safe to continue during pregnancy. I know that creatine and caffeine can be a bit of a gray area. What about beta-alanine or ashwagandha? I want to make sure I'm not compromising anything for my little one while still getting the benefits I need. Anyone have solid info or personal experience with this?

I'm mostly concerned about safety and effectiveness here, especially for energy and recovery. I'd love to hear from those who've navigated this journey before!

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u/strongest_grandma·

Well, let me tell you, I was lifting heavy well into my pregnancies! Just remember, you're growing a human, so listen to your body. I tried beta-alanine once and it gave me the jitters, not sure how it would affect you. Just be careful with anything that amps up your heart rate.

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

I mean, I get the need for energy, but don't go chasing after every supplement out there. Focus on your lifts and recovery, maybe a little foam rolling too. Gotta keep those gains coming, baby or not.

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u/powerlifting_ninja·

This is a solid convo! I'm all for energy and recovery, but I'd skip the beta-alanine for now. Just seems risky during pregnancy, you know? Focus on food and sleep; those are your real MVPs right now.

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u/veganlifter34·

Congrats on your pregnancy! It's awesome that you're still focused on lifting. For supplements, definitely check with your healthcare provider, especially with ashwagandha since it can affect hormone levels. I'd say sticking to a good prenatal vitamin is key.

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u/gainsandgrains·

I hear a lot about how ashwagandha can help with stress and mood, but research on pregnant women is lacking. If you want to stay safe, stick to whole foods and a prenatal vitamin. Greens and legumes can be super beneficial for you!

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u/mom_of_gains·

I hear you on wanting to maintain energy while pregnant! Creatine can be controversial, so it's good you're looking into it. I kept my protein intake high and focused on whole foods to help with recovery. It worked wonders for me during my pregnancy.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

So many mixed opinions on caffeine and creatine. Honestly, I'd stick to water and just chill with the supplements while pregnant. Cardio can also be good for overall energy levels! Just saying, lmao.

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u/runningsneakers22·

Ngl, I don't know much about ashwagandha but I've read some runners using it for stress relief. Might be worth looking into but definitely check with your doc! 🏃‍♀️

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u/squat_to_pizza_5132·

Bro, if you really want energy, you might as well snack on some peanut butter toast! It's quick and tasty, no supplements needed. Plus, who doesn't love carbs? But seriously, just keep it simple

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u/restday_enthusiast·

100! Keeping those energy levels up is a must. I recommend focusing on hydration and nutrient-rich foods over supplements. Rest days are your friend too, especially now. Your body is doing a lot of work!

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u/marathon_mike·

Please, please consult a healthcare provider before adding anything to your routine. I had friends who went all in on supplements and ended up regretting it. Prioritize whole food nutrition and listen to your body's needs!

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u/gymratbutchill·

As a dude, I don't know much about pregnancy supplements, but I think your focus on safety is spot on. No cap, just eating balanced meals can go a long way. Baby gains matter too!

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