When it comes to fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery, there’s one nutrient that quietly supports it all: protein. While it’s often associated with fitness or muscle building, protein plays a far deeper role as it’s the raw material your body uses to create hormones, repair cells, build tissues, and sustain new life.
Every heartbeat, hormone, and developing cell in your baby begins with amino acids, the building blocks of protein. For women, protein supports hormone health, egg quality, and a strong uterine lining. For men, it powers sperm health and protects against oxidative stress. And once pregnancy begins, it becomes the foundation for your baby’s growth and your body’s resilience through every trimester and beyond.
We’ve always believed that optimal nutrition is the cornerstone of a healthy conception, pregnancy, and postpartum experience. That’s why we created WeNatal for Her and WeNatal for Him science-backed prenatal formulas designed for both partners.
Now, we’re taking that support a step further with our newest WeNatal Protein +. This advanced 3-in-1 prenatal and protein blend combines high-quality whey protein, collagen peptides, and a full spectrum of prenatal vitamins and minerals, all in one convenient powder.
It’s more than a supplement, it’s a complete prenatal nutrition solution that can be used in place of, or alternating with, WeNatal capsules. Whether you’re at home, on the go, or traveling the world, Protein + makes staying nourished simple, delicious, and effective.
WeNatal for Her Protein+
WeNatal for Him Protein+
Why protein matters for fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and sperm health
Protein for fertility: The foundation of hormones and egg quality
Protein is the body’s construction crew, and when you’re trying to conceive, there’s a lot of building to do. Hormones like thyroid hormone, insulin, and growth hormone are all made from amino acids, and they support ovulation, egg quality, and implantation. Too little protein can disrupt cycles, impair ovarian function, and weaken the uterine lining.
For men, protein supports sperm quality, count, motility, and morphology, all of which rely on amino acids. Protein also fuels antioxidant defenses that protect sperm DNA from oxidative damage, one of the most common causes of male infertility. In other words, protein for sperm health is just as important as protein for egg health.
Protein for sperm health: Fuel for male fertility
Men often overlook their role in preconception nutrition, but sperm health is half the equation. Protein provides the amino acids that form the backbone of healthy sperm DNA, while also boosting antioxidant capacity to protect sperm from oxidative stress. Adequate protein for sperm health can mean stronger, more mobile sperm that are more likely to fertilize an egg and create a healthy embryo.
RELATED: Can men take prenatal vitamins?
Protein for pregnancy health: Nourishing mom and baby
During pregnancy, protein needs naturally rise. In early pregnancy, protein supports maternal tissue health and hormone regulation. By the second and third trimesters, protein becomes essential for fetal growth, organ development, and expanding blood supply. Research suggests women may benefit from 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day of protein during pregnancy.
That’s why protein for pregnancy isn’t optional, it’s critical. Adequate intake supports:
- Neural development of the baby
- Strong maternal tissues and blood volume expansion
- Stable blood sugar, which reduces the risk of gestational diabetes
Protein for postpartum recovery: Healing and milk supply
The postpartum period is one of the most nutritionally demanding phases of life. Protein helps repair tissues after childbirth, fuels recovery, and supports milk production during breastfeeding. Adequate protein for postpartum recovery also plays a role in stabilizing energy, mood, and supports hormone health. Since collagen-rich proteins like glycine and proline support connective tissue and skin elasticity, they’re especially beneficial for healing after delivery.
RELATED: Why protein matters for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery
WeNatal Protein +: A 3-in-1 prenatal and fertility support alternative
The WeNatal Protein + is more than just protein. It’s a 3-in-1 formula that combines:
- High-quality whey protein → Complete amino acids to fuel fertility, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and sperm health.
- Collagen peptides → Support connective tissue, skin elasticity, joint health, and postpartum recovery.
- Full-spectrum prenatal vitamins + minerals → Replace or alternate with WeNatal capsules to support your routine without sacrificing nutrients
Why it’s a game-changer:
- A true prenatal replacement: Unlike most powders, this isn’t just protein, it’s a complete prenatal multivitamin + mineral + protein blend.
- Gentle on the stomach: A great option for women experiencing nausea, morning sickness, or food aversions.
- Capsule-free nutrition: Perfect for anyone who struggles to swallow capsules.
- Adaptable to your changing lifestyle: Whether you’re traveling, juggling work and family, or just on the go, this powder makes it easy to stay consistent with your prenatal routine, no pill organizer or suitcase full of bottles required.
- Convenient and delicious: Blend into a smoothie, mix with milk, or stir into yogurt for a nutrient-dense boost.
- Daily vitality for both partners: Supports hormone balance, fertility, pregnancy health, postpartum recovery, and sperm quality.
RELATED: Pregnancy cravings, aversions & the role of protein
Capsules vs. protein powder: Which WeNatal formula is right for you?
WeNatal for Her (capsules): Targeted nutrients for female fertility, egg quality, pregnancy, and postpartum health.
WeNatal for Him (capsules): Optimized for male fertility, sperm quality, hormone health, and overall vitality.
WeNatal Protein + (capsule alternative): A complete prenatal formula with added protein and collagen, ideal for women, men, and couples who want the benefits of a prenatal with the convenience and nourishment of a protein powder.
You can take the powder in place of the capsules or alternate between them depending on your preferences and symptoms. Either way, you’re getting comprehensive, research-backed nutrients to support you where you are at.
A note from WeNatal on protein and prenatal care
Protein is one of the most powerful, and often overlooked, nutrients in the fertility and pregnancy journey. It fuels hormone health, supports healthy egg and sperm development, builds the foundation for your baby’s growth, and helps your body recover and rebuild postpartum.
With WeNatal for Her and WeNatal for Him, couples get targeted prenatal nutrition designed for every stage, from preconception through postpartum. And with the addition of WeNatal Protein +, you now have a complete, flexible alternative that delivers all the benefits of a prenatal vitamin plus high-quality protein and collagen in one scoop.
Whether you’re navigating food aversions, capsule fatigue, or a busy lifestyle, Protein + makes it easier than ever to stay consistent with your nutrition, anytime, anywhere.
References
Elango R, Ball RO. Protein and Amino Acid Requirements during Pregnancy. Adv Nutr. 2016;7(4):839S-44S. Published 2016 Jul 15. doi:10.3945/an.115.011817
Fontana R, Della Torre S. The Deep Correlation between Energy Metabolism and Reproduction: A View on the Effects of Nutrition for Women Fertility. Nutrients. 2016;8(2):87. Published 2016 Feb 11. doi:10.3390/nu8020087
Gao H. Amino Acids in Reproductive Nutrition and Health. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1265:111-131. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-45328-2_7
Rasmussen BF, Ennis MA, Dyer RA, Lim K, Elango R. Glycine, a Dispensable Amino Acid, Is Conditionally Indispensable in Late Stages of Human Pregnancy. J Nutr. 2021;151(2):361-369. doi:10.1093/jn/nxaa263
Rasmussen B, Ennis M, Pencharz P, Ball R, Courtney-martin G, Elango R. Protein Requirements of Healthy Lactating Women Are Higher Than the Current Recommendations. Curr Dev Nutr. 2020;4(Suppl 2):653. Published 2020 May 29. doi:10.1093/cdn/nzaa049_046
Rossi, F., Luppi, S., Fejza, A. et al. Extracellular matrix and pregnancy: functions and opportunities caught in the net. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 23, 24 (2025). doi:10.1186/s12958-025-01348-5
Skoracka K, Eder P, Łykowska-Szuber L, Dobrowolska A, Krela-Kaźmierczak I. Diet and Nutritional Factors in Male (In)fertility-Underestimated Factors. J Clin Med. 2020;9(5):1400. Published 2020 May 9. doi:10.3390/jcm9051400
