Can i take probiotics while pregnant

They colonize the small and large intestine gut , and help to improve many functions of the body. Probiotics are live microorganisms that occur in certain foods and are common in supplements. You ingest these via the mouth and they travel down to your intestines, where they naturally live and perform their many tasks.

Specifically, probiotics are the billions of good bacteria that naturally occur in a healthy human gut and assist in many important functions in the body. These beneficial bacteria help with digestion, bowel movements, detoxification, and support the immune system and cognitive function. Common probiotic bacterial species include lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.

Many individuals do not have a sufficient amount, a healthy balance or a diversity of probiotics in their intestines. Stress, an unbalanced diet, processed foods and certain medications, to name a few factors, can kill off the good bacteria in their gut.

A probiotic supplement simply replenishes these good bacteria in the gut, making sure that they will continue to assist the healthy function of your whole body. In addition, probiotics help improve digestion and keep bowel movements regular , which can be an issue during pregnancy. Also, if an expectant mother has to take strong medications for whatever reason, such as antibiotics, probiotics will help to rebuild a healthy gut flora.

This ensures that all processes influenced by the gut will continue to function properly. A healthy balance of gut bacteria also lays the foundation for a strong immune system. Taking a probiotic supplement in the postpartum period is also highly beneficial, because this is a very stressful time for the mother, which often takes a toll on her body and mind.

The mother is recovering from pregnancy and birth, and her hormones and immune function are re-adjusting. In addition, for many mothers, stress occurs due to the lack of sleep and constant worry about the newborn. Probiotics also help the baby develop a healthy gut microbiome in the first year after birth.

For example, developing allergies and skin conditions is less likely in babies whose development is supported by probiotics. Constipation is defined as less than three bowel movements per week. However, for many individuals, not passing stool for more than one day is considered abnormal and cause for discomfort. Experiencing constipation during pregnancy is quite common. Besides supplements, foods that naturally contain probiotics are another option.

Medical professionals agree that probiotics are safe for pregnant women, but there is still some discussion over how beneficial probiotic supplementation or foods containing probiotics can be during pregnancy. That being said, here's what researchers have found so far about how probiotics have affected pregnant women in their studies. According to an article in Current Diabetes Reports from , probiotics in obese and diabetic pregnant patients slightly lowered the incidence of gestational diabetes , preeclampsia high blood pressure during pregnancy , and preterm delivery.

Several studies, including a Norwegian study in BMJ Open Medical Journal and another study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in , found that drinking probiotic milk while pregnant reduced a pregnant woman's risk of preeclampsia and a child's risk of developing eczema after birth. While these studies suggest that probiotics may have certain advantages during pregnancy, doctors aren't advised to actually recommend probiotics during pregnancy.

That is except for one specific case. In , the international World Allergy Organization announced that — based on enough scientific evidence — pregnant women who were at high risk of having a child with allergies would likely reduce the child's risk of developing allergies if she took probiotic supplements during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

There's not enough evidence to suggest probiotic supplements will benefit most pregnancies. However, many foods containing probiotics are also high in nutrients that pregnant women need, so eating them can still lead to a healthy pregnancy, even if it's not from the probiotic microorganisms themselves.

For example, the dairy in yogurt. A review that included 12 randomized controlled trials found that the use of probiotics during pregnancy reduced blood sugar and insulin levels The researchers suggested that this could help those with gestational diabetes reduce the need for blood sugar-reducing medication later in pregnancy 9.

Many other studies have also shown how probiotic supplements may benefit insulin and blood sugar levels when taken during pregnancy 24 , Additionally, a study suggested that treatment with HN during pregnancy may reduce the risk of development of gestational diabetes, especially in women over the age of 35 years and those who previously had the condition Taking probiotic supplements during pregnancy has been associated with several benefits, including reduced pregnancy complication risk and lowered blood sugar and insulin levels.

The answer is, it depends. Other supplements — including high quality prenatal supplements and omega-3 fatty acid supplements — are more important to support maternal and fetal health But what remains the most important is enjoying a nutrient-dense, well-rounded diet and a healthy lifestyle. For example, make sure to eat plenty of protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, fish, lentils, vegetables and fruits, and healthy sources of fats like full fat dairy, avocado, nuts, and seeds to provide your body with the nutrients it needs.

In addition, adding foods rich in prebiotics — fibers that help feed the good bacteria in your gut — like artichokes, garlic, onions, and asparagus to your diet can promote the overall health of your digestive system. Being rich in fiber, these foods can also help prevent constipation They can provide customized recommendations and help you learn which supplements match your diet, lifestyle, and overall health.

Plus, if they do recommend a probiotic supplement, they can advise you on which specific strains may be most effective. On a final note, when purchasing supplements, including probiotics, make sure to choose products from reputable brands to ensure safety. Oftentimes, a well-rounded diet and healthy lifestyle will do the trick, but make sure to raise any concerns you have with your healthcare professional.

In fact, taking them during pregnancy has been linked to benefits like fewer pregnancy complications, reduced risk of eczema in babies, and improved markers of metabolic health in expectant mothers. Despite this, probiotics are not necessary or appropriate for all pregnant women. Poor gut health can result in poorly digested food and might mean that additional pregnancy supplements are not efficiently absorbed.

The strain has been shown to improve IBS symptoms and increase the numbers of friendly bacteria in the gut Bifidobacterium infantis This strain has shown good results for IBS. In a gold standard trial, it was shown to improve overall IBS symptoms, particularly abdominal pain and bloating High levels of pregnancy hormones such as progesterone can cause constipation.

In addition, reduced levels of friendly bacteria can affect the overall gut environment, which can slow down gut movements. Often pregnant women do not want to take pharmaceutical laxatives, as their long-term use can lead to a lazy gut. However, probiotics are gentle and non-habit forming, so offer a natural option. It has been trialled in hundreds of pregnant women and also supports a range of other GI issues, including flatulence and abdominal pain.

Prebiotics can also ease constipation. When prebiotics are used in the gut by friendly bacteria, the bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids which can stimulate natural bowel movements and promote a healthy gut environment.

The increase in pregnancy hormones can cause nausea and sickness, particularly during the first trimester. There is no research specifically looking into probiotics and morning sickness. Often pregnant women with nausea or sickness tend to have low energy levels and the sickness may impact their gut microbiome.

Taking a probiotic helps to top up the levels of friendly bacteria and boost energy levels. Probiotics may have more benefit the earlier they are taken in pregnancy. The study on gestational diabetes, for example, was given to women at about weeks. Probiotics to support vaginal health should also be taken sooner rather than later, but really it is never too late, or too early!

A happy and healthy mum increases the chance of a happy and healthy baby! Remember: if in doubt about the research, safety or when to start, always contact the probiotic brand to discuss options to best suit your needs. Side effects of probiotics for women are rare, making these supplements an attractive option for supporting health during pregnancy. The other articles in this series are:. Getting Pregnant: Could Probiotics Help? Maternal Gut Bacteria For Baby.

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