Table of Contents
Introduction
Probiotics, also known as good bacteria, are living microorganisms that confer certain health benefits to their host when taken in healthy amounts. Probiotics are found in foods like yoghurt, kefir, tempeh, and kombucha. Probiotics have been known to convey several health benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Increased gut motility.
- Aids in digestion.
- Treatment of gastric disorders conditions like necrotising enterocolitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Treatment of mild gastric conditions, abdominal pain, bloating, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea.
Probiotics have also been suggested to be a form of fertility booster in females of reproductive age. Although there aren’t enough research studies to support this claim. (2)
Due to these health benefits, some pregnant women may intend to make changes or additions to their diet and supplements, especially concerning probiotics. This then begs the question, “Are probiotics safe for you during pregnancy?” Well, we hope to answer that question.
Are Probiotics Safe During Pregnancy?
As a pregnant woman, probiotics can be considered generally safe for you and your baby. According to a 2021 research study, taking moderate amounts of probiotics can offer certain health benefits to pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Probiotics can provide certain benefits during pregnancy, such as preventing gestational diabetes, constipation, breastmilk, and mastitis (swollen, infected breasts).
Probiotics can also alter the vaginal and breastmilk microbial composition of lactating mothers. This can prevent and reduce the resurgence of bacterial vaginosis in the mother and influence the infant’s gut microbiomes, further enhancing their gut health.
Probiotics can also improve digestion, aiding in the release of vitamins and nutrients into the bloodstream, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Recent studies have found most strains of probiotics, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, to be safe regardless of their long-term intake.
However, some studies conducted on the overuse of probiotic supplements raise the possibility of adverse health concerns like the transfer of gene-resistant infectious pathogens and antibiotic resistance.
Nevertheless, probiotic supplements may still be considered safe for pregnant women, as stated by a 2018 research review of over 49 publications. The outcome of the research reviewing probiotics claims that using probiotic supplements isn’t associated with an increased risk of premature birth as well as other adverse outcomes during pregnancy. (4)
What Are the Benefits of Taking Probiotics During Pregnancy?
If you’ve been taking probiotics from food or supplements, you should know that they offer similar benefits. Here are some key benefits that make probiotics safe for pregnancy consumption.
May Help With Infection
Probiotics can enhance the immune system’s function, decreasing the risk of infection during pregnancy. Studies show that certain strains of probiotics aid in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other common infections. Probiotics exert these effects through changes in vaginal and gut microbiota.
Can Benefit Gut Health
Probiotics exert positive effects, restoring the balance in the digestive tract of their pregnant host through an increase in beneficial bacteria. Specific hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy may cause you to experience symptoms like constipation. However, probiotics help improve bowel movement and enhance digestion.
Can Help With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Probiotics for pregnant women can be used as a form of home remedy for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). With probiotics, you can get temporary relief from specific IBS symptoms like bloating and abdominal discomfort, as well as improved gut motility and reduced inflammation.
Can Reduce The Risk Of Preterm Delivery And Other Pregnancy Complications
Research studies indicate that probiotics may help in reducing the risk of preterm labour as well as other pregnancy-related complications. Through the enhancement of normal microbiomes, probiotics dramatically mitigate any risks of infections that can induce preterm labour, thereby ensuring a healthy pregnancy experience.
May Help With Depression And Anxiety
Research studies have linked the use of probiotics with improved mental health outcomes, thereby reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. This effect is very beneficial, most especially with pregnant women, who are usually more liable to suffer from mental health challenges due to postpartum depression.
May Reduce Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis
As a pregnant mother, you would worry much less about your infant’s skin health if you used probiotics. A significant health benefit of using probiotics during pregnancy is that it significantly reduces the risk of your infant developing unhealthy skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.
May Improve Maternal Metabolic Health
Another essential health benefit of using probiotics during pregnancy is that it improves your metabolism. Probiotics help pregnant women with weight management and also reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Should You Take Probiotics While Pregnant?
Now that you’ve seen some of the significant benefits of probiotics during pregnancy, you probably would want to know if you can take them. The truth is, it all depends on you.
Yes, probiotics offer several health benefits to you during pregnancy. They can help improve digestion, curb constipation, and benefit people experiencing insulin resistance and high blood sugar, as well as those with a family history of allergic diseases. However, there isn’t enough research evidence to support the claim that probiotics are safe for pregnant women. As such, it can’t be freely recommended to everyone.
Who Should Not Take Probiotics?
Although probiotics can benefit some people during pregnancy, that may not be the case for others. Probiotics can trigger allergic reactions. They may also cause mild gastric disturbances during their first few days. You may experience symptoms of stomach ache, bloating, excessive flatulence, and mild diarrhoea. However, these side effects slowly decline after your body gets used to the change in gut microbiome.
Therefore, if you have an inferior immune system, had a recent surgery, are critically ill, or have a family history of severe allergic reactions, you should abstain from taking probiotics.
If you’ve experienced severe side effects after using probiotics, it is best to see your doctor or a gynaecologist to get properly examined.
Other high-quality prenatal supplements, such as the omega-3 fatty acid supplement, can be a healthy alternative to probiotics. You can also improve your diet by eating plenty of protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and various fruits and vegetables to further enhance your maternal and fetal health.
What Are the Best Probiotics During Pregnancy?
Certain probiotic strains have been known to exert high positive effects during pregnancy. As such, some would classify these strains as the best probiotics during pregnancy.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001: This probiotic strain has been shown to enhance maternal health and is responsible for reducing the risk of gestational diabetes and improving metabolism. It also helps maintain a healthy viginal microbiome and reduces the risk of preterm labour.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: This probiotic strain is beneficial for digestive health as it improves gut motility and aids in nutrient absorption in pregnant women. It also helps reduce the risks of bloating and constipation.
- Lactobacillus reuteri: This probiotic strain helps in enhancing immune and digestive functions. It provides maternal and infant immunity by maintaining a balance in healthy microbiomes and improves digestive functions, helping suppress nausea and vomiting symptoms common in pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although people may react differently to certain supplements, most probiotic studies speak relatively highly of them. Probiotic supplements can improve your digestion, reduce the risk of infection, and reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications for pregnant women.
Some top foods with high probiotic content are sour pickles, yoghurt, kefir, sourdough bread, soft cheeses, kombucha, and tempeh.
A significant side effect that can be gotten from the use of probiotics is gastrointestinal issues, such as gas, bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, taste disturbances, and cramps. Other side effects might include allergic reactions and antibiotic resistance.
