Probiotics refer to live microorganisms, primarily bacteria and some yeasts, that are similar to the naturally occurring microbes found in everyone’s gut. Commonly used probiotics include strains like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces, often dubbed “friendly bacteria.” These beneficial microbes play a vital role in supporting your digestive health, especially important during pregnancy.
Are Probiotics Safe During Pregnancy?
You might be wondering about the safety of probiotics while expecting. The consensus is that they are likely safe. However, due to the vast variety of probiotic strains and limited research, they cannot be entirely deemed risk-free. According to the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, current evidence suggests that probiotics are rarely absorbed into the bloodstream. The risk of developing bacteremia from taking Lactobacillus probiotics is less than 1 in 1 million, and the chance of experiencing fungemia from Saccharomyces boulardii is about 1 in 5.6 million.
Research has not linked probiotics to miscarriages or congenital malformations. A comprehensive analysis by Canadian researchers found no connection between probiotic use and cesarean sections, birth weight, or gestational age. Thus, it appears that probiotics pose no significant risk for pregnant women or during breastfeeding.
How Do Probiotics Work During Pregnancy?
The precise mechanism of how probiotics function is still under investigation. It’s believed that just as harmful bacteria can invade the body, beneficial bacteria can combat these harmful invaders. One hypothesis is that probiotics help reduce the levels of bad bacteria, potentially decreasing the risk of certain infections and other health issues.
Benefits of Probiotics During Pregnancy
Whether sourced from food or supplements, probiotics aid in the efficiency of your digestive system. As mentioned, they are thought to diminish the presence of harmful bacteria. By facilitating the movement of food through your intestines and minimizing bad bacteria, probiotics can decrease the likelihood of health complications during pregnancy.
Probiotics are understood to assist with various conditions, including:
- Diarrhea
- Antibiotic-related diarrhea
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Eczema (with mixed results)
- Reduced risk of pediatric atopic dermatitis
A study published in a Natural Medicine journal even indicated that probiotic use may lower the chances of developing gestational diabetes.
How Common is Probiotic Use During Pregnancy?
Given that constipation and diarrhea are common symptoms during pregnancy, the use of probiotics has gained popularity. The Canadian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reported that between 45% to 93% of midwives prescribed some form of natural health products to pregnant women.
Where Can You Find Probiotics During Pregnancy?
Probiotics are often consumed through yogurt containing live cultures or via supplements. If you’re interested in natural sources of probiotics, check out this article that delves into how you can obtain probiotics naturally.
For those looking to conceive, you might also explore options like Vegas Pregnancy, a free sperm donor matching service in Las Vegas, or Make a Mom, an at-home insemination company that offers a reusable option. You can learn more about how home insemination works through this resource.
If you’re seeking more personal stories related to family building, you might enjoy reading about two passionate mamas and their beautiful baby girl. Additionally, for further reading on fertility, Women’s Health provides excellent resources, and Modern Family Blog is a credible source on the topic.
In summary, probiotics appear to be a safe and beneficial option during pregnancy, helping to support digestive health and potentially reducing the risk of certain complications. If you’re considering probiotics, consult with your healthcare provider to ensure they align with your individual health needs.