Probiotics During Pregnancy: Safety, How They Work & Benefits

Curd, a natural probiotic for pregnant women

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Probiotics have gained a lot of popularity in recent times owing to the vast benefits they offer. With rising awareness, it is evident that most expecting mothers will want to know if consuming probiotics during pregnancy is beneficial. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the WHO define probiotics as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host (1). While several supplements in the market boast various health benefits, probiotics are interesting as they are also found naturally in different food items. Read further to know how probiotics can benefit a pregnant woman.

In This Article

How Do Probiotics Work During Pregnancy?

Different probiotics contain different microorganisms and may cause varying effects. Probiotics aid in regulating and preserving a natural balance of gut bacteria in the body, specifically within the intestines. They stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Reducing the bad bacterial load might also help prevent infections and improve overall health and well-being (2) (3). In addition, a study reports using probiotics during pregnancy promotes breast milk’s immunoprotective potential, which may reduce the risks of eczemaⁱXA condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin the first two years of an infant’s life (4).

Quick fact

Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Bacillus are the main microorganisms used in probiotics (5).

Are Probiotics Safe During Pregnancy?

Probiotics offer several benefits to pregnant women

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Probiotics are generally considered safe during pregnancy and may not cause adverse effects (6) (7). Also, the current scientific evidence does not indicate the probability of any significant risks or harmful effects on the health of the mother or the fetus (8). However, be cautious while purchasing probiotics to ensure their quality. Consult your healthcare provider before incorporating probiotics into your diet.

Research finds

Some women may experience an increased vaginal discharge or changes in stool consistency upon using probiotics during pregnancy (6).

What Are The Benefits Of Probiotics During Pregnancy?

Probiotics have been linked to various fetal and maternal health benefits as follows:

Regulate weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in pregnancy, as excess body fat may cause several pregnancy complications. A small-scale study showed that probiotics and a healthy diet during and after pregnancy reduce waist circumference, helping prevent obesity (9).

Improve digestion

Increased progesterone levels during pregnancy cause smooth muscle relaxation, leading to slow digestion in the stomach and intestines. The growing uterus may also exert pressure, causing constipation and slow food movement (10). Eating probiotics while pregnant can promote healthy digestion, increasing its efficiency (4).

Help combat nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can affect about 85% of all pregnant women, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. A study indicates that consuming probiotics during pregnancy can reduce the severity of nausea and vomiting (11).

Diana, a mother of six, opines, “Yes, I was nauseated for the entire pregnancy and somewhat minimally functional during the first half of the pregnancy, but with a history of HG (hyperemesis gravidarum), this was an overwhelming success. This success was achieved primarily through two channels: the probiotic approach and the very low-carb (VLC) diet. I also used a minimum of supplements… I was being regular with the probiotic approach and was taking a much more active approach with supplements and superfoods… My conclusion is that each of the legs of my three-legged approach is vitally important to my pregnancy health – supplements, the probiotic approach, and the VLC diet (i).”

Treat gestational diabetesⁱXA common metabolic complication of pregnancy that can result in fetal mortality and morbidity

Administration of probiotics during pregnancy while following a healthy diet has been shown to reduce the occurrence of gestational diabetes (12).

Reduce the risk of preeclampsiaⁱXA condition characterized by the onset of high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and water retention during pregnancy

A large-scale observational study found that women who had probiotic milk products daily or weekly had a reduced risk of preeclampsia. Probiotics may play a role in modifying inflammation and blood pressure, which are characteristics of preeclampsia (13).

Treat bacterial vaginosisⁱXA condition caused due to the overgrowth of the normal vaginal bacteria (BV)

Lactobacilli, the healthy bacteria in the vagina, prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria by producing various antimicrobial agents. A depleted vaginal Lactobacillus population can cause vaginosis. To maintain vaginal health, probiotic tablets containing Lactobacilli can be administered vaginally, which is likely to lower the risk of bacterial vaginosis (14).

Manage postpartum depression (PPD)ⁱXA depressive disorder that may occur in women after childbirth

Many women experience PPD post-childbirth. Studies have shown that regular intake of probiotics positively influences brain activity by interacting with host microbiota (15). Certain species of probiotics may help prevent or treat symptoms of PPD, including depression and anxiety (16).

Help prevent mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue and is reported in breastfeeding mothers (17). Oral administration of probiotics during late pregnancy may help in the postpartum prevention of infectious mastitis (18).

Reduce symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)ⁱXAn intestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation

Upon administration of probiotics, a reduction in the severity of the disease was seen in people with IBS (19). Probiotics may also facilitate intestinal mobility and metabolism (11). However, do not take them without your gynecologist’s consent.

Which Probiotic Is More Useful During Pregnancy?

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Probiotics containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium are the most widely used for long-term benefits (20). Some OTC probiotics may contain other nutrients, such as calcium, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for pregnant women. However, checking with your doctor to determine the safety of probiotics before consumption is recommended.

How Common Is The Consumption Of Probiotics During Pregnancy?

According to research, about 1.3 to 3.6% of pregnant women in the US and 13.7% in the Netherlands use probiotics to reduce their risk of preterm labor and deliveries. It is noticed that most women of childbearing age take probiotics for gastrointestinal disorders (8).

Point to consider

Some probiotics available in the market may need refrigeration (21). Read the label or usage directions for safe storage.

What Are The Sources Of Probiotics For Pregnant Women?

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Probiotics are available in the market in the form of dietary supplements. In addition, some fermented foods are also a good source of probiotics. However, it is essential to know that not all fermented foods contain good bacteria, as baking and canning can destroy them. Dairy products also contain probiotics, but make sure you pick pasteurized versions.

Some natural foods that contain probiotics are listed below (22).

Yogurt
Kefir
Pickles
Miso
Kombucha
Sauerkraut
Tempeh
Kimchi
Sourdough bread
Buttermilk
Some cheeses

Nutrition fact

Vegetables and fruits fermented in salt and water might be a good source of probiotics (23)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does probiotic consumption during pregnancy help babies?

Improving prenatal health can have a significant impact on a baby’s well-being. Studies have shown that providing early nutrition with probiotics not only prevents eczema in infants but also has immunomodulatory effects that reduce inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases like obesity (4) (24). Probiotic supplementation in the prenatal period might positively affect the number of beneficial bacteria in breast milk.

2. Who should not take probiotics?

Probiotics have not been shown to be harmful to healthy people. But people with severe illnesses and weak immunity should be cautious as they may fall sick while consuming probiotics (25).

3. Can probiotics help with miscarriage?

There are some speculations that Lactobacillus spp. may have a role in preventing pregnancy loss (26). However, the available data needs to be more conclusive and requires additional research to establish the fact.

4. When should I start taking probiotics during pregnancy?

For a healthy pregnancy, it may be beneficial to start taking probiotics as early as the first trimester. However, it’s essential to consult your doctor for further guidance.

Probiotics contain live beneficial bacteria that have the potential to improve health by inhibiting the growth of disease-causing pathogens. Taking these dietary supplements has been shown to confer various health benefits to the mother and fetus by reducing the risk of pregnancy-related complications. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting any probiotic during pregnancy to avoid any risks or drug interactions.

Infographic: Benefits Of Probiotics In Pregnancy

Probiotics can help restore the balance between good and bad microbes. Consuming high-quality probiotics during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of various pregnancy-associated complications. Check the infographic below for the conditions that probiotics may combat for pregnant women.

how do probiotics help during pregnancy (infographic)

Key Pointers

Probiotics are living microorganisms that offer several health benefits to the host.
They help reduce several pregnancy-associated risks, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and bacterial vaginosis.
Probiotics are available in fermented foods and in the form of supplements in the market.

probiotics during pregnancy_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Probiotics are the friendly micro-organisms that live in your digestive tract. Learn how probiotics can help support a healthy pregnancy and baby!

Personal Experience: Source

MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. Pregnancy nausea and vomiting – results for pregnancy #6.
https://whiningpuker.blogspot.com/2017/06/pregnancy-nausea-and-vomiting-results.html

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.