Probiotics are live microorganisms or bacteria followed by yeast most
of the time. They are much like the natural microorganisms which occur in the
gut or intestines of every individual. Bifidobacterium,
Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces are three of the most widely used probiotics
which are known as ‘friendly bacteria’. They help improve digestive health.
Are Probiotics Safe to Consume in Pregnancy?
Generally, probiotics are considered safe during pregnancy. There is
limited research on probiotics and there are different types of them available.
So, it is not easy to say that probiotics are completely safe. You need to be
consult with doctors or gynecologist of your safe during pregnancy for you and
your born baby.
The existing data shows that probiotic supplements are not absorbed
mostly. Hence, probiotics might be safe, according to the National Institute of
Health (NIH) and the National Library of Medicine (NLM). There is just 1 per 1
million chances of contracting bacteremia from Lactobacillus probiotics. Only 1
per 5.6 million people are likely to have fungemia with the probiotic
Saccharomyces boulardii.
Probiotics have not been associated with any kind of malformations or
miscarriages in limited research available on the use of probiotics in
pregnancy. In addition, there is no association of the use of probiotics with the incidence of C-section, Gestational age, or birth weight found in a small
analysis conducted by researchers in Canada. There is no High
Risk Pregnancy of using probiotics for lactating or expecting moms as
concluded by the NIH and NLM.
Are Probiotics Helpful in Pregnancy?
Exactly how probiotics work is still not cleared. Investigations are
still going on to know their actual mechanism. But it is initially believed
that they are good bacteria to prevent destructive elements while bad bacteria
invade the body. It is also assumed that they help prevent the growth of bad
bacteria in the body. It can also cut down the potential of certain health
concerns and infections.
Benefits of Probiotics in Pregnancy
According to research, probiotics help cure bacterial vaginosis and
diarrhea. They can also help intestinal microbes to grow when antibiotics kill
good microbes. This is why probiotics are important when you are taking
antibiotics, which can upset your stomach and bacterial balance in your reproduction.
It is also proved that probiotics help control blood sugar. If you have
been diagnosed with gestational diabetes in pregnancy or you are vulnerable to
it, it is recommended to consume more fiber-rich foods having probiotics and
prebiotics. Women can take probiotics for up to 6 weeks to slow down the weight
gain during pregnancy and improve fasting blood sugars with gestational
diabetes.
This way, probiotics help with the
following conditions –
● Inflammatory bowel disease
● Bacterial vaginosis
● Irritable bowel syndrome
● Antibiotic-related diarrhea
● Infection diarrhea
● Conflicting results of eczema
● Lower pediatric atopic dermatitis
The use of probiotics can lower down the risk of having gestational
diabetes, according to research reported by the National Medicine Journal.
