What are probiotics ? Probiotics are live microorganisms, most of which are bacteria followed by yeast. They are similar to microorganisms occurring naturally found in the intestines, or the gut, of each person. Three of the most commonly used probiotics include Lactobacillus , Bifidobacterium , and Saccharomyces . They are often called "friendly bacteria." Probiotics help with the support of your digestive health.
Align Probiotics, Immune Support Daily Probiotic Supplement for Men & Women, 28 Capsules, Support Your Immune Health, No. 1 Doctor Recommended Probiotic Brand
Probiotics Are Safe During Pregnancy
Are probiotics safe? Probiotics are probably safe. Even so, due to the great variety of probiotics and limited studies, probiotics can not be declared completely safe.
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institute of Health (NIH), probiotics are probably safe due to current data indicating that probiotic supplements are rarely absorbed. The chances of contracting bacteremia from taking Lactobacillus probiotics is less than 1 per 1 million, and the chances of getting fungemia from Saccharomyces boulardii is approximately 1 per 5.6 million individuals taking the probiotic.
With limited studies with the use of probiotics during pregnancy, there are no associations with the use of probiotics and miscarriages or malformations of either. In addition, a meta-analysis by Canadian researchers found no association with the use of probiotics and the incidence of cesarean section, birth weight, or gestational age.
The NLM and NIH concluded that there does not appear to be any risk of probiotic use for pregnant women or during breastfeeding.
How do Probiotics Work during Pregnancy?
The precise way probiotics work is still up for debate. Researchers are still investigating their exact mechanism. However, the initial thinking is that in the same way bad bacteria attack the body, good bacteria attack destructive invaders. One assumption is they help reduce bad bacteria in your body, which can lower the potential of certain infections or other health concerns.
The precise way in which probiotics work is still being discussed. Researchers continue to investigate its exact mechanism. However, the initial thoughts are in the same way that bad bacteria attack the body, good bacteria attack destructive invaders. One assumption is that they help reduce the bad bacteria in your body, which can lower the potential of some infections and other health concerns.
What are the Benefits of Probiotics During Pregnancy?
Probiotics, whether from foods or supplements, help your digestive system work more. As noted above, probiotics are assumed to be less in the presence of bad bacteria. Helping your intestines move food along and reducing bad bacteria help reduce the likelihood of experiencing health issues.
Probiotics, whether of food or supplements, help your digestive system work more effectively. As mentioned above, probiotics are assumed to decrease the presence of bad bacteria. Helping your intestines move food and reducing bad bacteria can reduce the chances of experiencing health complications.
Probiotics are understood to help with the following:
- Diarrhea infection
- Diarrhea related to antibiotics
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Eczema (contradictory results)
- Reduced Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis
A study conducted by the journal of Natural Medicine reported that the use of probiotics reduced the chances of suffering from gestational diabetes.
How common is the use of probiotics during pregnancy?
With constipation and diarrhea, which are two common symptoms experienced during pregnancy, the use of probiotics during pregnancy is common. The Canadian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada found that 45 to 93% of midwives had prescribed some form of natural health products to pregnant women.
Where Can You Get Probiotics During Pregnancy?
Probiotics are commonly consumed in yogurt with live culture or through supplements. Here is an article that shares how you can get probiotics naturally.