As a pregnant woman, you are probably aware that what you eat and drink can affect the growth and development of your baby. You may have heard that probiotics, which are live microorganisms that are beneficial to health, can improve your gut health and boost your immune system. But are probiotics safe to take during pregnancy? Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be found in fermented foods, supplements and some cosmetics. They are often referred to as “good bacteria” because they can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut, promote digestion, and improve your overall health. While most probiotics are bacteria, some types are yeast, such as Saccharomyces boulardii.
What Are the Benefits of Probiotics?
Research has shown that probiotics can offer a number of health benefits, such as:
- Enhancing your digestive health by reducing constipation, diarrhea and other digestive issues
- Boosting your immune system by supporting the growth of healthy gut bacteria
- Reducing inflammation in the body, which can lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer
- Preventing and treating vaginal infections and urinary tract infections
Are Probiotics Safe During Pregnancy?
The majority of probiotics are safe for pregnant women to take. Probiotics are naturally found in many foods that pregnant women regularly consume, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. When taken in supplement form, probiotics can have additional benefits.
However, not all probiotics are created equal. Some supplements may contain strains that are not well-studied or have low quality control standards. Pregnant women should choose a probiotic supplement that contains the following:
- Strains that have been researched and found to be safe during pregnancy
- Adequate amounts of bacteria or yeast, typically around 10 billion CFUs per serving
- Minimal additives or fillers and clean, natural ingredients
What Are the Risks of Probiotics During Pregnancy?
While probiotics are generally safe, there are some risks that pregnant women should be aware of:
- Interaction with medications: Probiotics can interact with some medications, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you’re taking any medications.
- Bloodstream infections: Although rare, there have been some reports of bloodstream infections caused by probiotics in people with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women and others with weakened immune systems should talk to their healthcare provider before taking probiotics to ensure it’s safe for them.
- Bowel perforation: In extremely rare cases, probiotics have been associated with bowel perforation. However, this has only happened in individuals with serious pre-existing medical conditions, like a history of bowel surgery or an impaired immune system.
What Are the Best Probiotics to Take During Pregnancy?
If you’re considering taking a probiotic supplement during pregnancy, here are some of the best probiotics to look for:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: This strain of probiotic is commonly found in yogurt and other fermented foods. It’s been shown to reduce the risk of vaginal infections and improve digestion.
- Bifidobacterium bifidum: This strain of probiotic is commonly found in infant formula and is known for its immune-boosting properties. It can also improve gut health and prevent constipation.
- Saccharomyces boulardii: This strain of probiotic is actually a yeast and has been shown to prevent and treat diarrhea in pregnant women.
Conclusion
Probiotics can offer numerous health benefits and are generally safe to take during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should choose a high-quality supplement that contains researched strains of probiotics and avoid those with additives or fillers. As always, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you have a weakened immune system or are taking medications.
