Should Probiotics Be Taken During Pregnancy?

Probiotics are living organisms found in certain foods and beverages such as yogurt, kefir, tempeh, and kombucha. You can also take them as supplements. Taking it in certain amounts can provide health benefits such as improving digestive health and reducing the risk of heart disease. Research has found probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium to be safe for long-term consumption. Studies have shown that taking probiotic supplements during pregnancy is safe and not associated with adverse outcomes.

First, a large 2018 review that included 49 publications found that taking probiotic supplements during pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of premature birth or other adverse pregnancy outcomes in mothers or infants. Similarly, several other studies show that probiotics can be used well if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Probiotics appear to be safe for pregnant women and full-term newborns, according to a 2020 study evaluating the safety of probiotics in pregnancy and newborns, but more research is needed – especially in low birth weight infants. If you are pregnant and considering taking probiotics, be sure to consult your doctor first.

Read more- (Anemia in Pregnancy)

You can use multivitamin with probiotic capsules to increase immunity, provide nutrition, improve gut health and eliminate weakness.

It is believed that probiotics can improve the mother's health, reduce the risk of pregnancy complications, and benefit newborn babies.
Beneficial For Gut Health
It is always important to keep your gut bacteria healthy, even when you are pregnant. Some evidence suggests that taking probiotics during pregnancy may be a way to improve the composition of bacteria in the gut and digestive health. A 2020 study in 49 obese pregnant women found that those who took a probiotic from an average of 17 weeks of pregnancy until delivery experienced an increase in good gut bacteria compared to those who took a placebo. More specifically, the probiotic group had more of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and  salivarius. Having high bacterial diversity is indicative of a healthy gut, while low bacterial diversity is linked to negative health outcomes such as metabolic disorders. Promisingly, taking probiotic supplements may help protect against preterm labor and other pregnancy complications.

According to a study conducted in 2020, people who took probiotics had a significantly reduced risk of death and necrotizing fasciitis, which can cause infection during pregnancy.

Reduce The Risk Of Eczema In Babies
If you're pregnant, taking probiotics may help reduce the risk of eczema – a condition characterized by red and itchy skin – in you and your baby.

For example, a 2020 review linked probiotic supplements to significantly reducing the risk of eczema during pregnancy. A 2019 review of 28 studies found the use of probiotics during and after pregnancy significantly reduced the risk of eczema in infants and children. The World Allergy Organization recommends probiotic use in pregnant women and infants with a family history of allergic disease. Combined, this suggests that taking probiotic supplements may help prevent eczema in pregnant women and infants.

Read More- (Foods to eat during pregnancy)

Helpful In Reducing Depression And Anxiety
Probiotics may reduce the risk of or treat symptoms of depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy. According to a 2017 study of 380 women, taking a probiotic called Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (HN001) from 14-16 weeks of pregnancy until 6 months after birth significantly reduced depression and anxiety compared to a placebo. In conclusion, there is evidence that probiotics may reduce depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy.

It's not unusual to experience depression or anxiety during or after pregnancy, and you don't have to go through this difficult time alone. Keep talking to your doctor for help and to get the right care as soon as possible.

Mother's Health May Improve
If you're pregnant, it's important to stay healthy to reduce the risk of complications and prevent complications after delivery. Probiotic supplements may help lower blood sugar and insulin levels in pregnancy, which may improve health and reduce the risk of complications. According to a 2018 study, the use of probiotics during pregnancy reduced blood sugar and insulin levels. The researchers suggested this could help people with gestational diabetes reduce the need for blood sugar-lowering medication later in pregnancy. Several other studies have also shown how taking probiotic supplements during pregnancy may benefit insulin and blood sugar levels.

If you're interested in taking probiotic supplements to help lower blood sugar or insulin levels, it's understandable, but be sure to talk to your doctor first to see if this is the best approach. .

Read more- (Pregnancy Week by Week)

Taking probiotics during pregnancy is generally safe and may provide some health benefits, so you're probably wondering whether you should. The answer is, it depends on you. For some, supplements may be beneficial during pregnancy. You can also take ProBiotics to cure high blood sugar and insulin resistance. Still, even though some studies suggest that probiotics may reduce some pregnancy complications, the evidence is not strong enough to recommend them to all pregnant women. Although some women may benefit from taking these supplements during pregnancy, it is not necessary for all women to use them. Other supplements that are necessary at such times include omega-3 fatty acid supplements which are essential for both the mother and the baby. But what is most important is to enjoy a nutrient-rich, wholesome diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Eat protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, fish, pulses, vegetables and fruits and healthy sources of fats like full-fat dairy products, avocado, nuts and seeds to provide the body with nutrients. Additionally, even though most people do not need to take probiotic supplements during pregnancy, you will still benefit from eating foods naturally rich in probiotics, such as kimchi, kefir, miso, and sauerkraut.

Additionally, adding foods rich in prebiotics – fibers that help the good bacteria in your gut form – like artichokes, garlic, onions and asparagus to your diet can boost the overall health of your digestive system. Being rich in fiber, these foods can also help prevent constipation.

Read more- (How many days after your period can you get pregnant?)

If you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant and have questions about which supplements you should take, talk to dietitians and doctors about what to eat and drink. They can help you know which supplements will be right for you given your diet and lifestyle. Probiotics may provide some benefits during pregnancy, but they are not always necessary. A proper diet and healthy lifestyle will help, but always consult a doctor.

Read more- (reduce body heat naturally during pregnancy)

Probiotics are popular supplements that are safe to take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In fact, consuming them during pregnancy has been shown to reduce pregnancy complications, reduce the risk of eczema in babies, and support metabolic health in expectant mothers.