Probiotics during pregnancy
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, most of which are bacteria, followed by
yeast. They are similar to natural microorganisms found in the intestines of
every person. The most commonly used probiotics are Lactobacillus,
Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces. They are often referred to as "good
bacteria". Probiotics are beneficial for maintaining a healthy digestive
system.
Are probiotics safe during pregnancy?
Are probiotics safe?
Probiotics are probably safe during pregnancy. However, since there are many
probiotics and limited research, it cannot be said that probiotics are
completely safe.
Probiotics are likely safe
because current data shows that probiotic supplements are rarely digested. The
chance of getting bacteremia from taking Lactobacillus probiotics is less than
1 in 1 million, and the chance of getting fungemia from Saccharomyces boulardii
is about 1 in 5.6 million people taking a probiotic.
In a limited study of
probiotic use during pregnancy, no association was found between probiotic use
and miscarriages or birth defects of any kind.
How do probiotics work during pregnancy
The exact functioning of
probiotics is still debated. Researchers are still studying their exact
mechanism. However, the initial thought is that just as bad bacteria attack the
body, good bacteria attack destructive invaders. One hypothesis is that they
help reduce harmful bacteria in your body, which may reduce the chance of
certain infections or other health problems.
What are the benefits of probiotics during pregnancy
Probiotics, found in food or
supplements, help your digestive system work more efficiently. As stated above,
probiotics should reduce the presence of bad bacteria. By helping your
intestines move food around and reducing bad bacteria, you reduce the chance of
health complications.
Probiotics are believed to
help in the following cases:
Probiotics, whether from foods or supplements, help your
digestive system work more efficiently. As noted above, probiotics are assumed
to lessen the presence of bad bacteria. Helping your intestines move food along
and reducing bad bacteria help reduce the likelihood of experiencing health
complications.
Probiotics are understood to help with the following:
- Infection diarrhea
- Antibiotic-related diarrhea
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Eczema (conflicting results)
- Reduced Pediatric atopic dermatitis
How often are probiotics used during pregnancy?
Constipation and diarrhea are two common discomforts that often occur during pregnancy, so the use of probiotics during pregnancy is common.