Interpretation In The Context Of The Literature
To our knowledge, the most recent systematic review reporting the risks of probiotics for preterm birth was the Cochrane review on gestational diabetes, published in 2014 , while the Cochrane review that focused on the association of probiotics and preterm birth was updated in 2010 . Both meta-analyses included only one study, obtaining relative risks between 3 and 4 , in contrast to our results. This difference can be explained not only by our inclusion of 11 additional studies, but also by our exclusion of twin data, which is expected to be biased due to their worse outcomes. In fact, for the study included in the previous reviews, after obtaining the data for singletons alone from the study authors we found that the relative risk was actually 0.96 . This emphasizes the importance of taking into account potential confounding factors in the design of studies of pregnant women to assess outcomes on them and their foetuses, as including twin pregnancies and/or excluding the less healthy infants can introduce considerable biases.
Similarly, in a previous Cochrane review, gestational diabetes was found to be significantly reduced in one study , but it is unclear in how far this result was influenced by twin pregnancies. We could not obtain the data for singletons only for this outcome for this study, but the pooled estimate on gestational diabetes of three other studies does not show any benefit from probiotics on this outcome .
How To Choose The Best Probiotic For Pregnancy:
Multi-Strains:
There are a wide range of options when it comes to picking a probiotic. But most experts agree that multi-strain probiotics offer more benefits than a single strain option. This is because multiple strains means youre providing more biodiversity which means better health.
The most common strains with proven benefits include:
- Lactobacilli
- Bifidobacteria
- Saccharomyces Boulardii
- Lactococcus lactis
There’s also been a rise in spore-based probiotic which limit the growth of bad bacteria in the gut. Limited research currently exists on this with pregnant women, but midwives are often recommending this to their patients currently and we are starting to see more and more prenatal probiotics offer this as part of their multi-strain formulas.
However, spore based probiotics are not always the right choice for everyone. It’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider who knows your unique situation before starting a new supplement.
Prebiotic + Probiotic Combo:
Prebiotics feed the probiotic, so it’s typically recommended to opt for a prebiotic/probiotic formula to ensure you are actually feeding the good bacteria you are putting in with the probiotic supplement, making it more effective.
Quality + Allergens:
Ideally, you want to avoid filler items like dyes, sugar, and artificial ingredients. Many prenatal probiotics are free of the common allergens like dairy, soy, gluten, and fish but you’ll still want to double check the ingredients.
Boosting Your Immune System
Did you know that 80% of your immune system lives in your gut?
Did you also know that your immune system changes when youre pregnant?
Some parts get a boost, while others get left to the wayside its one of the reasons why your immune system doesnt mistake your implantation embryo as a threat.
If you have a healthy immune system that can help your baby to develop a healthy immune system, too.
Which leads us to
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Best Probiotics While Pregnant For Utis Constipation + Gbs
It’s no secret that probiotics are great for your overall health, digestion, immunity, and mood. If you’re wondering what the best probiotics while pregnant are, we’re going to cover our top picks! Including the benefits of probiotics, my midwife’s group B strep protocol that allowed me to be GBS negative with my second baby, and loads of research and tips to find the best prenatal probiotic for you, whether you’re struggling with constipation, UTI’s or looking to simply support you and baby during pregnancy!
Probiotic Supplement Or Probiotics From The Diet
Probiotics can be attained from a natural diet. There are plenty of sources of probiotics, hence a supplement isnt always necessary. For those who are unable to source sufficient probiotics from the diet alone, it is recommended that you acquire the necessary probiotics in supplement form.
Some of us live busy lives and it isnt easy to think about what you eat and source every nutrient. This is why supplements are so beneficial. Further to this, it is difficult to ensure that you are getting the right dose of a nutrient from the diet. When you are trying to ensure that you are getting the right dose, it is easier to rely on a supplement.
That being the case, it isnt difficult to source probiotics from the diet. Here is a good list of plant-based probiotic sources, which should help you get an idea of how to go about sourcing probiotics from your diet.
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How Common Is Probiotic Use During Pregnancy
With constipation and diarrhea being two frequently experienced common discomforts during pregnancy, the use of probiotics during pregnancy is common. The Canadian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada found 45 to 93% of midwives had prescribed some form of natural health products to expecting mothers.
Can You Eat Probiotic Yogurt While Pregnant
Absolutely! Yogurt is a good way to get probiotics and shows promise in helping with pregnancy complications. Compared to antibiotics, yogurt improved vaginal pH which may lower the risk of preterm delivery .
In another study healthy women who ate more than 5 cups of yogurt a week saw the best results had less risk of premature delivery. Yogurt also improves metabolism, reduces inflammation, and improves infection outcomes during pregnancy .
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If You Think You Need To Take Probiotics While Pregnant Don’t Panic
If you’re struggling with constipation during pregnancy, you may be curious if it’s safe to take probiotics without harming your baby. I know when I was pregnant with both of my children, I had a pretty big problem : it became increasingly difficult to go number two. Yep, I was constipated. Since no natural remedies seemed to work, I feared that I would have to move on to probiotics. And as a paranoid pregnant woman, I was immediately concerned about harming my baby. I desperately needed some type of relief, but in no way was I going to get there by putting my little one at risk. So, I started researching.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, “Probiotics are living microorganisms, the majority of which are bacteria followed by yeast.” Although that definition may sound pretty gross, probiotics are actually good for our bodies because they help get rid of the bad bacteria. “Probiotics, whether from foods or supplements, help your digestive system work more efficiently.” Many individuals, pregnant or not, seek out probiotics by doing things like eating more yogurt or taking a supplement.
Reduce The Risk Of Infant Atopic Eczema And Food Allergies
Eczema, recognized by red, itchy patches of skin, is a precursor to a variety of other conditions such as food allergies and asthma, so reducing or preventing it is very important.
We know that differences in a babys microbiome link to increased allergy risks, and research is supporting the use of probiotics to prevent eczema.
A large Meta-analysis reported that pregnant women given probiotics during as well as the initial postpartum period reduced eczema by 22%.
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How Probiotics Work When Youre Pregnant
Probiotics are designed to support the health and balance of your gut, digestive system and immune function by complementing the friendly flora in your digestive tract and help replenish good bacteria youve lost. So whether you are pregnant or not, one of the most ideal ways to keep your gut functioning at its most optimal state is balancing it with healthy bacteria.
As your body goes through several changes during prenatal and postnatal development, your microbiome may be thrown off balance by diet, lifestyle, certain medications and so on, so you want to do what you can to help support your gut microbiome so it remains in the healthiest shape possible.
Probiotics work on your behalf to keep your gut microbiome functioning normally. As for any foods that you consume, probiotics may even assist with digestion, which is beneficial to both you and your baby.
Assist With Digestion And Nutrient Absorption
Much like probiotics can help all of us digest food better, the same goes for pregnant women. Probiotics can encourage more of the good guys and less of the bad guys in terms of bacteria in our gut, which can help our intestines move food along through our digestive system. Probiotics do help lower our colons pH levels, which can aid in digestion, in addition to improving absorption of protein and vitamins.34
Because constipation and diarrhea are incredibly common during pregnancy, probiotics may be an easy natural relief method for pregnant women. Probiotics may be most helpful, however, in relieving antibiotic-associated diarrhea.5
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Can I Take Probiotics While Pregnant
The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that help to regulate digestion, the immune system and other crucial aspects of human health. During pregnancy, the composition and balance of microbes in the gut — also called the gut microbiota — play an important role in maintaining metabolism and immune health and contribute to a healthy gut ecology in a newborn baby, according to research published in May 2011 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Is Yogurt With Live Cultures Safe For Pregnancy
Yogurt is probably the most popular, and well-known food choice for those searching to add probiotics in their diet.Any yogurt with live and active cultures as part of the ingredients contains probiotics. So-called live and active cultures are actually probiotics so you are looking for such yogurt. Yogurt also contains calcium and its packed with proteins and folate.
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Are Probiotics Safe During Pregnancy
Probiotics are probably safe during pregnancy. However, because there is a variety of probiotics and limited research, probiotics cannot be declared safe completely. Its always best to consult your doctor about the supplements you need.
According to the National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health , probiotics are probably safe because current data indicates probiotic supplements are rarely absorbed. The likelihood of contracting bacteremia from taking Lactobacillus probiotics is less than 1 per 1 million, and the likelihood of acquiring fungemia from Saccharomyces boulardii is approximately 1 per 5.6 million individuals taking the probiotic.
In the limited research on probiotic use during pregnancy, there have been no associations with probiotic use and miscarriages or malformations of any kind. Furthermore, a meta-analysis by Canadian researchers found no association with probiotic use and the incidence of Caesarean section, birth weight, or gestational age.The NLM and NIH concluded there does not appear to be any risk of probiotic use for expecting, or lactating, mothers.
Can Probiotics Help Prevent Pre
Headlines this week have been full of reports from a new study, carried out in Norway, which suggests drinking probiotics could help in the prevention of pre-eclampsia and premature birth.
The study, which was observational only, suggests a decrease in pre-eclampsia levels in women who took probiotics in the later stages of pregnancy.
The results also found a significant association between probiotic intake during early pregnancy and an 11% lower risk of premature birth, rising to 27% for preterm birth late in the pregnancy.
We asked Dr Kaye if she could tell us a bit more about what this latest research means, and she told us:
This was a big study involving 70,000 women who were asked to write about their diet and lifestyles.
Probiotic milk is easily available and popular in Norway and so many women took them during pregnancy and were found to have a lower risk of pre eclampsia and pre term delivery.
This is an association and doesnt mean that the milk definitely works: more research is needed into the effects of probiotics during pregnancy.
Dr Philippa Kaye is a London GP who has written several books on pregnancy and childcare including The First Five Years. See www.drphilippakaye.com and follow her on twitter @drphilippakaye
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Overall Best Probiotic For Pregnancy: Needed Probiotic
Needed’s probiotic is BY FAR the best prenatal probiotic I’ve found! It’s an expertly-formulated and tested Prebiotic & Probiotic formula for pregnancy, postpartum and while breastfeeding.
It includes the two most studied probiotic strains that have been founded effective in pregnant women with overall positive results that promote healthy gut bacteria. As well as spore based strains that limit the growth of bad bacteria.
I was GBS+ with my first baby, so I made it my mission to be GBS- with my second. My midwife recommended I take this probiotic though, which doesn’t have either of those strands, because it’s sporebased and inhibits the growth of bad bacteria. I didn’t love that it was missing the good bacteria
So for the first and second trimester, I basically switched off every few days between the two probiotics to get the benefits of the various strains.. It was annoying and I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t find one that just had both! Then I found this one! And it’s PERFECT in my opinion! It’s has the most studied and proven strains, plus the spore based strains.
It’s a prebiotic/probiotic combo. So basically it’s putting in the good bacteria, and feeding it , while the sporebased strains limit the growth of bad bacteria. You can read all about the science here .
Pros
Are There Any Benefits To Taking Probiotics While Pregnant
For women who experience constipation during pregnancy, probiotics may be beneficial. One research review found that probiotic supplements can alter the flora of the colon, and many pregnant patients notice an improvement in bowel function as a result.*
To support a healthy gut and digestion during pregnancy, gastroenterologist recommends taking a broad-spectrum probiotic supplement, which contains plenty of helpful lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species.* You can find these types of probiotic strains in mindbodygreen’s probiotic+ supplement. “It’s good to support the gut microbiome especially in a time when there could be a fair amount of shifting and changing,” he explains. In addition to a supplement, Singh also suggests eating probiotic-rich foods to reap both the nutritional and gut-friendly benefits.
For women with skin conditions, like eczema and allergies, taking probiotics during pregnancy may help manage or reduce those symptoms in the child,* according to a study published by the World Health Organization. Though, “to date, there have been mixed results from the pregnancy studies,” clinical professor at Yale University and board-certified OB/GYN , says. Some show effective prevention of allergic issues for the babies, while some have no effect, meaning there needs to be more research to draw definitive conclusions.
Also, Gilberg-Lenz says women should not rely on probiotics to prevent complications with birth or fetal development.
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Probiotics Help With Gut Health
Probiotics are known to help the gut and digestive tract by promoting the growth of good bacteria which combats the effects of bad bacteria in your gut. Hence, taking a probiotic could help you improve the composition of bacteria in your gut and balance your gut which brings with it a host of other health benefits.
Particularly, improved gut health means that the absorption of nutrients is more efficient in the gut which means you are more likely to absorb more essential nutrients from your diet. These essential nutrients play a key role in the development of the child and can be very beneficial for both the child and mother.
Probiotics help to increase the bacterial diversity in the gut, which is a sign of a healthy gut. Low bacterial diversity is linked to ineffective functioning of the gut, which is linked to the ineffective absorption of nutrients which results in metabolic disorders.
What Kills Good Bacteria In The Gut
Mostly our unhealthy style of living. If you are pregnant or not, and you find yourself in the following statements, then it is time to change your diet. Not just because you are destroying your healthy gut microflora, but because of lots of other benefits probiotics have on your physical and mental state.
Following habits destroy the healthy intestinal microflora of a pregnant woman:
- poor diet
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How Safe Are Probiotics For Pregnant Women
As mentioned, probiotics are safe for pregnant women in general. To date, there has been no confirmed case of adverse probiotic side effects on pregnant women.
One study in the Philippines even concluded that probiotic supplementation is generally well-tolerated by pregnant and lactating mothers. While another study suggests that taking a probiotic supplement can help improve glucose metabolism in women with gestational diabetes.
The National Institute of Health and the National Library of Medicine also agree that probiotics are safe because they rarely get absorbed in the body. So the risk of getting bacterial infections from probiotics or passing on that bacterial infection to your baby is very low.
Besides, in most of the clinical trials that involved probiotics and pregnant women, there has been no association between probiotics and miscarriage or any fetal malformation. A review by Canadian researchers also suggests that probiotics have no direct effect on the incidence of cesarean section, birth weight, and gestational age of babies.
That said, these studies are only limited to certain probiotic strains and did not include common strains like saccharomyces boulardii. Thus, its hard to tell for certain how your body will react to probiotics. To be safe, always consult your doctor before taking any probiotic or pregnancy supplements.
