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Probiotics During Pregnancy: Safety, How They Work & Benefits

Probiotics have gained a lot of popularity in recent times owing to the vast benefits they offer. With rising awareness, it is evident that most expecting mothers will want to know if consuming Probiotics during pregnancy is beneficial. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the WHO define probiotics as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host (1). While several supplements in the market boast various health benefits, probiotics are interesting as they are also found naturally in different food items. Read further to know how probiotics can benefit a pregnant woman.

Related: How To Do Perineal Massage And What Are The Benefits

How Do Probiotics Work During Pregnancy?

Different probiotics contain different microorganisms and may cause varying effects. Probiotics help modulate and maintain a natural balance of bacterial flora in the body, especially in the intestines. They stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Reducing the bad bacterial load might also help prevent infections and improve overall health and well-being (2) (3). In addition, a study reports using probiotics during pregnancy promotes breast milk’s immunoprotective potential, which may reduce the risks of eczemaiXA condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin in the infant (4).

Quick fact
Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Bacillus are the main microorganisms used in probiotics (5).

Are Probiotics Safe During Pregnancy?

Image: iStock

Probiotics are generally considered safe during pregnancy and may not cause adverse effects (6) (7). Also, the current scientific evidence does not indicate the probability of any significant risks or harmful effects on the health of the mother or the fetus (8).  However, be cautious while purchasing probiotics to ensure their quality. Consult your healthcare provider before incorporating probiotics into your diet.

Research finds
Some women may experience an increased vaginal discharge or changes in stool consistency upon using probiotics during pregnancy (6).

What Are The Benefits Of Probiotics During Pregnancy?

Probiotics have been linked to various maternal and fetal health benefits as follows:

  • Regulate weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in pregnancy, as excess body fat may cause several pregnancy complications. A small-scale study showed that probiotics and a healthy diet during and after pregnancy reduce waist circumference, helping prevent obesity (9).

  • Improve digestion

Increased progesterone levels during pregnancy cause smooth muscle relaxation, leading to slow digestion in the stomach and intestines. The growing uterus may also exert pressure, causing constipation and slow food movement (10). Consuming probiotics during pregnancy might help your digestive system work more efficiently (4).

  • Help combat nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can affect about 85% of all pregnant women, especially in the first few months of pregnancy. A study indicates that consuming probiotics during pregnancy can reduce the severity of nausea and vomiting (11).

  • Treat gestational diabetesiXA common metabolic complication of pregnancy that can result in fetal mortality and morbidity

Administration of probiotics during pregnancy while following a healthy diet has been shown to reduce the occurrence of gestational diabetes (12).

  • Reduce the risk of preeclampsiaiXA condition characterized by the onset of high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and water retention during pregnancy

A large-scale observational study found that women who had probiotic milk products daily or weekly had a reduced risk of preeclampsia. Probiotics may play a role in modifying inflammation and blood pressure, which are characteristics of preeclampsia  (13).

Related: Preeclampsia: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
  • Treat bacterial vaginosisiXA condition caused due to the overgrowth of the normal vaginal bacteria (BV)

Lactobacilli, the healthy bacteria in the vagina, prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria by producing various antimicrobial agents. A depleted vaginal Lactobacillus population can cause vaginosis. Vaginal administration of probiotic tablets containing Lactobacilli is likely to reduce the risk of BV (14).

  • Manage postpartum depression (PPD)iXA depressive disorder that may occur in women after childbirth

Many women experience PPD post-childbirth. Studies have shown that regular intake of probiotics positively influences brain activity by interacting with host microbiota (15). Certain species of probiotics may help prevent or treat symptoms of PPD, including depression and anxiety (16).

  • Help prevent mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue and is reported in lactating mothers (17). Oral administration of probiotics during late pregnancy may help in the postpartum prevention of infectious mastitis (18).

  • Reduce symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)iXAn intestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation

Upon administration of probiotics, a reduction in the severity of the disease was seen in people with IBS (19). Probiotics may also facilitate intestinal mobility and metabolism (11). However, do not take them without your gynecologist’s consent.

Which Probiotic Is More Useful During Pregnancy?

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Probiotics containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium are the most widely used for long-term benefits (20). Some OTC probiotics may contain other nutrients, such as calcium, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for pregnant women. However, checking with your doctor to determine the safety of probiotics before consumption is recommended.

Related: 5 Reasons To Take Folic Acid In Pregnancy And Its Dosage

How Common Is The Consumption Of Probiotics During Pregnancy?

According to research, about 1.3 to 3.6% of pregnant women in the US and 13.7% in the Netherlands use probiotics to reduce their risk of preterm deliveries. It is noticed that most women of childbearing age take probiotics for gastrointestinal disorders (8).

 Point to consider
Some probiotics available in the market may need refrigeration (21). Read the label or usage directions for safe storage.

What Are The Sources Of Probiotics For Pregnant Women?

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Probiotics are available in the market in the form of dietary supplements. In addition, some fermented foods are also a good source of probiotics. However, it is essential to know that not all fermented food contain good bacteria, as baking and canning can destroy them. Some natural foods that contain probiotics are listed below (22).

  • Yogurt
  • Kefir
  • Pickles
  • Miso
  • Kombucha
  • Sauerkraut
  • Tempeh
  • Kimchi
  • Sourdough bread
  • Buttermilk
  • Some cheeses
Nutritional fact
Vegetables and fruits fermented in salt and water might be a good source of probiotics (23)
Related: 20 Healthy Foods To Eat During Pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does probiotic consumption during pregnancy help babies?

Besides helping prevent eczema in babies, early nutrition using probiotics have been proven to have immunomodulatory properties, which help reduce inflammation and chronic lifestyle-related diseases, such as obesity (4) (24). Probiotic supplementation in the prenatal period might positively affect the number of beneficial bacteria in breast milk.

2. Who should not take probiotics?

Probiotics have not been shown to be harmful to healthy people. But people with severe illnesses and weak immune systems should be cautious as they may fall sick while consuming probiotics (25).

3. Can probiotics help with miscarriage?

There are some speculations that Lactobacillus spp. may have a role in preventing pregnancy loss (26). However, the available data needs to be more conclusive and requires additional research to establish the fact.

4. When should I start taking probiotics during pregnancy?

While it might be safe to start probiotics as early as the first trimester, check with your doctor to know more.

Probiotics contain live beneficial bacteria that have the potential to improve health by inhibiting the growth of disease-causing pathogens. Taking these dietary supplements has been shown to confer various health benefits to the mother and fetus by reducing the risk of pregnancy-related complications. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting any probiotic during pregnancy to avoid any risks or drug interactions.

Key Pointers

  • Probiotics are living microorganisms that offer several health benefits to the host.
  • They help reduce several pregnancy-associated risks, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and bacterial vaginosis.
  • Probiotics are available in fermented foods and in the form of supplements in the market.

References:

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
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    https://www.fao.org/3/a0512e/a0512e.pdf
  2. Probiotics: What You Need To Know.
    https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know#:~:text=Probiotics%20might%3AInfluence%20your%20body’s%20immune%20response
  3. Probiotics During Pregnancy.
    https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/probiotics-during-pregnancy/
  4. Samuli Rautavaet al.; (2002); Probiotics during pregnancy and breast-feeding might confer immunomodulatory protection against atopic disease in the infant.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11799376/
  5. Probiotics.
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  6. Hauna Sheyholislami et al.; (2021); Are probiotics and prebiotics safe for use during pregnancy and lactation? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
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  7. Jackie Eliaset al.; (2011); Are probiotics safe for use during pregnancy and lactation?
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  9. Johanna Ilmonenet al.; (2011); Impact of dietary counseling and probiotic intervention on maternal anthropometric measurements during and after pregnancy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20970896/
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  11. Albert T Liu et al.; (2021); Probiotics Improve Gastrointestinal Function and Life Quality in Pregnancy.
    https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/11/3931
  12. Raakel Luotoet al.; (2010); Impact of maternal probiotic-supplemented dietary counselling on pregnancy outcome and prenatal and postnatal growth: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20128938/
  13. Anne Lise Brantsæter et al.; (2011); Intake of Probiotic Food and Risk of Preeclampsia in Primiparous Women: The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study.
    https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/174/7/807/116217?login=false
  14. Roghayeh Afifiradet al.; (2022); Effects of Pro/Prebiotics Alone over Pro/Prebiotics Combined with Conventional Antibiotic Therapy to Treat Bacterial Vaginosis: A Systematic Review.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35685517/#:~:text=Abstractpremature%20labor%20and%20spontaneous%20abortions
  15. Kirsten Tillisch et al.; (2013); Consumption of Fermented Milk Product With Probiotic Modulates Brain Activity.
    https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(13)00292-8/fulltext?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gastrojournal.org%2F
  16. F.Slykerman et al.; (2017); Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in Pregnancy on Postpartum Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: A Randomised Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial.
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352396417303663
  17. Hayden Bell et al.; (2013); Breast Disorders During Pregnancy and Lactation: The Differential Diagnoses.
    https://www.jcgo.org/index.php/jcgo/article/view/140/69
  18. Leónides Fernández et al.;(2016); Prevention of Infectious Mastitis by Oral Administration of Lactobacillus salivarius PS2 During Late Pregnancy.
    https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/62/5/568/2462924
  19. Alfredo Saggioro; (2004); Probiotics in The Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
    https://journals.lww.com/jcge/Abstract/2004/07002/Probiotics_in_The_Treatment_of_Irritable_Bowel.14.aspx
  20. Lye Huey Shiet al.; (2016); Beneficial Properties of Probiotics.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5031164/
  21. Probiotic Supplements: Refrigerate or Not?
    https://internationalprobiotics.org/refrigerator/
  22. How to get more probiotics.
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-get-more-probiotics
  23. Manas Ranjan Swainet al.; (2014); Fermented Fruits and Vegetables of Asia: A Potential Source of Probiotics.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058509/
  24. Laitinen et al.; (2010); Early nutritional environment: focus on health effects of microbiota and probiotics.
    https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/wagac/bm/2010/00000001/00000004/art00009
  25. Should you take probiotics?
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/should-you-take-probiotics#:~:text=Probiotic%20risks&text=One%20theoretical%20risk%20of%20probioticsconsidered%20dietary%20supplements%2C%20not%20drugs
  26. Aneta Kiecka et al.; (2021); Can Lactobacillus spp. Be a Factor Reducing the Risk of Miscarriage?
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8702604/


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