Probiotics contain live bacteria that live in the digestive tract to maintain the balance of good versus bad bacteria. Good bacteria helps fight off yeast infections and harmful bacteria that cause illness. According to Dr. William Sears, a renowned pediatrician, oral probiotics are safe and also beneficial during pregnancy.
Types of Probiotics
Probiotics may be purchased in supplement form in your local health food store. They may come in capsule or tablet form and are often refrigerated. You can also purchase probiotics in a liquid supplement form. Probiotics can also be consumed in a variety of foods, including yogurt, milk and water kefir, kombucha and fermented foods such as sauerkraut. Speak with your doctor regarding eating fermented or cultured foods during pregnancy, especially if you are at high risk or want to make these foods at home. Great care must be taken when making cultured foods such as yogurt or sauerkraut at home to avoid introducing bad bacteria into the food. Your doctor can help you determine if making them at home during pregnancy is a good idea based on your health.
Role of Probiotics During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, many women experience gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and nausea due to pregnancy hormones and the displacement of abdominal organs as the baby grows. Probiotics can help keep your digestive system moving normally to help prevent these unwanted side effects of pregnancy. As probiotics help prevent constipation, hemorrhoids may also be prevented or may be less likely to occur. Probiotics may also boost the immune system as well, which is beneficial during pregnancy when the immune system is compromised.
Prolonged Effect
A study performed by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology discovered a lasting impact on babies whose mothers took probiotics during pregnancy. According to this study, babies and toddlers up to 2 years old were 40 percent less likely to suffer from eczema compared to babies whose mothers did not drink probiotics. Additionally, babies who did experience eczema had less severe cases. This study, which was published in the "British Journal of Dermatology," highlights the effectiveness in preventing eczema in children and did not indicate any adverse risks to the mother or baby.
Considerations
With any supplement, contact your obstetrician or midwife before starting anything new during pregnancy. Your health-care provider can help you to choose a probiotic that is right for you and advise you on the proper dosage.
