Many medical experts agree that probiotics are safe to take during pregnancy. Probiotics provide numerous benefits for both pregnant and nursing mothers, including allergy prevention, a strengthened immune system and a healthy digestive system. The "good" bacteria also help treat urinary tract infections, heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome. Talk to your obstetrician or midwife before taking any type of dietary supplement during pregnancy.
How Probiotics Work
Probiotics are a healthy bacteria located in your colon. The most common type of probiotic is lactobacillus acidophilus, which is found in yogurt and other foods containing live cultures. When unhealthy bacteria cause intestinal problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome or diarrhea, probiotics colonize in the intestinal tract and keep harmful bacteria from reproducing. Probiotics help pregnant women regulate and maintain a healthy digestive system.
Benefits
Many women suffer from digestive issues, such as heartburn, diarrhea, constipation and intestinal cramps, during pregnancy. Probiotics help relieve constipation and other intestinal issues by improving gastrointestinal function. The healthy bacteria can also improve the immune system of both the mother and baby during pregnancy. Probiotics can help you fight off or avoid colds and other illnesses, which is essential during pregnancy due to a suppressed immune system. Taking probiotics during pregnancy may also help prevent allergies and eczema in both mothers and infants. How probiotics achieve this is still undergoing research.
Pasteurized Dairy Products
Probiotics are naturally present in fermented dairy products. During pregnancy, it is considered unsafe to drink or eat unpasteurized dairy products, such as milk or cheese, because it may contain listeria, a bacteria that can be life-threatening to your unborn baby. Ensure any dairy products you consume are pasteurized. Probiotics are most commonly found in yogurt, drinkable yogurt, kefir and fermented milk. Unfermented milk, tempeh and some soy products may also contain safe probiotics.
Dietary Supplements
Probiotics can be purchased without a prescription from various pharmacies and health-food stores. Dietary supplements containing probiotics are available in the form of capsules or powder. Take capsules with at least 8 oz. of water or other fluid. Probiotics in powder form can be added to smoothies, juice or water. Talk to your health care provider about the appropriate probiotic for you.
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