Probiotics are live bacteria, taken as a supplement or in cultured foods, to replenish the good bacteria that normally live in your intestines. A variety of factors including stress, antibiotics and sickness can decrease these beneficial bacteria. When this happens, your body is at increased risk of developing illnesses, such as yeast infections, which are common during pregnancy. Probiotic supplementation during pregnancy is generally considered safe, even in the first trimester, although it is always best to check with your doctor first.
Safety
Taking probiotics during pregnancy has not been shown to have any adverse effects on the developing baby or on the mother. Only a very rare possibility exists that the bacteria contained in the probiotics could cause a systemic infection. Individuals who are at risk of developing this type of infection include those with compromised immune systems from chronic illness such as HIV and cancer. When such conditions are absent, however, taking probiotics during the first trimester is regarded as safe.
Benefits
Probiotics provide many benefits during pregnancy, including during the first trimester. Pregnancy causes many changes within the digestive system, including nausea and constipation, which can begin in the early stages. Probiotics have been shown to help regulate digestion and elimination and may be able to prevent some of these symptoms from occurring during the first trimester. Preventing such issues can eliminate the need for other medications that may carry greater risk to the mother or baby.
Forms
Probiotics may be purchased in supplement form from your local health food store. They also naturally occur in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut. Yogurt and kefir containers should bear the words "active cultures" to ensure the product contains these important probiotics. All of these forms of probiotics are considered safe during the first trimester, though you should always check with your doctor for approval.
Considerations
While probiotics are safe for most pregnant women in the first trimester, they may not be safe for everyone. Before you add probiotics or any supplement to your regimen during pregnancy, talk to your midwife or obstetrician regarding safety concerns. If your medical provider agrees, she may be able to recommend specific probiotics supplements to you.
References
- "Canadian Family Physician"; Are Probiotics Safe For Use During Pregnancy and Lactation?; Jackie Elias, RPh, et al.; March 2011
- "Parenting"; Ask Dr.Sears: Probiotics During Pregnancy?; Dr. William Sears
- Pregnancy Today; Probiotics and Pregnancy; Teri Brown
- Biotics Research Corporation; Probiotics Use During the First Trimester of Pregnancy May Protect Against Post-pregnancy Weight Gain; Kirsi Laitinen, et al.; May 2009
