The human body naturally contains many strains of good bacteria that help to prevent illness by fighting off harmful bacteria and yeast. During pregnancy, the gastrointestinal system undergoes changes that cause constipation, indigestion and gas. When eating cultured foods or taking supplements, these bacterium can help regulate the digestive system, strengthen the immune system and help to treat the digestive woes so commonly associated with pregnancy.
Foods
The easiest, least expensive way for pregnant women to incorporate probiotics into the diet is through cultured foods. Many foods naturally contain these beneficial bacteria due to the process used to make the food. Yogurt is the most well known probiotic-containing food. Not all yogurt products contain probiotics, though. Check the label for "live" or "active" cultures. Other foods with probiotics include kefir, kombucha tea and cultured vegetables such as sauerkraut and kimchee.
Supplements
The shelves of health food stores are full of bottles of probiotic supplements. Probiotics are available in powder and capsule form and sometimes are found in a refrigerated case. Many different strains of bacteria are present in these probiotic supplements. Several types of Lactobacilli exist in supplement form, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. The College of Family Physicians of Canada explains that these strains may help reduce vaginal infections that can lead to preterm labor. They may also reduce the colonization of group B strep bacteria within the vagina, which can cause serious infection in newborns. Further testing is needed, however, to determine effectiveness.
Choosing a Probiotic
When choosing a probiotic, talk to your midwife or doctor for recommendations regarding brands and bacteria strains that may benefit your pregnancy and other health conditions. Some brands have been studied more than others and may contain more bacteria per dose than other brands. Choose a well-studied brand to ensure you are purchasing the best probiotic for your money. If you choose to eat commercially prepared cultured foods, be sure to check the labels for active cultures.
Benefits
Using probiotics during pregnancy may offer benefits for both the mother and the baby. According to AskDrSears.com, probiotics used during pregnancy may decrease the baby's risk of developing eczema before age 2. BabyCentre.com notes that ongoing research is studying the possible effectiveness of using probiotics vaginally to reduce preterm birth.
References
- Babyzone: Probiotics During Pregnancy; Teri Brown
- Parenting.com: Ask Dr. Sears-Probiotics During Pregnancy; Dr. William Sears
- The College of Family Physicians of Canada: Taking Probiotics during Pregnancy; November 2005
- Baby Centre: Probiotics and Prebiotics in Pregnancy; March 2009
- AskDrSears.com: Pediatric Updates; March 2002
