When you are pregnant your body changes in ways. One of the things you notice is how your body digests food. You may feel bloated constipated or have heartburn and nausea. This is because of the hormones in your body and the baby growing inside you which puts pressure on your system. Your gut microbiome, which is the community of bacteria living in your tract also changes during pregnancy.
The gut microbiome shifts a lot during pregnancy. This shift affects things, including how well you can fight off sickness your mood, your energy levels and even the health of your baby. This is where probiotics come in. Probiotics are worth understanding because they can help your gut microbiome.
What Happens to Your Gut During Pregnancy?
In the few months of pregnancy the levels of a hormone called progesterone go up which slows down digestion. This is why many women get constipated in their pregnancy. By the time you’re in your third trimester your gut microbiome has changed a lot compared to before you were pregnant. Some of these changes help your body get energy and nutrients from the food you eat which is good for your baby. However, these changes can also cause problems with digestion.
Your baby is also affected by the bacteria in your gut. When your baby is born they get their bacteria from you. The bacteria in your gut play a role in what kind of bacteria your baby gets at birth.
What the Research Says
There have been studies on using probiotics during pregnancy in the last ten years. These studies have found that certain types of probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can help regulate blood sugar levels during pregnancy. This is important because some women get diabetes when they are pregnant.
Group B Strep is another thing that researchers are looking at. 20-30% Of women have Group B Strep bacteria in their bodies, which is usually not a problem for them but can be bad for their babies during delivery. Some studies suggest that certain probiotics can reduce the amount of Group B Strep bacteria in the body.
Probiotics can also help reduce the risk of your baby getting eczema. If you take probiotics while you are pregnant and breastfeeding your baby is less likely to get eczema. This seems to work when you start taking probiotics later in your pregnancy.
Digestive Comfort
Many pregnant women find that probiotics help them feel better on a basis. Probiotics can help with constipation bloating and feeling sluggish. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis are two types of probiotics that can help your digestive system work better.
Are They Safe in Pregnancy?
Probiotics have been studied in pregnant women and are generally safe. However, every pregnancy is different. It is a good idea to talk to your midwife or doctor before taking any new supplements especially if you have any health problems.
What to Look For
When you are looking for a probiotic to take during pregnancy make sure it lists the types of probiotics it contains and how much of each one is in it. Avoid products that just say they have ” cultures” without giving more information. Also check if the product has any ingredients that you do not need. Some probiotics need to be kept in the refrigerator while others can be stored at room temperature. Follow the instructions on the label.
Proven Biotics is a company in the UK that specializes in probiotics that are backed by scientific evidence. They have a line of probiotics for pregnancy. Their probiotics are made with strains that have been clinically researched and are designed to support both the mother and the baby during pregnancy and, after birth.
