Group B Strep And Premature Birth
If mom doesnt have healthy vaginal flora during pregnancy, it can trigger premature birth. When pathogenic bacteria gets into the amniotic fluid it sets off a chain reaction leading to early uterine contractions .
In the third trimester, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus probiotic strains helped reduce inflammation and contributed to a healthier vaginal microbiome. Healthy vaginal flora and lowered inflammation can help prevent pre-term birth .
Several studies found women who took probiotics during pregnancy had less pre-term delivery risk. Probiotics during pregnancy can that lead to premature birth .
While evidence is mixed taking probiotics orally has much of an effect on vaginal flora, research indicates applying them directly may work better .
Infection And Preterm Birth Prevention
This is a delicate subject and research is not fleshed out enough to say anything conclusively.
However, there is reason to believe that probiotics can help fight bad bacteria in the body and with that lower the risk of infections that can lead to preterm birth. Research found that certain lactobacilli strains can colonize the vaginal tract and help inhibit pathogens that are associated with preterm birth, as well as regulate the immune system.
A different study analyzing data from a Norwegian cohort also found a statistically significant lower chance of preterm birth in pregnant women who consumed probiotics, most commonly via milk products.
One of the powerful features of probiotic bacteria is that specific ones have the ability to fight and inhibit the growth of pathogens. In addition, probiotic bacteria can influence the environment in the gut to make it less hospitable for pathogens to survive.
In addition, a Current Diabetes Reports article from 2014 states that probiotics in obese and diabetic pregnant patients slightly lowered the incidence of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia , and preterm delivery.
Culturelle Womens Healthy Balance
This probiotic supplement is a blend of 5 probiotic strains of the Lactobacillus family. The goal is to support immune health, digestive health, and feminine health. According to the product description, it promotes the natural balance of good bacteria and yeast in the vaginal microbiota to support pH balance for feminine health.
All 5 strains in this product have clinical evidence behind them, but the product was not tested as a whole. This means that while we know what each strain does in the laboratory or in other studies, it is unclear whether the final formulation accomplishes the same goals. Sometimes, strains of the same formulation can compete or cancel each other out.
Another downside of this probiotic is that it contains several additives in the capsule, including titanium dioxide and caramel for coloring. Many other probiotic supplements are free of such additives to avoid irritation of the GI tract.
Type: CapsuleDose/day: 1 capsule per dayDietary considerations: Formula free of gluten, dairy, and sugar. Vegetarian & vegan.Clinical studies using the final formulation: No, specific strains have been studied in isolation, but not the final formulation.Multispecies/ multistrain: Yes
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Research On Probiotics During Pregnancy
A review published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine found probiotics to significantly reduce the occurrence of gestational diabetes, lower fasting glucose, and decrease preeclampsia risk but there is nothing anyone can do about The Underwoods in House of Cards they are just immoral elitists and that is how they are.
Weight gain was also found to be less among pregnant women who took probiotic supplements as compared to those who did not.
Probiotics are known to assimilate nutrients, convert food into energy and manage factors like insulin resistance in the body. Studies suggest that probiotics during pregnancy may also prevent complications like preterm birth.
According to a study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, mothers gut microbiota was found to be improved by probiotics during pregnancy. This in turn helped support a healthy immune system and gut ecology in the baby.
A meta-analysis published in Epidemiology revealed that probiotic supplements could reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis and other allergic phenomena in babies.
The same meta-analysis concluded that breast-fed babies from mothers who took probiotic supplements had fewer episodes of diarrhea, colic, and constipation between the ages of 2 and 6 months.
Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic
Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic is a single-strain product containing only Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, delivered in capsule format.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a widely studied and well-known strain, but the downside of taking a single-strain probiotic is just that it only delivers one strain.
Several research studies have shown that different bacterial strains perform different functions in the body. Strains often work in teams to support each other or cancel each other out. Even for digestion, different strains are needed for improving mucus production, creating the right pH in the intestines, fighting off other bacteria, and more. Thats why taking a single-strain probiotic may not yield the same benefits as taking a whole team of probiotics in one probiotic blend.
Generally speaking, a gut microbiome with a diverse array of bacteria is considered healthy. Whereas, a gut microbiome with an imbalance of bacteria and/or with limited diversity, has been linked to disease.
Type: CapsuleDose/day: 1 capsule per dayDietary considerations: No dairy, wheat, eggs, tree nuts, or peanuts, and non-GMO.Clinical studies using the final formulation: It is unclear if Culturelle studied this specific product or just the probiotic strain.Multispecies/ multistrain: No
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Can Children Take Them
As babies are safe to consume probiotics, children can also consume probiotics without getting negative effects. In addition, these live microorganisms can give better protection for children as they strengthen the number of beneficial bacteria living in the gut.
However, you have to actually be extra careful with children. Some children have weak immune systems, and it will not matter whether they are newborns or teenagers. In cases like these, you may want to consult your childs doctor first whether it will be safe for them to consume probiotics when their immune system is compromised.
Benefits Of Taking Probiotics During Pregnancy
Perhaps you found this article because youve heard that taking probiotics during pregnancy is linked to health benefits.
This is supported by research. In fact, its believed that these supplements may improve certain aspects of maternal health, reduce the risk of pregnancy complications, and benefit newborns.
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Vaginal Delivery Promotes Beneficial Bacteria In The Babies Gut Microbiome
During vaginal birth, a babys microbiome may be directly influenced by the womans microbiome. Between trimesters 1 and 3, a womans gut microbiome changes dramatically, and involves an increase in the amount of the beneficial bifidobacteria.15, 16 Bifidobacteria are important in the early years of life because these bacteria are central to the development of a babys immune health.17 In one study, the researchers followed 17 mothers and their infants. It was observed that in babies born by vaginal delivery, very specific strains of bifidobacteria were present in both the mother and baby.18 However, the babies who were born by cesarean did not have these specific strains in common with their mothers.18 This suggests that these specific bacteria were passed from the woman to her baby during vaginal birth.18 In another study, babies born to women who consumed the LGG® probiotic strain in the weeks before giving birth had more of the beneficial bifidobacteria in their gut.9
Can Probiotics Harm A Developing Baby In Utero
Far from causing harm, prenatal probiotics have a lot of benefits for both mama and baby. A meta-analysis showed no increase in pregnancy complications or harm for mama or baby with probiotic use . Probiotics safe for pregnancy include strains like lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
One study found both lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains didnt negatively affect C-sections rates, birth weight or preterm birth .
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Are There Risks Or Concerns For Taking Probiotics When Pregnant
Not especially, though again, were working off a lack of evidence all around. Still, the nature of probiotics makes them much less risky than many other OTC or prescription drugs.
Probiotics are generally considered safe to try since theyre processed through your gut, the doctor says. Plus, the bacteria were giving you are ones that are already colonized in your gutbasically, were giving you more of what you already have.
A 2011 study published in Canadian Family Physician confirms this theory, stating that whether taken orally or used vaginally, probiotics are safe, well-tolerated, and rarely have any systemic absorption that would make them unsafe during pregnancy and lactation.
There are a few words of warning, though, to anyone interested in taking probiotics .
Supplements And Food Sources
Numerous probiotic supplements are on the market, with varying quantities and types of strains. Talk with your health care provider to find a high-quality probiotic supplement that is right for your body. Foods are also a source of probiotics. Cultured foods include sauerkraut, kimchee, kombucha, natto, miso, traditionally made dill pickles, kefir and yogurt. Including nonpasteurized cultured foods in your diet during pregnancy, along with probiotic supplementation, helps to maintain a healthy gut microbiota.
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Garden Of Life Raw Probiotic
Garden of Life Raw Probiotic is a probiotic supplement that takes a slightly different approach. The approach here is to mimic eating fermented foods. It combines probiotic strains with an enzyme and vegetable blend.
The product claims to maintain more live nutrients, enzymes and probiotic strains compared to other products throughout its manufacturing process. It is unclear whether there is any data to substantiate this claim.
It is important to differentiate between the manufacturing process and the shelf-stability of the ingredients. The manufacturing process may maintain more live nutrients and enzymes. However, for the probiotic to deliver optimal benefits, these nutrients, bacteria, and enzymes still need to be alive when the product reaches you, the end consumer. Live bacteria and enzymes often have a much shorter lifespan than freeze-dried probiotic bacteria found in many probiotic supplements, including Omni-Biotic.
Type: CapsuleDose/day: 1 capsule per dayDietary considerations: Contains milkClinical studies using the final formulation: NoMultispecies/ multistrain: Yes
May Benefit Gut Health
Keeping your gut bacteria healthy is always important, including when youre pregnant. Some evidence suggests that taking probiotics during pregnancy may be one way to improve gut bacteria composition and digestive health.
One 2020 study in 49 pregnant women with obesity found that those who took a multi-strain probiotic supplement from an average of 17 weeks pregnant until delivery experienced increased gut bacteria diversity, compared with those who took a placebo (
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Probiotics For Pregnant Women: Best Probiotics During Pregnancy
by Lucy Harriss
During pregnancy, changes in hormone levels, differences in water intake and diet, and just the stress of pregnancy on the body often results in digestive issues, namely constipation, bloating and diarrhea.
To prevent these digestive issues, and other microbiome imbalances which can cause problems elsewhere like vaginal thrush, we recommend probiotics. Probiotics are most often taken orally and contain numerous bacterial colonies to rebalance your gut microbiota this is especially important during pregnancy.
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Can You Take Probiotics While Pregnant
For women, getting pregnant entails lots of changes. There are many things you can no longer do and foods that you can no longer eat. And if youve been taking probiotics before your pregnancy, youre probably wondering if you can take probiotics while pregnant.
So, are probiotics safe for expecting women?
In general, probiotics are safe and women can take them even while pregnant. Because theyre naturally found in our body, it poses virtually no adverse side effects a fact confirmed by various studies. Many experts even agree that taking probiotics during pregnancy may even be beneficial for you. However, if you want to get the most out of your probiotic supplement, make sure to choose one with strains beneficial for pregnant women. But more on that later.
To understand how probiotics affect our body, lets get to know probiotics better.
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Can You Take Probiotics While Pregnant Experts Weigh In
Can You Take Probiotics While Pregnant? Experts Weigh In Can You Take Probiotics While Pregnant? Experts Weigh In
The bodily and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can sometimes lead to irritating skin problems, as well as constipation. Though probiotics have been proved to support healthy digestion* and manage skin irritations,* like acne and inflammation, many women wonder whether they’re safe to take while pregnant.
We consulted an integrative gastroenterologist, as well as doctors in obstetrics and gynecology to help answer that question. In short, taking probiotics while pregnant is generally safe. As with any medication or supplement, you should always consult your personal health care provider before starting a new regimen, though.
What Supplements Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy
There are a whole host of foods you should avoid during pregnancy, but what about supplements during pregnancy?
Supplements to avoid during pregnancy include:
- Vitamin A *
- Vitamin E *
- Black Cohosh, a type of buttercup that can be taken to ease period cramps and menopausal hot flashes
- Goldenseal
- Dong Quai, a root used in Chinese medicine
- Yohimbe, the bark of an African tree
- Mugwort
- Vitamin E and A can occur naturally in some foods and are part of a healthy diet, but taking additional supplements can potentially cause pregnancy complications.
You should also avoid probiotics if you have an immune disorder, allergies to specific bacteria or yeast, have had pancreatitis, or if youre recovering from major surgery.
Other medications can also be limited with probiotics, so speak with your doctor if youre taking antibiotics or antifungal meds and you want to see if probiotics could work for you.
*Its always best to speak with your doctor about supplements, particularly if youre pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.
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What Are Probiotics And Prebiotics
Probiotics or good bacteria are micro-organisms that are present in our intestines. These organisms break down the food we eat and help in the process of digestion. On the other hand, prebiotics are stimulants for the good bacteria to grow. These foods are not digested by our body, but they remain in our colon, triggering the growth of the good bacteria.
Supplements And Probiotics In Pregnancy
Probiotics are only increasing in popularity, and for good reasons. Probiotics play a big role in establishing and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Studies are beginning to reveal just how much of an impact the health of your gut can have on your overall health. But are probiotics safe in pregnancy?
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Treat Bacterial Vaginosis And Allergic Reactions
Bacterial vaginosis may increase the risk of preterm labor, though preterm birth and probiotics is a controversial topic on its own. A systematic review of over 2,500 publications found that neither probiotics nor prebiotics increased or decreased the risk of premature labor.6 However, supplements containing probiotics L rhamnosus GR-1 and L reuteri RC-14 were shown in one study to restore the healthy balance of vaginal flora in 90% of the 42 healthy women who were observed .78
In another study of a similar strain of probiotics, 50% of atopic dermatitis cases in babies were shown to be preventable when at-risk mothers took supplements containing L rhamnosus GG and B lactis BB12 while pregnant, in addition to newborns ingesting the probiotics the first 6 months of their lives.9
Subgroup And Sensitivity Analyses
We did subgroup analyses by potential conflicts of interest and length of exposure . In addition to the planned sensitivity analysis including only studies with low risk of bias we also did further sensitivity analyses excluding studies where the absence of twins was not confirmed, where the comparison group received conventional yogurt, using the alternative method to deal with multiple independent comparisons , and using the correlation of other studies in the meta-analysis to impute the standard deviations of the measures of change. Publication bias was assessed using Duval and Tweedies trim-and-fill method when there were at least ten studies in a meta-analysis .
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The Benefits Of Probiotics
Probiotics are the healthy bacteria that populate the gut and regulate digestive function, and until about 10 years ago when major food brands started adding them to everyday foods, they were relatively foreign.
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Theyre lauded for aiding in digestive issues as wide-ranging as minor cramping and bloating to colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, by preventing bad bacteria from growing and adhering to the lining of the digestive tract. This, in turn, enhances the immune system and helps to maintain general health.
Theyve also been linked to helping improve depression, anxiety and stress. Suffice to say, they have been positioned as a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Generally, probiotics are not contraindicated for pregnant women, though women are advised to speak to their doctors before adding them to their diet or supplement intake.
In addition, studies have shown that probiotics do not pose any risks to breastfeeding since they are rarely systemically absorbed.
Probiotics can be taken via supplements or by eating foods in which they naturally occur, including fermented dairy products like yogurt and milk, as well as fermented foods like pickled vegetables, tempeh, miso, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut.
Boosting Your Immune System
Did you know that 80% of your immune system lives in your gut?
Did you also know that your immune system changes when youre pregnant?
Some parts get a boost, while others get left to the wayside its one of the reasons why your immune system doesnt mistake your implantation embryo as a threat.
If you have a healthy immune system that can help your baby to develop a healthy immune system, too.
Which leads us to
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Reduce Postpartum Depression Risk
Did you know that a healthy gut is associated with a healthy brain? Because probiotics may help reduce inflammation, they may reduce the risk of a variety of diseases, but evidence is quickly building on probiotics positive effect on depression. Additional studies are needed, but probiotics antioxidant properties and ability to increase GABA may assist in improving our mood and alleviating depressive symptoms.11