Probiotics during pregnancy can have beneficial effects for both mother and baby, but it is important to consult with a doctor first. Probiotics can treat vaginosis and diarrhea, and may reduce the occurrence of post-pregnancy obesity. There is debate about their effectiveness in reducing the risk of preterm labor. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods or supplements, but caution should be taken for those with compromised immune systems or lactose intolerance.
As with most health and nutritional decisions, you should talk to your doctor or obstetrician to discuss whether taking probiotics during pregnancy is right for you. Most research suggests that probiotics may have beneficial effects for mother and baby. Probiotics contain live cultures of useful bacteria or nutrients that support the growth of good microorganisms in the body. Many foods naturally contain probiotics or are fortified with them, so it is likely that you will eat some probiotics during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, there are many changes in a woman’s body. Some of these, like vaginosis and diarrhea, can be treated with probiotics. If a doctor prescribes antibiotics to cure a bacterial infection, it can also kill the good bacteria. The doctor may also prescribe probiotics to encourage the recovery of helpful microorganisms. Some research suggests that probiotics during pregnancy along with nutritional counseling may help reduce the occurrence of post-pregnancy obesity.
There is some debate about the effectiveness of taking probiotics during pregnancy to help reduce the risk of preterm labor. Some researchers suggest that these supplements help maintain the normal balance of bacteria in the female reproductive system that might otherwise be biased. The theory is that by protecting the new mother from infection, the vagina will not become irritated enough to cause premature labor. Other researchers believe that probiotics have no proven effect on preterm labor.
The unborn baby can also benefit from probiotics during pregnancy. Some studies have shown that probiotic foods and supplements help deliver babies at a healthy weight. They may also be responsible for reducing the incidence of allergic conditions or skin disorders such as eczema in newborns. The presence of probiotics in a newborn can also encourage the development of a strong and healthy immune system while avoiding allergies.
There are several natural and supplemental sources of probiotics. You can choose to take probiotics during pregnancy in the form of fermented foods like yogurt, tempeh, or sauerkraut. If you choose an over-the-counter probiotic supplement, be sure to read all available information about the drug and reviews from previous users. Some products claim more benefits than they actually produce. You can ask your obstetrician or nutritionist to prescribe a probiotic.
There is a possibility that some women who take probiotics during pregnancy may develop bacterial infections. This is especially true if the woman has a compromised immune system or another unrelated illness. If you are lactose intolerant, you should carefully examine the ingredient list of supplements, since many probiotics are grown in dairy products.
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