From the Guidelines
It is generally safe to take probiotics during pregnancy, but careful evaluation and consultation with a healthcare provider are necessary to ensure the chosen probiotic is suitable for pregnant women. According to a study published in 2019 1, most probiotics in commercial use are derived from fermented foods with a long history of safe consumption, or from microbes that may colonize humans, and are considered safe for the general population by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
When considering probiotic use during pregnancy, it is essential to choose products that are specifically formulated for pregnancy or have been tested for safety during pregnancy. Recommended probiotic strains for pregnant women include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, with a typical dose of 1-10 billion CFU (colony-forming units) daily 1. Probiotics can be taken as capsules, powders, or in fermented foods like yogurt or kefir.
Some potential benefits of probiotics during pregnancy include:
- Preventing or managing common pregnancy-related issues such as constipation, vaginal infections, and gestational diabetes
- Supporting the development of the baby's immune system
- Potentially reducing the risk of allergies and eczema in infants
However, it is crucial to note that some women may experience mild side effects like bloating or gas, and in rare cases, serious adverse effects have been reported, particularly in vulnerable groups such as those with damaged intestinal mucosa or immune dysregulation 1. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen during pregnancy to weigh the potential benefits and risks.
From the Research
Safety of Probiotics During Pregnancy
- The use of probiotics during pregnancy is generally considered safe and well tolerated by pregnant women and their children 2, 3.
- Probiotic supplementation is rarely systemically absorbed when used by healthy individuals, and there have been no published studies addressing adverse effects of probiotics on the fetus 3.
- However, a review of studies on probiotics for preventing gestational diabetes found that probiotics may increase the risk of pre-eclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy 4.
Benefits of Probiotics During Pregnancy
- Probiotics may have a protective role in preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, vaginal infections, maternal and infant weight gain, and allergic diseases 5.
- Probiotics can help regulate the unbalanced microflora composition observed in obesity and diabetes, which may contribute to pregnancy complications 5.
- Probiotics may also have a beneficial effect on the gut microbiome, which is altered during pregnancy and may play a role in pregnancy complications 2, 5.
Precautions and Uncertainties
- The evidence for the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing gestational diabetes is uncertain, and the risk of harm, particularly with regards to pre-eclampsia, cannot be ruled out 4.
- Large, well-designed randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to establish the role of probiotics in adverse pregnancy and infancy outcomes 5.
- The use of probiotics during pregnancy should be approached with caution, and pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider before taking probiotic supplements 4.