Are probiotics safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers?

Pregnancy is a journey filled with hope, joy, sometimes nausea, and increased emotionality. With the first baby, a mother's perspective changes - what is safe for the baby and what is not. Friday night wine, weekly salon visits, and brunch are replaced by early bedtimes, rooibos tea, and high-protein green smoothies.

Nutrition during pregnancy usually revolves around a long list of forbidden foods - but apart from the standard practice of taking a prenatal vitamin, there are not always comprehensive additional guidelines on what else is necessary. For example, consuming at least 70 grams of protein helps you build a new life. And taking 200 mg of omega-3 DHA supports your child's nervous system.

It is also recommended to take a probiotic to maintain a healthy microbiome. And what is good for the mother is good for the child. Perhaps you are already asking yourself... are probiotics a good idea? Are they safe? Are they beneficial?

WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE PROBIOTICS DURING PREGNANCY?

Among the daily transformations that occur in a pregnant woman's body, these two stand out most prominently: changes in the immune system and changes in the digestive system.

As pregnancy progresses, the immune system changes to become more tolerant of this new little life growing in the womb. This means that expectant mothers are at a higher risk of foodborne illnesses (don't forget the list of forbidden foods) as well as other types of infections. That is why probiotics are truly necessary to provide more good bacteria and build balance in the gut flora.

The vaginal canal is home to more than 1 billion bacteria. It is believed that these bacteria are important for immune regulation and can influence pregnancy outcomes. Having a balanced microbiome supports optimal immune system function. During pregnancy, there are changes in the microflora of the mouth, gut, and vaginal canal that are designed to support a healthy pregnancy.

At the same time, however, there is a possibility that less beneficial changes may occur. Especially when the mother starts consuming high-fat foods or gains weight above recommended levels - two factors known to negatively affect the microbiome.

This is why it is important to take probiotics. Probiotic bacteria have also been shown to protect against gastrointestinal infections by fighting against pathogenic bacteria and beneficially modulating the immune system.

Now, let's talk about digestion: hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to reflux or constipation. Hormones slow the rate at which the stomach empties and the intestines move, while the placenta can increase stomach acidity.

Taking a daily dose of 100% natural Lactoflor BioPlus (a synbiotic containing both a probiotic and fiber) can help balance gut flora to facilitate digestion and improve its function, alongside drinking plenty of water, maintaining a high-fiber diet, and staying active.

ARE PROBIOTICS SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?

Having answered the question of how probiotics can help ensure a healthy pregnancy, another question follows: are they safe?

Probiotic supplements from natural food sources (such as LactoFlor products) are considered safe for use by pregnant and breastfeeding women. At the same time, it is recommended that women avoid unpasteurized fermented foods, which are usually a source of good bacteria. For this reason, a probiotic supplement becomes even more important.

When making your choice, a proven track record of safety, clinically tested products, and impeccable production standards are essential. LactoFlor has over 30 years of proven use across all stages of life.

However, it is best to consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplements.

Sources:
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Moran, L J et al. “Nutrition and listeriosis during pregnancy: a systematic review” Journal of nutritional science vol. 7 e25. 24 Sep. 2018, doi:10.1017/jns.2018.16
Wu, Min, Shao-Wu Chen, and Shao-Yun Jiang. „Relationship between gingival inflammation and pregnancy.“ Mediators of inflammation 2015 (2015).
Chu, Derrick M et al. “Impact of maternal nutrition in pregnancy and lactation on offspring gut microbial composition and function” Gut microbes vol. 7,6 (2016): 459-470.
Gomes, Catarina Frias et al. “Gastrointestinal diseases during pregnancy: what does the gastroenterologist need to know?” Annals of gastroenterology vol. 31,4 (2018): 385-394.
Baldassarre, Maria Elisabetta et al. “Rationale of Probiotic Supplementation during Pregnancy and Neonatal Period” Nutrients vol. 10,11 1693. 6 Nov. 2018, doi:10.3390/nu10111693
Jarde, Alexander et al. “Pregnancy outcomes in women taking probiotics or prebiotics: a systematic review and meta-analysis” BMC pregnancy and childbirth vol. 18,1 14. 8 Jan. 2018, doi:10.1186/s12884-017-1629-5