Probiotics and pregnancy: benefits and precautions to know

What if tiny, invisible allies could transform your pregnancy? Probiotics, these essential microorganisms, play a key role throughout our lives and take on particular importance during pregnancy, where they contribute to the well-being of both the expectant mother and her baby [1]. From preventing digestive problems to reducing the risk of vaginal infections, their benefits are numerous… and often underestimated. Which probiotics should you choose? When should you incorporate them into your daily routine? In this article, we explain how these "good bacteria" can provide real support for you, your own microbiota, and your baby. Let's go!

A quick reminder: what are probiotics?

Probiotics are living microorganisms, mainly bacteria and yeasts, that play a key role in the balance of our microbiota. The latter is a complex and dynamic ecosystem, composed of billions of microorganisms distributed in different parts of our body, including:

• the intestines,
• the vagina,
• the skin,
• the mouth.

In the gut microbiota, probiotics actively participate in several essential functions:

• Facilitating digestion by contributing to the breakdown of food [2];

• Supporting the absorption of nutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamins [3];

• Helping to strengthen the intestinal barrier, limiting colonization by pathogens [4].

As for the vaginal microbiota, they are also busy! They maintain an acidic pH there, thus limiting the development of undesirable microorganisms, helping to reduce the risk of infections.

In short, by supporting these microbial ecosystems, probiotics contribute to our overall well-being at every stage of life, and particularly during sensitive periods like pregnancy.

Can you take probiotics during pregnancy?

Let's not prolong the suspense any longer: yes, you can consume probiotics during pregnancy. But (because there is a "but"!) provided you choose adapted and specific strains whose benefits have been scientifically studied and documented.

Generally, these microorganisms would bring benefits not only for the expectant mother but also for the development of her baby [6].

Strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Bifidobacterium longum, for example, are commonly studied for their positive effects on the human body, especially during pregnancy. They could strengthen natural barriers against pathogens and help limit microbial imbalances related to these hormonal changes.

Nevertheless, we advise you to opt for products specially formulated for pregnant women. And, of course, to talk to your doctor or midwife before starting your treatment, if that can reassure you.

 

What are the interesting benefits of probiotics during pregnancy?

The benefits of probiotics for expectant mothers have been studied and proven many times. Here are the main documented effects of probiotics by scientific research.

Taking care of the intestinal and vaginal microbiota

On a digestive level, probiotics promote the balance of the intestinal microbiota, which is heavily solicited during pregnancy. They would help maintain regular transit and reduce digestive problems such as constipation (common in new mothers). Strains like Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus paracasei support smoother digestion by balancing the intestinal flora, thus helping to alleviate discomforts related to hormonal fluctuations.

On a vaginal level, lactobacilli, particularly Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, play a key role in maintaining an acidic pH within the vaginal microbiota, essential for helping to prevent common infections such as yeast infections or vaginosis. With the vaginal flora supported, this helps reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications.

Did you know that omega-3s also provide significant benefits for pregnant women, particularly by supporting the baby's brain development? Our article omega 3 and pregnancy tells you everything about the subject!

Helping to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes

Certain probiotic strains could play a role in modulating factors associated with gestational diabetes. For example, some studies suggest that Lactobacillus rhamnosus could contribute to:

• improving insulin sensitivity
• reducing general inflammation.

Two key elements in the regulation of sugar metabolism. Although these results are promising, the available data remain limited, and further research is needed to confirm these effects. However, their ability to support a balanced intestinal microbiota opens up interesting perspectives for accompanying pregnant women in managing their metabolic health.

Supporting iron absorption during pregnancy

Pregnant women often lack iron, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy. A balanced intestinal microbiota plays a key role in nutrient absorption [8]. Certain probiotic strains, such as Bifidobacterium longum, could therefore indirectly help support iron assimilation. However, these effects remain indirect and depend on many factors, including diet and overall health status.

Strengthening the baby's immune system

Yes, probiotics don't only influence our health... but also the baby's, as they play a role in the development of its microbiota. This process mainly begins at birth, particularly during a vaginal delivery, where the baby comes into contact with microorganisms from the vaginal canal and maternal flora.
The intestinal microbiota, which houses about 70% of the body's immune cells, is essential for the development of the immune system. A healthy maternal microbiota can therefore contribute to the establishment of a balanced intestinal flora in the newborn, thus supporting its nascent immunity. The consumption of probiotics during the last months of pregnancy therefore presents a real interest.

When to take probiotics during pregnancy and how to choose them?

When choosing a probiotic supplement, it is essential to check the strains it contains and their specific benefits. For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been studied for its role in supporting natural defenses and reducing microbial imbalances related to pregnancy. For its part, Lactobacillus reuteri could help maintain more comfortable digestion and alleviate digestive discomforts, such as constipation, often observed in expectant mothers. Not bad, right?

But, once again, don't hesitate to consult your midwife before starting a course of treatment. They can ensure that the products chosen are suitable for your situation.

Probiotics are not limited to dietary supplements! You can also incorporate them into your daily life through other forms, such as fermented foods (kefir, some dairy products like yogurts, sauerkraut).

And if you're still planning for a baby... Even better! Because we now know the ultra-beneficial link between probiotics and fertility. So, adding probiotics from the preconception period can help you prepare your own microbiota for the upheavals it will undergo.

In short, you've probably understood: probiotics for intimate and intestinal flora are essential allies during pregnancy, as they support the well-being of young mothers and their babies. By balancing the intestinal and vaginal microbiota, they promote a serene pregnancy and the gentle development of the newborn.

 

Sources :
[1] Jarde A, Lewis-Mikhael AM, Moayyedi P, Stearns JC, Collins SM, Beyene J, McDonald SD. (2018). Probiotics in pregnancy and maternal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Nutrition, 119(1), 1–11
[2] Marteau P, et al. (2001). "Bacterial flora in the gut: effects of probiotics." Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 30(2), 131–134.
[3] Ouwehand AC, et al. (2002). "Probiotic and other functional microbes: from markets to mechanisms." Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 13(5), 483–487.
[4] Macfarlane GT, et al. (2006). "Probiotics, infection and immunity." Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, 19(5), 457–462.
[5] Ravel J, et al. (2011). "Vaginal microbiome of reproductive-age women." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(Suppl 1), 4680–4687.
[6] Isolauri E, et al. (2002). "Probiotics in human disease." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 73(6), 1142S–1146S.
[7] Luoto R, Laitinen K, Nermes M, Isolauri E. (2010). Impact of maternal probioticsupplemented dietary counseling on pregnancy outcome and prenatal and postnatal growth: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 91(5), 177–183.
[8] Ouwehand AC, et al. (2005). "Probiotic and other functional microbes: from markets to mechanisms." Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 16(3), 204–211.