Probiotics in pregnancy

Probiotics in pregnancy – how do they work?

Probiotics are living bacterial cultures that are intended to ensure an appropriate biocenosis at the site of their use. They occur naturally in the human organism and are responsible for creating suitable conditions in the gastrointestinal tract or the female reproductive tract, among others. The microflora of the intestine and vagina, i.e. the accumulation of all kinds of organisms living there, undergoes numerous changes during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. This can lead to an uncontrolled proliferation of microorganisms that cause, among other things, recurrent infections of the reproductive tract. The use of probiotics therefore ensures that the microflora is maintained in an appropriate composition, which reduces the risk of infections.

Probiotics in pregnancy – when should they be used?

The decision to take probiotics during pregnancy should always be discussed with the attending physician. Due to their positive effects and the practical absence of side effects, many gynaecologists opt for this type of food supplementation during pregnancy, especially for women with recurrent reproductive tract infections.

Probiotics in pregnancy – how do they affect gestational diabetes?

Probiotics not only have a positive effect on the intestinal and vaginal microflora, but can also reduce the risk of gestational diabetes in women[1] . Although the mechanism responsible for the occurrence of this phenomenon is not fully understood, it is suspected that normal gut bacterial flora positively influences glucose metabolism in the body and increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin. This leads to glucose molecules being able to enter the cells more easily, which lowers the blood sugar level.

Probiotics in pregnancy – how do they affect allergies in the child?

According to recent scientific reports, taking probiotics has reduced the risk of offspring in women who are at risk of having a child with atopic dermatitis or other allergies[2]. Experts believe that this is related, among other things, to the fact that the body’s tolerance to foreign proteins is increased by the right amount of “good” bacteria in the woman’s gastrointestinal tract and reproductive tract, thus reducing the immune system’s reaction, which leads to the typical symptoms of allergy.

Probiotics in pregnancy – how to choose?

Probiotics for pregnant women are available as oral or vaginal globules. There are numerous over-the-counter preparations for pregnant women in the pharmacy. However, the choice of probiotics during pregnancy should always be discussed with your doctor. Based on his/her knowledge, he/she will certainly suggest a suitable product that is best suited in a particular case. In the case of fungal or bacterial infections, it is also necessary to use antimycotics or antibiotics. Probiotics are then used as an aid to restore the correct bacterial flora.

^[1] Isolauri, E., Rautava, S., Collado, M. C., & Salminen, S. (2015). Role of probiotics in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 17(8), 713–719

^[2] C.K. Dotterud, O. Storro, R. Johnsen, T. Oien. Probiotics in pregnant women to prevent allergic disease: a randomized, double-blind trial. British Journal of Dermatology, 2010; 163: 616–623