Empowering a Safe Pregnancy: How Probiotics can Help Prevent Group B Strep and Promote Holistic Health During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a delicate and important time and a holistic approach to one's health can support the overall well being of the pregnancy. One way to ensure optimal health during pregnancy is through the use of probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in our gut and aid in digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall immune function.
During pregnancy, the body undergoes many changes, and the gut is no exception. Hormonal fluctuations and the presence of the growing baby can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria. This can lead to symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and gas. Probiotics can help to restore balance to the gut microbiome, reducing these symptoms and promoting overall health.
Probiotics also have a positive impact on the immune system. During pregnancy, the immune system is suppressed to prevent rejection of the growing baby. However, this can make the mother more susceptible to infections. Probiotics can help to boost the immune system, reducing the risk of infection and promoting overall health.
In addition to their physical benefits, probiotics also have a positive impact on mental health. The gut microbiome has been shown to play a role in mood and cognitive function. By promoting a healthy gut microbiome, probiotics can help to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety during pregnancy.
There have been several studies that have investigated the use of probiotics in preventing group B streptococcus (GBS) infection in pregnancy.
One randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Perinatal Medicine in 2015 found that women who took a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus fermentum during the last trimester of pregnancy had a significantly lower rate of GBS colonization compared to the control group.
Another randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine in 2016 found that supplementation with a probiotic containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium bifidum during pregnancy reduced the incidence of GBS colonization and GBS-related neonatal sepsis.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology in 2016 found that probiotic supplementation during pregnancy was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of GBS colonization.
It is important to note that probiotics are not one-size-fits-all and it's important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplement during pregnancy.
Also, probiotics can also be found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles and more! Adding fermented foods into your diet can increase your probiotic exposure and overall health.
In conclusion, probiotics offer a holistic approach to promoting health during pregnancy. By restoring balance to the gut microbiome and boosting the immune system, probiotics can help to reduce symptoms and promote overall health for both the pregnant person and baby.
It's always recommended to check with your health care provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially during pregnancy.
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Normal vaginal flora, disorders and application of probiotics in pregnancy-
