Are Probiotics Good During Pregnancy?

Are Probiotics Good During Pregnancy?

25 Jul 2022 | 4 min Read

Reema Shah

Author | 740 Articles

Probiotics are good during pregnancy and in general for gut health. There haven’t been any risks of taking them yet in any research. The organisms in an expectant mother’s gut can change during pregnancy. Hence, whatever mums eat during this time helps shape their gut health. This can have an effect on their unborn baby’s gut and also during the first eighteen months of their life.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms (usually bacteria) that may have health benefits when you ingest them in adequate amounts. They’re naturally found in foods and drinks like yoghurt, sourdough bread and kombucha. Plus, they can also be found in dietary supplements and beauty products. 

Are Probiotics Safe During Pregnancy?

Probiotics are probably safe to be consumed during pregnancy. This is because when you consume probiotics, they’re rarely absorbed into the blood. Hence, this hardly leaves any scope to cause serious side effects or harm to the developing baby.

Plus, there have been studies that show that the use of probiotics during pregnancy doesn’t cause any significant side effects. The consumption of probiotics hasn’t caused any complications such as birth defects, c-sections or miscarriages.

However, there are a wide variety of probiotics available and limited research which doesn’t make it possible to declare probiotics safe completely. Hence, it is best to consult your doctor about them and what supplements you can consume.

benefits of probiotics during pregnancy
Always consult your doctor to find out if you can consume probiotics during pregnancy / Credit – Canva

Benefits of Probiotics During Pregnancy

1. Prevention of Common Vaginal Infections

A bacteria called Group B streptococcus (GBS) can live permanently (colonise) in the digestive tract and vagina. However, this colonisation normally doesn’t cause any symptoms. Most people are not even aware that they carry it. However, if you have it during the time of delivery, it can cause infections in your baby.

Hence, all expecting mums undergo GBS testing during the final weeks of pregnancy. If the mother tests positive for GBS then normally, antibiotics are given during delivery which prevents the baby from getting infected.

2. May Improve Gut Health

It is important to keep your gut bacteria healthy in general and also when you’re pregnant. Taking probiotics during pregnancy can help to improve gut bacteria composition and boost digestive health.

3. Reduce the Risk of Preterm Labour

Taking probiotic supplements during pregnancy may help protect against preterm delivery and other pregnancy complications.

benefits of probiotics during pregnancy
There are many benefits of probiotics during pregnancy like reducing the risk of preterm labour and improving gut health / Credit – Pixabay

4. Help Reduce the Risk of Eczema in Infants

Taking probiotics by the expecting mum may help reduce the risk of eczema in infants. It is a condition where the baby’s skin becomes red and itchy.

5. May Reduce Depression and Anxiety

It is commonly said that some strains of probiotics can help to treat symptoms or reduce the risk of depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy. However, there isn’t enough research to back this up.

Where Can You Get Probiotics While Expecting?

Probiotics are most commonly found in yoghurt or supplements. Yoghurt is prepared by fermenting milk with different bacteria, which are then left in the final product. Other common and good sources of bacteria-fermented foods include sauerkraut, pickles made with salt (not vinegar), kombucha and kimchi.


Probiotics do not seem to have any safety concerns for pregnant and lactating women. However, it is best to consult with the doctor for a list of probiotic-based foods that are safe for you and your baby.

DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of the information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.

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