Before I was pregnant I took my probiotics religiously, but once I found out I was expecting my first child I immediately stopped all supplements and spent countless hours researching what I could continue consuming and what I should avoid. I also brought an entire page worth’s list of herbs/supplements and vitamins that I was taking before I became pregnant to my OB to ask about what I should toss while pregnant.
The one supplement that I found out that had no scientific research or studies behind it that showed it was harmful for pregnant women was probiotics, and I was SO happy to find that out because I have always loved eating my probiotic rich foods and taking high quality probiotics regularly. As I was looking for a prenatal vitamin to take, I also noticed that probiotics were included in many popular and common prenatal vitamins as well. My OB even informed me that continuing my probiotic supplementation would not be harmful for the pregnancy or for my lil bubby boy, so I felt confident to continue on with this healthy habit. Here is why I’m especially happy that I can continue consuming probiotics while pregnant.
Benefits of probiotics for pregnancy
— Can help keep your blood sugar levels in check, and I found out that your blood sugar levels can go all over the place while pregnant. This happened to me especially in the third trimester. I’d eat a salad and would feel immediately tired and found out that any type of food consumption spiked my blood sugar and if my stomach got anywhere close to empty, my blood sugar levels were extremely low. A study has shown that by eating probiotic rich food or incorporating probiotic supplements into your diet could help balance out your blood sugar levels, thus helping you avoid gestational diabetes.
— Can help prevent pregnancy constipation. One thing us pregnant ladies hate: being backed up. This can happen throughout the entire pregnancy and does NOT feel fun. Usually it happens in the first trimester due to fluctuating hormones, and then starts back up in the third trimester since our colon is literally squished from our large uterus.
— Could help support your baby’s immune system. This study shows that consuming probiotics can help boost not only your immune system while your pregnant, but also your baby’s! This is also true for when you are breastfeeding.
— Can keep your skin free from hormonal irritations. I’ve written before about the beauty benefits of probiotics and still stand by them when it comes to pregnancy!
What to look for when choosing a probiotic
The number one thing I recommend if you are pregnant and looking for a probiotic is to do your research! Not all probiotic supplements are created equal, so there are a few things to look for.
The most important thing is to read the label and make sure that what you are consuming is all probiotic and doesn’t have any additional strange fillers or additional vitamins. A probiotic that has multiple strains is also beneficial as each bacterial strain can have a specific purpose, thus giving you more benefits! Delivery system is also key, as you want to make sure that you can properly absorb the probiotics (which is the whole purpose of taking them).
The probiotic that I’ve been taking throughout my pregnancy is Probulin, specifically their Women’s Health Probiotic, and I absolutely love the quality and integrity behind this brand! All of their probiotics are formulated by Naturopathic Doctor Jason Mitchell and gastroenterologist, founder of Kansas Medical Clinic and award winning author of Probiotics For Dummies, Dr. Shekhar Challa.
I personally believe Probulin is an optimal choice for a few reasons:
— They always ship their probiotics chilled to maintain quality control and protection during transit.
— The probiotic delivery system ensures that the probiotic makes its way through the acidic upper GI tract so that your body can properly absorb all the probiotic benefits.
— Probulin is shelf stable, non-gmo, gluten, soy, dairy and wheat free and made with vegetarian capsules (made of extract from seaweed to be exact).
I have been happy to report that I haven’t had any bad tummy troubles throughout my entire pregnancy, and I attribute it towards taking my daily probiotic!! OH and if you missed it, read all about my review of their skincare line as well!
