Keep Yourself Regular With The Best Probiotics For Pregnancy (2020 Guide)
There’s no other way to say it: probiotics saved my life when I was pregnant!
If you’ve been pregnant before, you know you can get a little backed up, especially toward the end—and if this is your first time expecting, you’re about to find out!
Besides having tremendous digestive benefits, probiotics also have other positive qualities.
Read on to learn all about the best probiotics, how they work, and the benefits of taking them while pregnant.
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What Are Probiotics and How Do They Work?
Should You Take Probiotics During Your Pregnancy?
Benefits of Taking Probiotics During Pregnancy
Important Features to Look For
What Are Probiotics and How Do They Work?
Probiotics are are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your digestive system and overall health.
They are considered good bacteria, and they live in your body with the bad, or unhelpful kinds of bacteria.
Sometimes, the balance of bacteria gets out whack, so taking probiotics helps resolve this situation.
The “good stuff” overpowers the “bad stuff” and a healthier mix is established.
Should You Take Probiotics During Your Pregnancy?
When I started to have tummy trouble toward my third trimester, my friend was shocked when she learned I wasn’t taking probiotics.
I’ve heard of them before, but had no idea how beneficial they were, pregnant or not!
So, I was hesitant to take any kind of supplement while pregnant.
But, I learned they are relatively safe to take in small doses, and my doctor even recommended them!
Are Probiotics Safe?
I took these supplements, and I had no problems. My doctor was also gung-ho about them.
But, some of my friends’ doctors were not so keen on the idea.
You see, there isn’t much research about the effects of taking probiotics while pregnant.
So, it’s really going to come down to a personal choice and what your doctor recommends.
Some doctors are all for them, while some will tell you to steer clear.
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institute of Health (NIH), probiotics are probably safe.
Because these are two renowned medicine affiliations, I decided to rely on their conclusions. They feel that the probiotics are rarely absorbed.
So, this means that the likelihood of contracting any kind of harmful bacteria is less than 1 per 1 million.
And, I felt ok about taking them personally because there has also been no associations with miscarriages while taking probiotics in the limited research that is out there.
Eating soft cheeses and lunch meat have way worse chances of harming your fetus than taking probiotic supplements.
In addition, some Canadian research found no association with probiotic use and the incidence of C-section, birth weight, or gestational age.
Both the NLM and the NIH also concluded there is really not any risk of probiotic use for lactating moms either, so you can take them and nurse away.
Aren’t sold on the research/findings?
You certainly don’t have to take them.
But, in my opinion and experience the pros by far outweigh the cons (and small risks).
Benefits of Taking Probiotics During Pregnancy
There are numerous benefits of taking probiotics during pregnancy. They include:
- Alleviation of diarrhea. Your hormones can get pretty wacky, and sometimes they can either make you too loose, or just bound up. If you’re also getting over a stomach bug, probiotics can help reorient your system so it recovers.
- Helps with eczema. Probiotics can help with skin issues by improving texture, soothing irritations, and by promoting hydration.
- Eliminates vaginal issues. Probiotics assist with healthy vaginal levels, so it keeps everything in balance down there!
- Smooth move. When you’re feeling backed up and weighed down (again, due to pesky hormones), probiotics keep you regular!
- Reduces gestational diabetes. The Natural Medicine Journal reported that probiotic use reduced the chance of developing this kind of diabetes while pregnant.
- Helps with morning sickness. Probiotics have been known to help correct any kind of imbalance that your body experiences during early pregnancy (aka, the dreaded morning sickness).
- Alleviates heartburn. In addition to antacids, many women swear by probiotics in regard to cutting down on heartburn that they experience on the regular.
- Strengthens immune system. Lots of ladies get sick less often because one of the main benefits of taking probiotics include a stronger immune system.
Important Features to Look For
While many moms-to-be think that all probiotics are the same (I was one of them), I learned that some are much better than others!
So, when shopping around, keep your eyes peeled for the following features:
- 10 billion CFU minimum. This ensures that the perfect amount of good bacteria gets deposited into your system.
- Multiple strains. Probiotic blends are loaded with different strains so you get all kinds of benefits from each of them, not just one main kind.
- No refrigeration. When you don’t have to refrigerate your probiotic, you have the opportunity to bring it with you wherever you go.
- Time-released. This helps ensure you experience a steady, controlled flow of strains when your body needs balance.
- Enhances nutrient absorption. This will benefit you greatly since you’re really focused on your nutrition and vitamins.
- Coated. Non-coated probiotics tend to leave a bad taste in your mouth, and could make you gag, especially if you experience morning sickness.
- Easy to use. You’ve got a lot on your mind when you’re pregnant. The last thing you want to be bothered with is remembering to take your probiotic multiple times per day. Use a supplement that allows you to be one and done.
- Odorless. You don’t want anything that has a strong odor out of the bottle, due to your heightened sense of smell.
- Contains vitamins. If you can find a probiotic and multivitamin together, that will save you money and will be one less supplement you’ll need to take.
Best Probiotics for Pregnancy
#1. Mother’s Select
Mother’s Select Probiotics (click here to check the price on Amazon) is high-end formula that’s made in a renowned GMP certified lab.
Mothers Select help both pregnant and breastfeeding women strengthen their immune systems. Increase the absorption of natural nutrients you receive from your food with the high-quality strains in this probiotic supplement.
If you are looking for a probiotic that was designed to be beneficial for both you and your baby, this may be your best option.
We like
Formulated with 10-billion CFUs. This nine strain blend is stable and effective enough to use throughout your pregnancy and into breastfeeding years.
Great for women or babies with allergies. Completely gluten free, dairy and soy free so you can feel safe transferring this probiotic to your little one through your milk. It is also maltodextrin and GMO-free.
No refrigeration required. Unlike other probiotics on the market these days, you will be able to keep this in eyes view, so you remember to take it. No more getting pushed to the back of the fridge behind yesterday’s leftovers.
Keep in mind
A boost in milk production. You may notice an increased milk production with this probiotic. This boost can be good for some mothers. However, other moms can be inconvenienced with over-production.
Needs to be taken with food. If you forget to take this probiotic with food, you may experience heartburn.
#2. Hyperbiotics
An effective probiotic for pregnancy and beyond, this time-released probiotic from PRO-Mom’s (click here to check the price on Amazon) allows you to be proactive in creating optimal health of both you and your baby.
These prenatal probiotics allow you to create a healthy balance of natural bacteria which can give your baby a good start.
You may want to consider this probiotic option if you are on the hunt for something that will be 15 times stronger than the average probiotic for pregnancy.
We like
Stronger time-released formula. Having a time-released pill makes it up to 15 times stronger than a regular once-daily probiotic. If weaker probiotics aren’t doing the trick for you, this might be your best bet.
Promotes enhanced nutrient absorption. Get the maximum out of your food when you take probiotics such as this.
Unique six strain formula. The combination of these strains was designed to support glucose levels, offer postpartum support, and encourage the loss of baby weight gained during pregnancy.
Keep in mind
Not completely hypoallergenic. This probiotic does contain dairy protein making it not vegan-friendly either.
Not coated. This probiotic can leave a bad taste in your mouth. If you are prone to experiencing morning sickness, this might not be your best choice.
#3. Garden of Life
This blend of 16 probiotic strains by Garden of Life (click here to check the price on Amazon) was created by doctors specifically for prenatal and postnatal digestive health.
Clinically studied to ensure 20 billion CFUs are deposited into your stomach, these CFUs help with the development of your baby and promote a balanced lactation after your little on is born.
If you’re looking for a once-daily probiotic designed with mothers in mind, you might want to take a closer look at this option.
We like
It’s easy to use. This once-a-day capsule will create not only gut bacteria but also enhance prebiotic fiber that nurtures existing probiotic organisms.
Shelf stable. Designed to make your life a little easier. You won’t need worry about keeping this probiotic temperature controlled.
Hypoallergenic. Not only is this probiotic for pregnancy vegetarian but it is also dairy free, gluten and soy free.
Keep in mind
Has a pungent smell. For women with morning sickness this might be a deal breaker.
Small supply. Each container only has a 30 day supply. However, if you are interested in trying a probiotic but don’t want to commit to a big order, this might be a good one to try.
#4. New Chapter
These probiotics by New Chapter (click here to check the price on Amazon) are made with health-conscious women in mind.
A complete multivitamin enhanced with probiotics, these are designed especially for a healthy pregnancy and fetal development this organic probiotic is a real winner.
You might want to think about this probiotic if you are searching for something organic and recommended by OB/GYNs for mothers and moms-to-be alike.
We like
Made with organic herbs and vegetables. Organic superfoods such as kale, broccoli, and cauliflower make up this non-GMO verified probiotic.
Ideal for all pregnant women. This probiotic is vegetarian, kosher, gluten-free, and sugar-free. There are also no synthetic fillers in this prenatal probiotic.
Complete multivitamin. With this vitamin, you get more than a probiotic. You also receive 100 percent of your daily iron, D3, Vitamin C, Vitamin A as well as zinc.
Keep in mind
It’s an all day event. To properly get the desired effects of this probiotic, you will need to consume a large pill, three times a day. Busy mothers might not remember to take this pill at the correct times.
Can cause constipation. If constipation is a concern for you, you might want to keep looking. Otherwise, make sure to drink lots of water and exercise, and you should be fine.
#5. Pink Stork
This blend by Pink Stork (click here to check the price on Amazon) is a probiotic especially crafted for moms-to-be.
The premium ingredients are backed by decades of scientific research, with eight billion CFUs delivered directly to your digestive tract.
This probiotic works in multiple ways to keep you feeling good throughout your pregnancy.
If you’re looking for a formula that was designed for women with morning sickness, this might be your best option.
We like
Morning sickness relief. Created to inhibit harmful bacteria such as H. pylori which are known to induce nausea.
Prevents constipation. Good gut bacteria is introduced into your system eliminating dietary ailments such as constipation, cramping, gas and bloating.
Produced in FDA facilities. You can be assured that this is a quality product. It’s independently tested in the USA to give you peace of mind.
Keep in mind
Need to take it on an empty stomach. For this probiotic to work as intended, you will have to be conscious of when you take it.
Better to take before symptoms occur. Doing this can be difficult for expectant mothers who wake up feeling nauseated.
#6. Earth’s Pearl
Earth’s Pearl (click here to check the price on Amazon) is an all natural, fast acting probiotic that encourages a better bacteria profile in your gut.
The easy to swallow pearls make short-chain fatty acids to give your body a healthier natural cleansing cycle, and you will experience improved digestion that will keep you feeling good throughout the day with this time released pearl.
You may want to consider this probiotic if weaker probiotics have not worked for you in the past.
We like
It’s stronger than most. With its patented time-released technology, BioTract, you will get 15 times more live bacteria introduced into your system.
A boost in energy and mood. This probiotic protects you from yeast overgrowth that can bog you down. Improved vitamin absorption will give you a boost in energy.
Improved digestion. The bio-availability of nutrients in foods you eat will be increased when you take this probiotic.
Keep in mind
Not designed specifically for pregnant women. If you chose this probiotic, you might need to take additional vitamins and supplements created for prenatal use.
It’s bad for weak stomachs. This probiotic can cause heartburn for women who don’t have strong stomachs. However, if you’ve tried other probiotics to no avail, you might want to consider this one.
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Wrapping Up
Probiotics do more good than harm.
They have numerous features and benefits that really help you look and feel your best when you’re expecting.
As always, consult with a doctor before taking any kind of supplement and talk to them about the pros and potential risks of consuming them while pregnant.
Choose your probiotic wisely and sit back, relax, and let the good bacteria take over and battle the bad bacteria!
