Why pregnant women should consider probiotics
With growing research highlighting the gut-brain connection, many moms-to-be are asking: should I take probiotics during pregnancy? The answer is: probiotics can be a powerful addition to your prenatal wellness routine. They support gut health, digestion, immunity, and even mood — benefits that matter for both you and your baby.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of probiotics during pregnancy, what to look for in a supplement, and how Mama Bird Pre + Postnatal Probiotics and prenatal vitamins can help.
Are probiotics safe during pregnancy and lactation?
Yes, probiotics are considered safe during pregnancy and lactation. Clinical studies have shown no increase in adverse fetal outcomes when probiotics are taken during the third trimester. Additionally, while probiotic benefits for moms during breastfeeding are well-supported, babies will need their own probiotic supplements, as most strains are not transferred through breast milk
The benefits of probiotics
Adding probiotics to your prenatal and postpartum routine can support multiple aspects of wellness.
1. Supports brain function through the gut-brain connection
Pregnancy can bring brain fog and memory challenges. This is where probiotics shine. The gut, often called your "second brain," communicates with the central nervous system. Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome through probiotics may help support focus, memory, and mood during pregnancy.
2. Helps maintain postpartum mood balance
Did you know that over 90% of serotonin the “feel-good” neurotransmitter is produced in the gut? Disruptions in your gut microbiome can affect serotonin levels and influence mood. Research shows that probiotics and prebiotics may support mental well-being after childbirth (4, 5). That’s why Mama Bird Pre + Postnatal Probiotics include both prebiotics and probiotics.
3. Supports healthy digestion and nutrient absorption
Probiotics help balance your gut bacteria, improving digestion and helping your body absorb more nutrients from food and supplements (6). This is especially helpful during pregnancy when occasional constipation and digestive discomfort are common.
A well-functioning gut also means your baby benefits from improved maternal nutrient absorption — a win-win for both of you.
Probiotics support brain function
During pregnancy, the brain changes. Science has confirmed that many moms-to-be experience brain fog, slight memory issues, and more. But, not all is lost; by adding probiotics to other essentials, you can support your brain by having a healthy gut via the gut-brain connection. The gut, through its gut microbe system, influences the brain's function.
The gut-brain connection
Inside your gut is what scientists call your enteric nervous system - your second brain. Your intestinal microbiome is a collection of microorganisms that live in your gut and do an enormous amount of work to keep you healthy.
A growing body of evidence has shown two-way signaling between the gut and the brain. This includes multiple neuro- and endocrine signal mechanisms. Changes to the gut microbiome affect brain health (3) supporting the importance of gut health during pregnancy.
Probiotics help postpartum mood
Probiotics are helpful even after your baby is born. Evidence suggests that probiotics support postpartum psychological wellness (4). The majority of serotonin, the “feel-good neurotransmitter” is made in the gut. Any imbalance or disruption in the microbiome can influence mood dramatically. Studies have shown that prebiotics and probiotics affect the metabolism of serotonin in intestinal and brain tissues (5). This is why we include both prebiotics and probiotics in our Mama Bird Probiotics.
Probiotics support better digestion and nutrient absorption
Probiotics can help balance intestinal flora to aid digestive health and nutrient absorption (6). Probiotics can encourage the growth of more beneficial bacteria in our gut, which can help our intestines move food along through our digestive system.
Probiotics also aid in improving the breakdown of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and converting fiber into healthy fatty acids. Better digestion means better absorption of nutrients from food and supplements. If the mama is getting more nourishment, the baby is too. Better digestion and healthy regularity are especially welcome during pregnancy when occasional constipation can be a common discomfort.
Probiotic-rich foods
With the significance of the gut-brain axis in brain health and performance, it’s a very good idea to consume 1- 2 servings of fermented foods daily. Fermented foods contain live bacteria or active cultures, which contribute a diverse array of microorganisms to the existing gut microbiota and thus have the potential to affect health (7).
Some traditionally fermented options are:
- Dairy with live, active cultures (e.g., yogurt, kefir)
- Fermented vegetables (e.g., pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi)
- Tempeh, miso, soy sauce
- Kombucha tea
Probiotics may reduce the risk of preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is one of the major challenges in modern obstetrics. A Norwegian study (8) found that taking probiotics during pregnancy could lower a woman’s risk of preeclampsia. This was the conclusion after looking at outcomes from over 70,000 births.
Probiotics help build immunity for mama and baby
In addition to a healthy diet during pregnancy, probiotic supplementation helps to ensure that mom has a healthy gut and that baby subsequently develops needed immunity through good bacteria formation that has been passed from mother to baby both in utero and breastfeeding (10).
Lowered risk of food allergies for baby
A recent study of 19 clinical trials found that pregnant and lactating women who had taken probiotics found a lower risk of their children developing subsequent allergies (11).
“Studies have shown that certain probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus (HN001), taken during the last trimester and early breastfeeding, support the developing immune system (12).” Probiotic supplements
Supplementing your diet with probiotics for pregnancy can be an easy part of your prenatal routine. We offer Mama Bird Probiotics, crafted for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum mothers to provide gut and brain support for you and your baby. Inside, each small capsule are 50 billion+ CFUs with the multi-strain benefits of 15 different probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LRa05), to support a healthy immune system. The convenient, vegan, once-daily formula also supports healthy blood glucose levels during pregnancy.
Prenatal vitamins with probiotics
Probiotics can help ease nausea associated with pregnancy. Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+ is a once daily prenatal multivitamin with probiotics. In addition, Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+ is crafted with organic herbs and a digestive enzyme blend to be gentle on the stomach and help ease nausea. It is designed to support healthy neuro-development, energy production, and memory and brain processing speed with active methylated vitamins.
Pregnancy is a wonderful and often overwhelming time of life. Knowing there are practical things you can do to support your own nutritional needs, as well as your baby’s, can bring peace of mind.
