Our perceptions about bacteria and their effects on human health have changed in recent times. Based on current knowledge, we know that bacteria not only cause infectious diseases but also support human health by living in symbiosis with us. Recent studies have shown the significant influence of gut bacteria on regulating blood sugar, strengthening the immune system, controlling infections, and even regulating certain chemicals that affect memory in the brain. Probiotics are living microorganisms that resemble the microorganisms normally found in our intestines. They are mostly bacteria. They are called “friendly bacteria” because they support our health. To maintain a healthy digestive system, it is important to balance bad bacteria with good bacteria. Probiotics help in maintaining the health of the digestive system by assisting in this balance. The health of our digestive system, in turn, affects the overall health of the body.

Maintaining the health of the digestive system during pregnancy and breastfeeding is crucial. Studies suggest that the health and diversity of microorganisms in the mother’s intestines play a significant role in the health of the baby. There are different mechanisms regarding the effects of the diversity and health of the mother’s intestinal flora on the fetus:

The healthier the mother, the healthier the baby. Having a healthy intestinal flora ensures good blood sugar control and helps regulate weight gain. Excessive weight gain and poor blood sugar control not only threaten the mother’s health but also put the baby at risk. Patients with gestational diabetes have a very high risk of developing diabetes later in life. Additionally, the risk of metabolic syndrome is three times higher. The risk of developing diabetes between the ages of 19-27 is eight times higher compared to the same age group.
The bacteria in the mother’s gut produce certain chemicals that influence the baby’s development. For example, folate (folic acid) is crucial for the baby’s neurological development. Folate is primarily produced by bifidobacteria in the gut. A healthy gut flora produces a sufficient amount of folate.

Especially during a normal delivery, as the baby passes through the vagina, it acquires its own flora with the contribution of the mother’s intestinal flora. In fact, the bacteria from the mother spread throughout the body, including the placenta, cord, and birth canal, and can be passed on to the baby. The healthier the mother’s flora, the healthier the baby’s flora. Even if there is no normal delivery, the mother’s flora settles in the placenta, although how it is remains unknown. In a study, when babies born with meconium were compared, the flora was found to be similar in amniotic fluids, regardless of the method of birth. Therefore, swabbing the mother’s vaginal fluid into the baby’s mouth during a caesarean section is both unnecessary and invites infections.

For these reasons, studies on the use of probiotics during pregnancy have been accelerated. In these studies, it has been observed that children of mothers who took probiotics during pregnancy had fewer problems such as allergies and eczema. Probiotics also reduce the risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. It has been observed to have a protective effect against excessive weight gain in both the mother and the baby. Studies have clearly shown that children born with high birth weight are at risk of obesity in the future. The abundance of good bacteria in the gut flora during infancy is important in preventing obesity. The inverse relationship between the length of breastfeeding and the development of obesity is due to this reason.

The most important bacteria that protect the vagina from infections are lactobacilli. When lactobacilli decrease, an infection pattern called “bacterial vaginosis” develops. Bacterial vaginosis can lead to the threat of preterm birth. Probiotics reduce the growth of Group B streptococcus, which is the agent causing inflammation in the blood (sepsis) in newborns, which is frequently responsible for neonatal deaths, in the mother’s vagina. Thus, it protects the baby from this infection.

Natural probiotic-containing foods include yogurt, beverages made from yogurt, foods made from fermented milk, some fruit juices, and soy milk. Others are ready-made preparations.

Prebiotics are structures that are not broken down by our bodies and serve as nutrients for beneficial intestinal microorganisms. They play a role in the growth and development of the intestinal flora. The best helpers for the development of friendly bacteria are prebiotics containing oligosaccharides. Onions, leeks, garlic, bananas, kiwis, artichokes, soybeans, and oats are rich in prebiotics. These foods are rich in fiber. These fibers are not affected by stomach acid during digestion. These fibers arriving in the colon serve as nutrients for beneficial intestinal bacteria.

Many pregnant women experience gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, bloating, and stomach cramps. Consuming foods containing prebiotics and probiotics during pregnancy helps reduce such complaints. The daily consumption of 300 g of yogurt has been observed to be beneficial in relieving common constipation during pregnancy.

So, is probiotic intake during pregnancy safe?

Taking probiotics orally or vaginally is considered safe and well-tolerated by pregnant women. The biggest concern regarding probiotics is that live bacteria may enter the bloodstream and cause a bloodstream infection. However, this concern is theoretical. Bloodstream infection as a result of probiotic use has not been reported in healthy individuals.

To date, studies on the use of probiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding do not raise any safety concerns. In healthy individuals, no signs of bloodstream infection or adverse pregnancy outcomes have been observed.

When probiotics are first started (whether natural or ready-made), gas and bloating may occur. In fact, this is a good sign, indicating an increase in good bacteria. These complaints usually subside within two weeks. If you want to take probiotics as a dietary supplement, be sure to consult your doctor. We still need more scientific research for their benefits during pregnancy and breastfeeding.