Probiotics in pregnancy
The term probiotic encompasses those bacteria that, according to the studies carried out, provide a benefit in the health of the host. Although many studies do not find advantages, the truth is that the introduction of beneficial bacteria in the body is always a good thing , given the protective rol
The term probiotic encompasses those bacteria that, according to the studies carried out, provide a benefit in the health of the host. Although many studies do not find advantages, the truth is that the introduction of beneficial bacteria in the body is always a good thing, given the protective role they can play.
Pregnancy is the period in which the bacterial flora begins to settle in the gastrointestinal tract of the baby that is forming. Is it good therefore to take this type of food during pregnancy?
Why take probiotics during pregnancy
1. There are bacteria in the amniotic fluid. Although for decades it has been thought that the gastrointestinal tract of the fetus was sterile, relatively recent investigations have revealed the presence of bacteria in the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus así, as well as in meconium, the first stools of the newly born baby born. The amniotic fluid is ingested by the baby and filtered by your kidneys, going through your entire digestive system until it is excreted again when the bladder is emptied. In this way, the bacteria present in it are the first people in your intestine. The origin of these bacteria is, obviously, the maternal intestine, which they reach through the placental barrier.2. Protects against infections.
On the other hand, the presence of beneficial microorganisms in the human gastrointestinal tract is directly related to protección protection against infections, and, in addition, these bacteria maintain a close communication with the immune system. This fact makes its presence in the baby's gastrointestinal tract highly desirable, since scientists postulate that these bacteria could be the first stimulus for the development of the baby's immune system, protecting even against allergies, asthma and other diseases, over all in premature babies. 3. Stop nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. The first trimester of pregnancy is usually associated with nausea and vomiting. Fermented milk products or with probiotics have been related to the prevention of these vomits, being easy to digest foods with high density of nutrients, something that can help to maintain a correct nutritional contribution in the maternal diet. 4. Prevents diarrhea and constipation.
One of the most known benefits of probiotics is related to gastrointestinal health, helping both to prevent diarrhea and to combat constipation. During the third trimester of pregnancy, the chances of suffering constipation are high, so its consumption in the last months of pregnancy is also beneficial. 5. They pass to newborns through breastfeeding.
In the lactation stage, these beneficial bacteria are able to reach breast milk to continue colonizing the newborn's intestine. In addition, the presence of these bacteria adds to the presence in breast milk of substances known as prebiotics. Prebiotics support probiotic bacteria when they settle and multiply in the intestine. It is evident that the healthier the mother's diet, the healthier she will be and the healthier her pregnancy and her baby will be, but also, the healthier the maternal microflora, the healthier the baby's microflora will be.
Dietary intake of fermented foods and probiotics is recommended both during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
