Probiotics or good bacteria are generally safe for consumption, especially to maintain a healthy digestive tract. However, what if the mother is pregnant eat it? Are probiotics harmful or not? bring benefit?
Probiotics or good bacteria are needed by the body to fight bad bacteria and maintain a healthy digestive tract. Bacteria that belong to the probiotic group include: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces.
Security Probiotics for Pregnant Women
Probiotics are classified as safe for consumption during pregnancy, because they do not enter the fetal circulation system. Consumption of probiotics has also been shown to not cause miscarriage, fetal abnormalities, low birth weight babies, and cesarean deliveries.
Pregnant women can get probiotics from several types of food and drinks, such as tempeh, yogurt, soy drinks, juices and milk (both fermented and unfermented).
Probiotics are also available in supplement form. However, if pregnant women experience a condition that weakens their immune system, you should consult a doctor first before consuming them.
Probiotics are not necessarily beneficial
Probiotics are claimed to help reduce the number of bad bacteria in the digestive tract, so the risk of infection or other health problems can be reduced.
In addition, probiotics are also believed to reduce the risk of diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal inflammation, bacterial vaginosis, and eczema. Not only that, foods containing probiotics are also believed to help relieve constipation and diarrhea during pregnancy.
However, have all the benefits of probiotics for pregnant women been proven? Let's look at some of the facts below:
1. Probiotics have not been proven to treat vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection that is prone to occur in pregnant women. This condition is believed to be overcome by taking oral probiotics. However, the benefits of this one probiotic have not been proven effective in overcoming bacterial vagonisis so it still needs to be investigated further.
2. Probiotics are difficult to identify
There are various types of probiotics and different effects. This may make it difficult for pregnant women to distinguish which probiotics are beneficial and which are not. Because research on probiotics is still limited, pregnant women are recommended to consult a doctor first before consuming probiotics.
3. Probiotic supplements are not absorbed by the body
Meanwhile, in another study it was found that probiotic supplements are safe because they are rarely absorbed by the body. In other words, probiotics in supplement form are actually less effective.
4. Probiotic levels are not known for certain
Consumers generally do not know how many levels of probiotics are in a product. This is what makes it difficult for pregnant women to know whether the product is safe.
Consumption of probiotics during pregnancy is safe, but pregnant women should consume them within reasonable limits. As for getting the nutrients that the fetus needs for its growth and development, pregnant women are advised to eat a variety of fresh and healthy foods.
If you still have questions regarding the consumption of probiotics during pregnancy, pregnant women can consult a doctor.
