The dietary choices and overall lifestyle of an expecting mother has an incredible impact on the health of her child. A poor diet that includes very few fruits and vegetables, too much of processed food and carbonated/caffeinated drinks, and little or no prenatal vitamins is detrimental to the baby’s health. The after effects of such a diet and stressful lifestyle is likely to hamper your child’s growth and wellbeing for the rest of his/her life.

Human beings actually have more bacteria than cells in their body. Probiotics are the ‘good bacteria’ that thrive in the body, specifically the gut area. They proliferate in the digestive tract and work to improve the digestion and absorption of the food you eat. Probiotics also constantly communicate with the body’s immune system and help to keep bad bacteria and its effects at bay. Various studies show the benefits of consuming specialized probiotics such, Labor of Love. Here are 8 reasons why expecting mothers should consume a diet that is rich in probiotics.

Probiotics improve the digestion of food.

Being pregnant is magical, and it is wonderful to know that your baby is growing and thriving inside of you. However, there are some aspects of pregnancy that are less than magical. Owing to the many hormonal fluctuations that mothers-to-be go through, digestive issues are commonplace. From bloating and heartburn to constipation, cramping, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), there are many hurdles that you might face. This is a normal part of pregnancy but you do not have to just grin and bear it.

Probiotic microorganisms aid in the process of digestion by helping the body break down the proteins, fats and carbohydrates you consume. Studies show that regular intake of good bacteria can reduce digestive issues associated with pregnancy and keep you in better health through the nine months.

Probiotics provide C-section babies with a healthy boost.

What many people do not know is that babies get a care-package of good bacteria while descending from the birth canal during a natural delivery. However, babies born via C-sections do not receive this essential gift. Studies indicate that babies born vaginally have and continue to maintain a high diversity of good bacteria in their intestinal track in comparison to those born via C-sections.

Owing to this, C-section babies tend to suffer a higher rate of problems like colic, diabetes, asthma, allergies, psoriasis, and obesity. Expecting mothers who intake probiotics can reduce their child’s risk of allergies and other conditions by approximately 50%, irrespective of the type of delivery you have.

Probiotics can help maintain healthy flora in the vaginal canal.

The care-package will only be as good as the health of the mother’s vaginal canal. Probiotics improve the healthy flora in the birth canal so your child gets the fill benefit of great gut health as soon as it is born.

Probiotics minimize the risk of preeclampsia.

In the United States, preeclampsia is the leading cause of maternal death. Studies published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggest that women who consumed probiotics had a lowered risk of developing this condition. By reducing intestinal inflammation, probiotics aid in lowering blood pressure and sugar levels.

Probiotics can prevent food sensitivity and decreases the risk of asthma in children.

Probiotics taken during and after pregnancy help prevent conditions like eczema (a common yet itchy and uncomfortable rash) and food sensitivities in children by establishing an optimal balance of bacteria in the child’s gut. Furthermore, the health of the digestive tract has a direct impact on breathing conditions like asthma. Bacteria transferred through the immune system lines all mucus membranes including those in the respiratory system, so taking healthy doses of probiotics during this time helps prevent respiratory inflammations, thereby reducing the risk of asthma.

Probiotics can decrease fussiness and the chance of colic in infants.

Any caregiver will tell you that a newborn’s digestive tract has to be kept healthy if you hope to get any sleep during the first few months. Colicky babies stay up crying, which means you will have to, too. Making sure that your child’s digestive system is up and running well reduces the chance of colic, gassiness, and the inevitable crying and fussiness that results from it.

Probiotics can help new mothers lose weight faster post-delivery.

Certain probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been shown to have a direct impact on post-partum weight loss, especially if the mother has consumed these probiotics during the first trimester of the pregnancy. If losing those extra pounds is on your list of post-delivery goals, probiotics are your ally.

Probiotics can decrease the risk of postpartum depression.

Pregnancy and delivery is tiring, as is raising a newborn. However, this is and should be a happy time for the new mother. Postpartum depression does not allow you to enjoy this magical time to the fullest, if at all. There is a distinct connection between the gut and the brain. Probiotics aid in the smooth working of this gut-brain interaction by altering neurotransmitters in the gut and making conditions like anxiety and postpartum depression unlikely.

LoveBug Probiotics feature a pre- and post-pregnancy dietary supplement that has a specialized blend of probiotics that are designed for the needs for expectant mothers. With over 10 billion live cultures and added 250mcg of folate, each Labor of Love tablet boosts the immune system and nutrient absorption, reduces constipation, and aids digestion with immense efficacy. The trademark BIO-tract technology ensures that these probiotics are 15 times more effective than other capsules in the market. While LoveBug takes care of your immune systems, you can focus on joyfully nurturing your infant.

References

Barthow, C., Wickens, K., Stanley, T., Mitchell, E. A., Maude, R., Abels, P., … Crane, J. (2016). The Probiotics in Pregnancy Study (PiP Study): rationale and design of a double-blind randomised controlled trial to improve maternal health during pregnancy and prevent infant eczema and allergy. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 16, 133. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-0923-y

Elias, J., Bozzo, P., & Einarson, A. (2011). Are probiotics safe for use during pregnancy and lactation? Canadian Family Physician, 57(3), 299–301.

Rutten, N., Van der Gugten, A., Uiterwaal, C., Vlieger, A., Rijkers, G., & Van der Ent, K. (2016). Maternal use of probiotics during pregnancy and effects on their offspring’s health in an unselected population. European Journal of Pediatrics, 175, 229–235.

Zhang, G.-Q., Hu, H.-J., Liu, C.-Y., Zhang, Q., Shakya, S., & Li, Z.-Y. (2016). Probiotics for Prevention of Atopy and Food Hypersensitivity in Early Childhood: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Medicine, 95(8), e2562.