Probiotics during pregnancy are good for everyone: fewer digestive problems for you, a stronger microbiota for the baby, and a boosted immune system for both of you. Yes, all that!
Key takeaways:
- Probiotics during pregnancy help to balance the intestinal and vaginal microbiota .
- They relieve digestive problems that are common in expectant mothers.
- They support the development of the baby's immune system .
- Some strains are more suitable for pregnancy than others.
- There are some precautions to be aware of before starting a treatment.
Are probiotics recommended during pregnancy?
Yes, under certain conditions. Probiotics during pregnancy offer numerous documented benefits for the health of both mother and baby. Their use must be carefully monitored and supervised , with an appropriate selection of strains.
According to several experts, probiotics are generally considered safe during pregnancy, provided that well-documented and appropriate strains are chosen. Dr. Valerie Sung, in particular, studied their use in infants in the JAMA Pediatrics study (2018) .
According to a Cochrane review (2021 ), taking probiotics during pregnancy may reduce the risk of gestational diabetes , although the evidence remains limited. These effects are thought to be linked to the modulation of the gut microbiome.
We know that pregnancy significantly alters the gut microbiota . The body reacts to hormonal changes, which can weaken the intestinal and vaginal flora. This is where probiotics play a valuable supporting role for the expectant mother's body.
Our expert solution
Discover Probiotics Intestinal Flora , the treatment specifically designed to restore and maintain the balance of the intestinal flora.
Discover Probiotics for Gut FloraWhat are the benefits of probiotics during pregnancy?
Probiotics during pregnancy offer benefits for the gut microbiota , digestive comfort, vaginal flora, the expectant mother, and the unborn child. Their effects sometimes even extend after childbirth , during breastfeeding .
What are the concrete benefits for the expectant mother?
Taking a suitable probiotic regularly helps to restore the intestinal flora and support the vaginal flora, which are often disrupted by the hormonal fluctuations of the first and second trimesters.
- Reduction of nausea and vomiting
- Improved intestinal comfort (slow transit, bloating)
- Support for a weakened immune system
- Maintaining blood sugar balance
- Prevention of common vaginal infections
And what are the benefits of probiotics for the baby?
Recent research confirms that the maternal microbiota plays a key role in building the child's immune system . Certain probiotics taken during pregnancy appear to help transmit a more balanced microbiota.
According to a systematic review published in 2021 , taking probiotics during pregnancy could reduce the risk of eczema and allergies in infants, while strengthening their gut flora from birth.
- Strengthening the baby's microbiota
- Reduced risk of atopic eczema
- Support for the infant's digestive and immune systems
These benefits are partly explained by the transmission of beneficial bacteria during childbirth and breastfeeding, and by the improved quality of the maternal microbiome during pregnancy.
What are the effects of probiotics during breastfeeding?
Probiotics don't stop on the day of delivery. When continued during breastfeeding, they can still support the health of both mother and baby. A great advantage for maintaining balance!
Strains such as Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium longum are naturally present in breast milk and strengthen the infant's intestinal flora.
- Prevention of infant colic
- Transmission of a more diverse microbiota to the baby
- Postpartum digestive comfort support for the mother
What types of probiotics should I favor during pregnancy?
For a more peaceful pregnancy, it's best to choose probiotics specifically designed for pregnant women . Certain strains help balance the vaginal microbiota, support the gut flora, and strengthen the immunity of both mother and child.
Needs change throughout the trimesters. In early pregnancy, the focus is often on supporting the gut microbiota to alleviate digestive issues. Later, the aim is also to strengthen the vaginal flora before delivery.
Here are the most relevant strains during pregnancy, and why they can support you on a daily basis:
| Strain | Main action | Use during pregnancy |
|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG | Immune & Digestive Support | Promotes intestinal comfort and reduces the risk of allergies in children |
| Lactobacillus reuteri | Vaginal flora | Helps prevent vaginal infections related to hormonal changes |
| Bifidobacterium lactis | Digestion & Immunity | Contributes to intestinal balance and strengthening of the microbiota |
| Lactobacillus gasseri | Metabolic regulation | May help stabilize weight gain and blood sugar |
💡 Tip: opt for a food supplement based on these strains, which are well identified and present in guaranteed quantities (in billions of CFU), rather than a simple yogurt or fermented food whose effectiveness remains variable.
Probiotics in the form of gastro-resistant capsules are often the best absorbed. If you have vaginal sensitivity, vaginal probiotics can also be a targeted supplement to your regimen.
Some products are specifically designed to support vaginal flora during pregnancy. It's important to always check the ingredients and their compatibility with your current health. If you have any doubts, talk to your midwife .
Are there any contraindications or precautions to take?
Probiotics are generally safe for pregnant women. However, like any live supplement, some precautions are necessary, especially in cases of a sensitive immune system or ongoing medical treatment.
At Supernutrition.fr, we encourage you to take care of your gut microbiota, but always with discernment. Even a natural product can have a different impact depending on the individual, pregnancy, and overall health.
Most probiotics are well tolerated because they come from strains naturally present in our gut. They act as microbial boosters, promoting more stable digestive, immune, and vaginal functions .
That said, here are a few situations where vigilance is required:
- Pregnancy with a history of autoimmune disease
- Immunosuppressive treatment in progress
- History of opportunistic bacterial infections
- Known allergy to certain excipients (gelatin, starch, lactose...)
- Immune suppression related to a chronic or recent illness
Also be aware of possible temporary side effects at the beginning of a course of treatment: mild diarrhea , bloating , or temporary intestinal discomfort . This is a sign that live bacteria are establishing themselves in the microbiome.
And what about the emotional aspect? A balanced gut microbiota can help regulate stress during pregnancy. But again, there are no miracles: it's the regularity and quality of the product that make the difference.
A good probiotic should clearly indicate the strains used , their concentration in billions of CFU, their form (gastro-resistant capsule, powder…) and the absence of allergens.
Are you hesitant to start a course of probiotics? Don't panic, we'll guide you. In the next section, discover the true story of a mother-to-be who incorporated probiotics into her routine and what it changed for her… and her baby.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about probiotics during pregnancy
Still unsure about taking probiotics during pregnancy ? Here are simple and clear answers to the most frequently asked questions from our customers, still up-to-date for 2025.
Can I take probiotics with iron, magnesium, or omega-3?
Yes, you can combine probiotics with other supplements like iron or omega-3s during pregnancy . It's best to space them out by a few hours to optimize their respective absorption.
Should you adjust your diet during a course of probiotics?
A diet rich in fiber, fruits, fermented vegetables, or yogurt promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria. Fiber acts as "food" to support the growth of the gut microbiota .
Is it useful to continue taking probiotics after giving birth?
Yes, especially if you're breastfeeding. Beneficial bacteria can pass through breast milk and promote the development of your baby 's microbiome. This can also help rebalance your own gut flora.
Can probiotics be taken in case of nausea or vomiting?
If nausea is mild, taking the probiotics is still possible. It is recommended to consume them between bouts of nausea, with a small amount of food. If vomiting persists, seek medical advice.
Can everyone take it without any problems?
Most pregnant women tolerate them well. If you have an immune disorder, a serious digestive problem , or are taking antibiotics, talk to your healthcare professional.
👉 If you have any further questions, we're here to help. At Supernutrition.fr, we want you to be well-informed and well-supported, so you can take care of yourself naturally.
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Source: JAMA Pediatrics (2018) - https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2686771
