Probiotics during Pregnancy for Gastrointestinal Function

Pregnancy comes with certain health issues which are related with the overgrowth of bad bacteria. Constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn are some of the health issues. They can be controlled by having diet rich of probiotics or supplements available over the counter.

Normally, there is a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria. When the natural balance gets disturbed? When a woman gets pregnant, the hormonal changes are rapid which may lead to imbalance of bacteria. Constipation is one of the health condition or a common health issue during pregnancy. If probiotics during pregnancy are taken daily they will help in promotion of gastrointestinal function that is healthy. Also, the friendly micro organisms are inhabited by vagina. Often the vaginal balance gets out of order and most of the pregnant women treat this disorder by inserting probiotics vaginally. Probiotics while pregnant helps in keeping the pH of vagina and natural balance. They are naturally present in the yogurt which can be inserted into vagina. Prenatal vitamins also contain probiotics and can be taken in order to keep healthy growth of the good bacteria.

Apart from probiotics, caffeine and smoking may also disturbs the gastrointestinal function. Caffeine causes reduction in the body fluids and thus dehydration may occur. Constipation and diarrhea might also result by taking caffeine in heavy dosage. There is an increase in frequency of urination as far as pregnancy and caffeine are concerned. Also, the blood and the metabolic activity get enhanced. Also, there is a risk of change in baby’s sleep patterns. Change in movement patterns in the pregnancy stages are also being observed by the medical experts. Caffeine and pregnancy are never being advised as they do not share a healthy relation. Caffeine is a stimulant and it may keep you and your growing baby awake. Reduced fertility, preterm delivery, and increased risk of low birth weight baby.

Smoking may cause lasting effects on the health of the baby. Nicotine and carbon monoxide both work together in order to restrict the supply of oxygen and the blood to the baby via placenta. What is the effect of smoking during pregnancy? Nicotine causes constriction of blood vessels along with umbilical cord. It becomes difficult for the baby to breathe as narrow vessel would be less likely to deliver sufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients. As far as the carbon monoxide is concerned, it causes red blood cells to pick carbon monoxide molecules instead of oxygen. This also leads to lessening amount of oxygen delivery to the baby.  Averagely, smoking during pregnancy increases the preterm delivery of the baby for about two times.

Consequently, it is for sure that caffeine and smoking are injurious for the health of the baby and must be avoided during pregnancy. Probiotics are good to maintain gastrointestinal function and keep away the bad bacteria to cause any disturbance.