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Is it safe? · Pregnancy Smart

Are probiotics safe during pregnancy?

Published by Pregnancy SmartEditorial and medical review policy

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What does the evidence say about probiotics during pregnancy?

  1. Most commercial probiotic strains have a strong safety record in the general population, though pregnancy-specific dosing research is still limited. 1
  2. Side effects from probiotics are uncommon in generally healthy people. The people who need to be most careful are those who are severely ill or immunocompromised. 2
  3. Food sources like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi deliver probiotics naturally, and pasteurized yogurt and kefir don't carry the Listeria concern that unpasteurized versions do. 3
  4. 'Probiotic' is a category, not one specific product: the strain, the dose, and storage needs all vary widely from brand to brand. 2

Is probiotics safe in each trimester?

  • First trimester. Common Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, whether from foods like yogurt and kefir or from supplements, haven't been linked to a higher risk of birth defects in the available research.
  • Second trimester. Same guidance. Some providers also use probiotics to support digestion or vaginal health, or as part of gestational-diabetes care.
  • Third trimester. Same guidance. If you need antibiotics late in pregnancy, for group B strep or another reason, ask your provider about timing and which probiotic strain to use.

Frequently asked questions

Which probiotic strains are best-studied in pregnancy?

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Saccharomyces boulardii have the most research behind them in adults generally. Ask your provider for a specific product recommendation.

Is probiotic yogurt as effective as a capsule?

Yogurt and kefir give you live cultures as part of a food. Capsules deliver a higher, more precise dose of specific strains. Both are reasonable choices as long as the strains and pasteurization fit what you need.

Can probiotics help pregnancy constipation?

Some strains have modest evidence for helping you go more regularly. Pairing them with hydration, fiber, and a provider-approved stool softener works better than probiotics alone. See our constipation guide.

Are there any pregnancies where probiotics should be avoided?

If you're severely immunocompromised, for example after an organ transplant, you may need to avoid live cultures. Your obstetric provider will address this with you directly.

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References

  1. Probiotics: Consumer Fact Sheet, NIH ODS

    ODS · https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-Consumer/

  2. Probiotics: What You Need To Know (NCCIH)

    NIH · https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know

  3. Probiotics: Health Professional Fact Sheet, NIH ODS

    ODS · https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.