Did You Know? These 5 Unwanted Pregnancy Symptoms are Related to Gut Health

Should you take probiotics when pregnant? Is it safe for expectant mums? Learn about the different benefits of probiotics for pregnancy

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, a time of profound transformation in a woman's life. While most attention naturally focuses on the baby's growth and development, it's crucial not to overlook the impact pregnancy has on a woman's own health. 

One such aspect that is often overshadowed is gut health. Pregnancy can bring about significant changes in the gut, influencing both maternal well-being and the developing fetus. 

How Pregnancy Affects Your Gut Health

Pregnancy exerts a significant impact on gut health, mainly due to hormonal changes and the physical demands of carrying a growing fetus. Hormones like progesterone can slow down the digestive process, leading to symptoms such as constipation and heartburn. 

Additionally, pregnancy can alter the composition of the gut microbiota, potentially affecting the immune system, nutrient absorption, and inflammation levels.

Maintaining good gut health is crucial during pregnancy and for fertility for several reasons:

• Nutrient Absorption: A healthy gut is essential for the proper absorption of vital nutrients, such as folic acid, iron, and calcium, which are essential for both the mother and the developing fetus.
• Immune Function: The gut plays a significant role in the body's immune system. A well-functioning gut helps protect against infections, which is especially important during pregnancy when the immune system can be compromised.
• Hormone Regulation: The gut microbiota has a complex interplay with hormones, including those that are crucial during pregnancy. The increased levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy not only prepare the body for childbirth but also impact the delicate balance of bacteria down there. These hormones promote the growth of Lactobacilli, the good bacteria that keep the vaginal environment slightly acidic and ward off potential infections. It's important to note that hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can also affect the balance of vaginal flora, potentially leading to infections or other issues. 
• Inflammation: An unhealthy gut can contribute to chronic inflammation, which is linked to a higher risk of complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth.
• Microbiota Transmission: The mother's gut health can impact the gut microbiota of the newborn. A healthy maternal gut can lay the foundation for a healthier gut in the baby.

Common Pregnancy Symptoms Related to Gut Health

Pregnancy brings with it a bundle of unwelcome symptoms, but what might surprise you is that some of these discomforts are closely tied to your gut health. 

The good news is that by enhancing your gut health, you might just find relief from these symptoms. So, let's dig deeper into this intriguing connection.

• Nausea and Vomiting

Morning sickness is one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms, affecting up to 80% of pregnant women. It's closely tied to gut health because it involves fluctuations in hormones and an increased sensitivity to odours and tastes, making certain foods and smells unbearable.

• Constipation

Constipation is a frequent companion of pregnancy. Hormonal changes, increased pressure on the intestines due to a growing uterus, and prenatal vitamins can slow down the digestive process and make bowel movements difficult.

• Heartburn, Indigestion and Gastrointestinal Infections

Pregnancy can sometimes weaken the immune system, making women more susceptible to gastrointestinal infections, which can disrupt gut health.

Pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, relax the muscles of the digestive tract, leading to slower digestion and increased instances of heartburn and indigestion.

• Food Aversions and Cravings

Pregnant women often experience intense cravings and aversions to certain foods, which can impact the diversity of their diets and, subsequently, their gut microbiota.

• Vaginal Issues

Moreover, an imbalance in vaginal bacteria is no fun for anyone, especially when you're expecting. This can lead to some seriously uncomfortable vaginal issues such as itching, strange odours, and even infections from harmful bacteria.

But that's not all – it can also make things down there feel way too wet and sticky. The delicate balance of vaginal flora can be disrupted during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, making it more prone to these problems.

And it's not just a matter of discomfort; it can also raise concerns about the health of both you and your baby. Bacterial vaginosis can put your little one at risk for premature birth and low birth weight.

How Your Pregnancy Gut Health Affects Your Baby

Wondering how your baby's gut health gets influenced during pregnancy and birth? Well, here's the scoop: what you eat matters! 

Your diet before and during pregnancy can impact your little one's gut microbiome. If you're going gluten-free, it might boost the presence of Akkermansia, Proteobacteria, and TM7 bacteria in your baby's gut, which is good news because it's linked to a lower risk of diabetes and inflammation.

On the flip side, if your pregnancy diet isn't on point and your baby doesn't get the nutrition they need, they might end up with a problematic gut microbiome, leading to genes affecting fat and sugar processing.

And that's not all; how your baby arrives into the world can also have an impact. Babies born vaginally tend to inherit a microbiome that's a lot like their mom's – think Lactobacillus and Prevotella.

Meanwhile, C-section babies get more of a skin-like microbiome, filled with Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Propionibacterium. This microbial difference might be why C-section babies have a higher risk of dairy allergies.

Based on studies, having good maternal micro-ecology can help your newborn build up their internal flora, reduce intestinal discomfort, strengthen their resistance to harmful diseases and prevent allergic reactions and eczema.

How to Take Care of Your Gut During Pregnancy

With that in mind, it's clear that maintaining a healthy gut is essential during pregnancy. But how can an expectant mum go about ensuring this vital aspect of her well-being? Here are some valuable tips:

• Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fibre, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods support good gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration helps prevent constipation, a common gut issue during pregnancy.
• Probiotic-Rich Foods: Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables into your diet. These foods can introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut, promoting balance.
• Regular Exercise: Physical activity can stimulate digestion and help prevent constipation.
• Manage Stress: High stress levels can negatively impact gut health. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises.
• Prenatal Vitamins: Take prenatal vitamins as recommended by your healthcare provider. These supplements can help fill in nutritional gaps.

Can Pregnant Women Take Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when taken in the right amounts. They are commonly used to promote gut health. While probiotics are generally safe for many people, the question of whether pregnant women can take them is a bit more complex.

Studies have shown that probiotics can have a positive impact on gut health during pregnancy. They may help alleviate common gastrointestinal issues like constipation, and they could potentially reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia by promoting a balanced gut microbiome.

Life-Space Probiotics for Pregnant Mums 

If your healthcare provider gives the green light for probiotics, make sure to select the right strain and brand. Not all probiotics are the same, and different strains may have different effects.

One brand that is trusted by pregnant mums in Australia is Life-Space Pregnancy Probiotics. 

It is a naturally-sourced supplement that contains 15 strains for pregnancy-exclusive bacteria and 25.5 billion active probiotics that help restore intestinal flora, enhance a mother’s digestion and reduce the risk of diseases such as gestational diabetes. Its targeted lactobacillus formula helps balance vaginal strain and boosts the immune system. 

In addition, it is vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free and does not contain any added preservatives or artificial colour. No refrigeration is required (very low-maintenance for mums on the go) and their freeze-drying technology ensures that the probiotic remains dormant before consumption, making it absolutely safe for pregnant mums and women trying to conceive. 

If you are looking for a good probiotic supplement to ensure a healthy gut, strengthen your immunity and improve nutrition absorption, give Life-Space Pregnancy Probiotics a try. Now available at Guardian pharmacies near you or visit their Shopee page to learn more on how you can purchase this essential pregnancy supplement.

Probiotics can be beneficial for pregnant women, but it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen. Ultimately, a healthy gut can contribute to a smoother pregnancy, a healthier baby, and a positive postpartum recovery.

Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it's important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn't serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.