WELLNESS 10th of July 2020

How Probiotics Can Help In Pregnancy

Along with the happy news of a baby on the way, also comes with many compelling bits of advice on what food or supplements are considered safe and essential to consume. Probiotics, especially, have been gaining more popularity with increasing studies showing its importance in maternal health.

Probiotics are friendly microorganisms that help balance out the ratio of good and bad bacteria in your gut flora to keep your overall digestive system healthy. According to extensive studies, probiotics are vital to combat the many physical changes a pregnant woman goes through.

Let’s dive in together!

#1 Stay Strong With A Healthy Immune System

Probiotics are known to help boost the immune system, protecting against the risk of illnesses that may increase during pregnancy. You might be wondering, what does the immune system have to do with pregnancy? Well, according to research, both of them are actually incredibly interrelated! The immune system plays a role during different stages of pregnancy, as it becomes more susceptible to illnesses.

The maternal immune system is naturally suppressed during pregnancy to accommodate the growing fetus. Hence, it is vital to nourish the body with immune-boosting nutrients to ensure the health of both the mother and baby.

Probiotics are shown to stimulate a stronger immune response by promoting the natural production of antibodies and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. So mothers, let’s get you on that natural probiotics course now to stay strong and healthy for the little one!

#2 Relieve The Oh-So-Uncomfortable Constipation

Another system in the body that is profoundly affected during pregnancy is the digestive system, due to physiological and anatomical changes in the gastrointestinal tract. Did you know: studies have shown that constipation can affect up to 38% of pregnancies!

Constipation occurs due to the increasing pressure of the uterus and progesterone level, which reduces the movement of food and waste through the system. Other hormonal changes also cause water reabsorption from the gut, leading to the drying out of stools.

The first line of intervention recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) includes dietary changes such as increased water, fiber, and supplementation intake. Research has also proven that consuming probiotics can help improve good bacteria strains by repopulating the gut bacteria to encourage smoother bowel movements and prevent constipation.

#3 Don’t Neglect The Feminine Health

They say being a mother is about dealing with the strength you never knew you had. And we couldn’t agree more, based on all the bodily changes a mother goes through! Aside from hormonal changes, the expanding uterus compressing on the bladder coupled with the body's decreasing ability to resist bacteria invasion can lead to Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) - a condition commonly affects at least 30% of pregnant women.

An increasing number of studies have shown the benefits of consuming probiotics, specifically the Lactobacilli, to prevent UTI. Over the years, more women are switching to natural probiotics instead of antibiotics to treat UTI, due to emerging research which favors the safer alternative - that is, natural probiotic supplements, which help keep the urinary tract healthy and free from harmful bacteria, with no side effects.

#4 Alleviate Mood For A Stress-Free Pregnancy

Besides helping soon-to-be mommies physically, probiotics can uplift moods as well. It is rather common for a pregnant lady to go through emotional changes due to hormone fluctuations coupled with the tremendous stress and fatigue of carrying the baby. Yes, you go girl!

It was found that up to 80% of women may experience "baby blues" - with symptoms such as feeling sad, frequent crying, or insomnia, and 1 in 7 women will be clinically diagnosed with postpartum depression.

According to clinical expert Dr. Mary Kimmel, the risk of postpartum depression increases significantly after giving birth. This is mainly due to a sharp drop in the hormone estrogen and progesterone that can affect the activity of neurotransmitters, which regulate mood. Other than that, external factors such as lack of sleep or nutrient consumption may also contribute to these mood changes.

Many may not know this, but probiotics extend beyond improving the gut microflora! It is one of the most underrated benefits of probiotics: that is, helping to form a symbiotic relationship between the gut and brain, by improving cognitive function and boosting mood. Do you know that your stomach is actually an important key player in controlling your feelings?

Here Is A Fun Fact: The Gut Is Also Known As The “Second Brain”!

The gut plays a crucial role in regulating the central nervous system as it produces the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine that controls the mood, appetite, and sleep. Recent studies have proven that consuming probiotics that improve the microbiome balance can ultimately help modulate emotional and stress behavior experienced by pregnant women.

Filled with 100% natural Synbiotics (prebiotics + probiotics), Vitamin C, and Lutein, MOIIVA™ is every ladies' hero when it comes to keeping the gut microbiome healthy throughout pregnancy. This intelligent gut supplement contains both the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, which work in a symbiosis relationship to enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, preventing health concerns that may arise due to pregnancy: constipation, weaken immune system, and mood swings. So ladies, since being pregnant is a superpower as it is, why not get MOIIVA™ as your sidekick to enhance the experience?

Formulated with 20 billion smarter probiotics and prebiotics, VOFINA™ is the most natural and safest way to keep a healthy and balanced pH level of the vagina to ward off harmful bacteria. Besides that, the superfruit Lingonberry in VOFINA™ is not only clinically proven as a powerful antioxidant, but it also helps to reduce inflammation and prevent the risk of UTI, which is commonly experienced by pregnant ladies.

Being pregnant may be a crucial period to pay extra attention to one’s nutritional needs. So what better time to start adding natural probiotics to welcome the little one with a happier and healthier body?

Can’t get enough and wish to learn more about probiotics? No worries, we got you. Head to VOFINA™ or MOIIVA™ website now to explore further!

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By Tammy