Can Taking Probiotics Prevent Preterm Labor?

Women who are pregnant may decrease their risk of delivering early by eating probiotic foods. Probiotic foods, such as yogurt with active cultures, have become popular among consumers because of their possible health benefits. Should you eat more of them if youre pregnant?

Can Taking Probiotics Reduce the Risk of Preterm Delivery?

When researchers questioned 950 women patients and 18,000 controls about their dietary habits, they found that those who ate probiotic dairy foods had a lower risk of preterm delivery. Preterm labor poses significant health risks for a newborn baby and is a common problem worldwide. Up to eight out of ten deaths in newborns are related to preterm delivery and the effects of prematurity, and researchers are looking for safe ways to reduce the risk of this pregnancy-related complication. Could taking probiotics or eating probiotic-rich foods be the answer?

Why Do Probiotic Foods Reduce the Risk of Preterm Labor?

One of the most common causes of preterm labor is a vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis. No one knows exactly why this infection increases the risk of preterm labor, but it may be due to the inflammation the infection causes. Probiotic foods are a source of friendly bacteria that help keep these sinister bacteria from gaining a foothold in the vaginal tract - and by reducing inflammation.

Should Pregnant Women Eat More Probiotic Foods?

There have been several past studies suggesting that probiotics lower the risk of preterm delivery, but more research is needed before doctors can universally recommend probiotics for women who are pregnant. On the other hand, eating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt with active cultures, kimchee, tempeh, sauerkraut and miso may have benefits. Probiotic foods seem to be safe to enjoy during pregnancy, but always talk to your doctor first.

What about taking probiotics in supplement form? As long as you have a healthy immune system, theres no literature to suggest that probiotics are unsafe during pregnancy, although you should only take them under the care of a doctor if youre pregnant.

References:

Medscape.com. "Probiotic Dairy Products Linked to Lower Risk for Preterm Delivery"
Am J Clin Nutr (October 27, 2010).