The genus Lactobacillus as a probiotic in pregnancy

The vaginal presence of the Lactobacillus genus has been shown to guarantee the physiological balance of its microbiota during pregnancy, thus preventing premature birth (PTB) and possible perinatal complications.

For this reason, the convenience of supplementation with probiotics of the Lactobacillus genus in the prevention of PTB has been accredited. It has been confirmed that supplementation with probiotics of the genus Lactobacillus together with dietary advice, from the first trimester of pregnancy, reduces the risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant women from 36% to 13%, also reducing blood glucose levels and insulin, and improving glucose tolerance. The interest of probiotic supplementation has also been demonstrated in the objective of alleviating possible imbalances in the nutrition of the pregnant woman, ensuring the intake of essential components such as iron, zinc, iodine, vitamin A and alpha-acid. linolenic, which can improve the brain development of the fetus and the subsequent cognitive faculties of the child.

On the other hand, it has been described that maternal supplementation with probiotics of the genus Lactobacillus during the last months of pregnancy and the first months of breastfeeding together with infant supplementation up to two years of age can significantly reduce the risk of allergic conditions in the neonate, as is the case with atopic eczema. It has also been observed that the administration of probiotics with lactobacilli reduces the uptake of mercury and arsenic during pregnancy, eliminating their severe and harmful consequences on the neurological development of the embryo.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

The administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in pregnancy is effective in preventing the development of abnormal vaginal micro-flora, and the modification of cervical parameters that could represent risk factors for preterm birth (PTB).

Lactobacillus rhamnosus supplementation and application of dietary advice from the first trimester of pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of gestational diabetes.

Administration with Lactobacillus rhamnosus during the last two months of pregnancy and the first two months of breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of allergic conditions in the nursing neonate.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus reduces the uptake of mercury and arsenic during pregnancy which can have serious detrimental effects on the neurological development of the fetus.

Lactobacillus reuteri

The administration of Lactobacillus reuteri in pregnancy is effective in preventing the development of abnormal vaginal micro-flora and the modification of cervical parameters that could represent risk factors for PTB.

Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation during the last months of pregnancy reduces allergen sensitization and atopic eczema in the nursing neonate.

The administration of Lactobacillus reuteri in pregnancy is effective in preventing the development of gestational gingivitis.