Probiotics during pregnancy have gained attention for their potential benefits in promoting maternal and fetal health. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria which helps strengthen the immune response. Recently there has been emerging evidence suggesting that probiotics may help reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
In a recent systematic review published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Maternal-Fetal Medicine, researchers investigated the effects of probiotic use on pregnancy-related conditions. Contrary to expectations, the analysis of numerous trials involving thousands of pregnant women showed that probiotics did not demonstrate any significant impact on conditions such as preeclampsia.
Dr. Annie McDougall, Burnet Senior Research Officer and co-author of the study, explained that the research team meticulously examined data from 29 clinical trials encompassing over 7000 pregnant participants to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotic supplementation during pregnancy. “Our findings indicate that probiotics do not confer any benefits concerning pregnancy-related conditions,” she emphasized. “This underscores that there is currently no basis for prescribing probiotics to pregnant women to enhance pregnancy outcomes.”
Dr. McDougall highlighted the necessity for further investigation into the potential effects of probiotics on pregnancy-related conditions like preeclampsia. However, she also pointed out some revelations stemming from the research. “Our study unexpectedly shed light on the significance of the gut microbiome in pregnant women, particularly those facing undernutrition or residing in environments with inadequate sanitation,” she noted. “While much remains unknown about the interplay between the gut microbiome and pregnancy-related conditions, our findings underscore the urgency for additional research before establishing specific guidelines for probiotic use during pregnancy.”
The study forms part of the broader research endeavors under the Accelerating Innovation for Mothers (AIM) project. This initiative is dedicated to enhancing maternal and infant health worldwide and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. By exploring innovative treatments and diagnostic tools for pregnancy-specific conditions such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, and fetal growth impairment in low- and middle-income countries, the AIM project aims to make significant strides in improving maternal and infant well-being.
In light of these findings, the AIM team is now directing efforts toward developing target product profiles (TPPs) for interventions targeting pregnant women experiencing gut microbiome dysfunction. This strategic focus underscores the commitment to addressing critical health challenges pregnant individuals face worldwide.
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