The Effect of Probiotics on Maintenance of Health in Pregnancy and Infants

Throughout pregnancy women undergo many biological changes, including alterations in their microbiota. These infections can exacerbate pregnancy complications and increase the risk of preeclampsia and preterm birth. The present study aims to evaluate the potential effects of perinatal use of probiotics on the number of diagnosed viral, bacterial and fungal infections in pregnant women and on the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy. Potential infections include but are not limited to influenza/colds, bacterial vaginosis, mastitis, candidiasis, urinary tract infection and gingivitis. Additionally, the benefits of probiotic intake by the mother on the infant during pregnancy and breastfeeding will be evaluated.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy pregnant women
• Less than 28 weeks of gestation (3rd trimester)
• ≥18 to <40 years old
• Singleton gestation
• Availability and willingness to come in for morning visits
• Planning to breastfeed
• Willing to complete questionnaires, records, and diaries associated with the study and to complete all clinical visits
• Willing to discontinue consumption of fermented foods (e.g. foods that contain probiotics such as Kefir, pickles, etc.) or probiotics (e.g. yogurts with live active cultures or probiotic supplements)
• Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Known gestational diabetes or diabetes type 1 or 2
• Known blood/bleeding disorders
• Known liver and kidney disorders
• Known unstable cardiovascular diseases
• Women with a personal history of or currently diagnosed with preeclampsia
• Suffering from neurological diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, etc.)
• Suffering from gastrointestinal diseases (e.g. gastric ulcers, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.)
• Current symptoms of depression or experienced depressive symptoms in the past 2 years
• Maternal history of second trimester loss
• Women diagnosed HIV Positive or with Hepatitis B or C
• Known fetal abnormality
• Daily use of probiotic product within 2 weeks of the screening visit. The potential participant could be eligible to participate after a 2-week wash-out period
• Use of any antibiotic drug within 1 month of screening. The potential participant could be eligible to participate after a 2-week wash-out period
• Smoking, alcohol consumption or drug use during pregnancy
• History of alcohol or substance abuse six months prior to screening
• Allergies to milk, soy, or yeast