The Effect of Probiotics Supplementation on Maternal-Fetal Care

Pregnancy-related complications can have long-term effects on mothers and fetus/child. Microbiome within the human gut is an important factor in maintaining optimum health during pregnancy and possibly reduces the incidence of these complications. Probiotics are active living microorganisms that can provide the host with health benefits such as; immune and hormonal regulatory and metabolic benefits when administered in adequate and optimum dose. Probiotic supplementations also regulate an abnormal and unbalanced microflora population that can control the pathogenesis of several diseases like obesity and diabetes. Probiotics also play a protective role in complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus and maternal weight gain and enhance successful outcomes of reproduction. This mini-review summarizes the maternal and fetal effects of probiotics during pregnancy.