Probiotics for pregnancy

[tumtitum]

I'm a few weeks pregnant with my second and would like to take probiotics throughout this pregnancy as both me and DD suffered with nasty yeast infections after her birth. I struggle to take my pregnancy vitamins due to the size and taste so was hoping for some recommendations for a probiotic which might go down a bit easier thanks!

Have you tried cutting your pregnancy vitamins in half or crushing them and sticking them in juice?

Says this online re: probiotics during pregnancy:

'There isn't much research about the benefits and safety of taking prebiotic supplements in pregnancy, but it's likely that they're fine to take. There's no recommended daily allowance for prebiotics or probiotics . It's best to talk to your GP or midwife before taking any supplements.'

Thanks, yeah I saw that too but my personal experience is that they do help me in general so can't see why they wouldn't be of some benefit during pregnancy :)
I can just about manage the pregnancy vitamins, just need to drink lots and the after taste isn't always pleasant (which I imagine would be worse if I crushed them!) I was more hoping to find a probiotic that isn't huge and doesn't have that vile musty aftertaste that a lot seem to have. Doesn't pair well with morning sickness!

Haha you're as bad as my friend for taking tablets; she can't even take small paracetamol. I know how you feel, i used to gag when cleaned by teeth. Strong dilute juice takes the taste away quite well of the vitamins but this might not be ideal with your MS. The only probiotic I've tried is actimel drinks and they tastes okay.

You'll have to make sure you're getting enough calcium and other vitamins though as the levels not as high in probiotics. I would speak to your midwife if I'm honest.

And very importantly folic acid...

OP isn't proposing replacing her vitamin with probiotics.

My OH had to take probiotics after a long course of antibiotics and had to take horse sized pills. But I think if it was just general maintenance I'd go for the nice yoghurts with added probiotic. I think I've had activism's and Aldi's own before.

Pregnacare do a liquid prenatal vitamin. You have 2 spoons a day instead of taking a tablet

For probiotics, I made myself a smoothie every morning with live yoghurt and kefir
I had quite bad morning sickness and it was about all I could keep down in the morning but a lot healthier than dry toast

You can tweak it depending on what you're in the mood for but I made mine with a handful of frozen bananas and strawberries (from the freezer section of the supermarket) a scoop of plain or vanilla protein powder, a big slug of kefir and strawberry live yoghurt and then a bit of milk or almond milk to get the consistency to something that could be sipped

I'm sure just the yoghurt would work as a probiotic if you don't want the full smoothie though

Vivomixx is a powder you sprinkle into drinks/on yoghurt etc. As a powder it is easy to start small and built up to the full dose, to give your gut a chance to get used to it. It tastes ok, if not that nice, slightly like horlicks.

@ClareB83 yes OP is, she said she can't take pre natal vitamins due to their size...

I don't think so @PasstheStarmix she's says she's just about managing the vitamins by drinking lots of water, but since she struggles would prefer a probiotic that isn't a big pill as well.

I struggle to take my pregnancy vitamins due to the size and taste so was hoping for some recommendations for a probiotic which might go down a bit easier smile thanks!

For your reference @ClareB83
OP is clearly looking to take probiotics instead of prenatal as is struggling to take them

Well that's the way I took it I guess it could be interpretered both ways. Op may be going to take both.

Check biocare website. I think they do powder form probiotics but usually need to be kept in there fridge x

Sorry for the confusion! I am taking prenatal vitamins, just find it difficult and makes me feel sick. I'm asking about probiotics in addition! Thanks for the suggestions re yoghurts and powders, will have a look around! Can anyone recommend a good yoghurt that has a decent level of probiotics in it? Thanks all!

@tumtitum here's the ones I've used before... My DD used it too when little. X
www.biocare.co.uk/bifidobacterium-bifidum-probiotic-60g

I took a probiotic throughout my 3 pregnancies with no issues and actually none of my kids had colic, which I read could have links to the probiotic.

Good probiotic yoghurts are yeo valley & Rachel's organic - not all yoghurts are probiotic so make sure you get a live one.

In regards to capsules, the biokult ones are easy to break open then you can sprinkle the powder into a drink/smoothie/yoghurt. I think optibac and biocare also sell probiotic powders but they're a bit more expensive.

Pregnacare liquid, OP!
It's brilliant...

Avoid probiotics with lots of sugar, such as Yakult. Low sugar ones like Yeo Valley are what I've always gone for but I'm sure there are others.

Kefir is also really good and available from supermarkets

Thanks all :) will give some a whirl and see what I can stomach!

@sparechange can I ask you what Pregnacare tastes like please?
Probiotic yoghurts on sale in Sainsbury's today!