Top tip for 35 weeks pg onwards, passed on from osteopath

[kookiegoddess]

Thought I'd pass this on as I'm sure we're all keen having colicky babies:

My osteo suggested taking vegetarian acidopholus tablets (available from holland and barrett etc.) from about 35/36 weeks onwards. These help to build up healthy bacteria in your stomach which in turn help your body to deal with antibiotics should you be given them during or after labour. They are also apparently helpful for the baby (I assume they are passed on via BF) as it will be born with literally no bacteria to help it to deal with the antibiotics and the ABs can make the baby colicky as its stomach is so sensitive in the early days.

For those not aware, you are sometimes given antibiotics during labour if they have any reason to believe you've become vulnerable to infection - ie. tearing, labouring 12 hrs after water breaking etc.

I am only passing this information on and am not qualified to verify any of this!! Am a first timer trying to do my best for my PFB, and for my sanity!

That's very interesting. There is also some research that probiotics (e.g. Acidophilus tablets/powder) in pregnancy help reduce the incidence of allergies in children, esp. eczema & asthma.

My DD currently takes the Acidophilus powder available from Biocare (see: www.yourhealthfoodstore.co.uk/details.php/p2775_biocare_acidophilus.html), she has cystic fibrosis and is on long-term high strength antibiotics which decimate her gut fauna/flora and lead to a lot of tummy pain/wind- the Acidophilus was recommended by her consultant and seems to have worked very well.

I never used it in pregnancy but wish I had as DS was very colicky for 4 months- and now has bad eczema. Incidentally he was prem and had lots of antibiotics straight away after birth so what you've said kookiegoddess makes sense!
Good advice methinks- Acidophilus can certainly not do any harm

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy xx