· By Hannah Rathbun
Probiotics and Pregnancy: Nurturing Vaginal Health for Moms-to-Be
Introduction Pregnancy is a beautiful, wild ride — but let’s be real, it can wreak havoc on your body’s balance. One area many expecting mamas struggle with? Vaginal health. From increased discharge to yeast infections, the changes are real. But there's a gentle, supportive way to maintain harmony: probiotics.
What Happens to Your Vaginal Flora During Pregnancy
As estrogen levels rise, the vaginal environment becomes more prone to bacterial shifts. This can lead to changes in pH, increased discharge, and susceptibility to overgrowth of yeast or harmful bacteria. That’s why it’s critical to maintain strong levels of beneficial bacteria — like Lactobacillus strains.
Maintaining a strong presence of Lactobacillus strains helps:
-
Preserve vaginal pH balance †
-
Ease risk of yeast overgrowth and infection †
-
Support immune function during pregnancy †
-
Improve nutrient absorption †
The Gut-Vagina Connection in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is not just about the baby — it’s about your entire body shifting to support that life. Your digestive system slows down, your hormones surge, and your immune system changes. All of that affects your microbiome — including the vaginal one.
Since the gut and vaginal microbiomes are closely connected, keeping your gut balanced helps your whole body thrive. That’s why probiotics that support both systems (like Pink Stork’s formula) are ideal for this stage.
Is It Safe to Take Probiotics While Pregnant?
Yes — and many OB-GYNs recommend it. Pink Stork Vaginal Health Probiotic is gentle, third-party tested, and formulated with strains like L. rhamnosus and L. acidophilus that are well-researched for use in pregnancy.
Always check with your doctor, but rest assured that Pink Stork was founded by a mom and designed with moms in mind.
Daily Routine = Daily Support
You only need one capsule daily, preferably with food. It’s easy to swallow, gentle on your stomach, and doesn’t interfere with prenatal vitamins or other supplements. †
And yes — it can help with more than just vaginal health. Daily probiotic support may:
-
Help maintain regular bowel movements †
-
Support immune function and nutrient absorption †
-
Ease occasional bloating, heartburn, and gas †
Pregnancy Probiotic Power: When to Start
You can start a probiotic at any point in pregnancy. Many women begin in the first trimester to support digestion, or later on to help ease yeast flare-ups or postpartum prep.
And don’t forget — your microbiome plays a role in baby’s microbiome too. So supporting your flora now sets the stage for a healthy start.
You deserve to feel your best during pregnancy, from head to toe to vagina. Pink Stork Vaginal Health Probiotic supports your evolving microbiome with clinically relevant strains and a formula you can trust. †
Whether you’re tackling digestive drama or just want to stay fresh and supported, one capsule a day helps keep your body in harmony.† Here’s to a smoother pregnancy journey — backed by the power of probiotics.
Resources
-
Reid G, et al. (2001). Probiotic Lactobacillus dose required to restore and maintain a normal vaginal flora. FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, 32(1), 37-41. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11750220/
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-695X.2001.tb00545.x
Mastromarino P, et al. (2013). Effectiveness of Lactobacillus-containing vaginal tablets in the treatment of symptomatic bacterial vaginosis. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 19(12), 1116-1122. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19046169/
-
Falagas ME, et al. (2007). Probiotics for prevention of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a review. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 58(2), 266–272.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16790461/
-
Dinan TG, Cryan JF. (2017). The Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis in Health and Disease. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 46(1):77-89.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gtc.2016.09.007 -
Mei, Z., & Li, D. (2022). The role of probiotics in vaginal health. Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 12, 963868 . https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2022.963868
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Attention: As with all dietary supplements and herbs, please consult with your physician before use if you are breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking any medication. Keep out of reach of children.
Keywords: probiotics during pregnancy, feminine probiotic for expecting moms, vaginal health probiotic pregnancy safe, Pink Stork probiotic for pregnant women, gut and vaginal health pregnancy