Did you know your gut composition changes from the time before you fall pregnant, to the third trimester of pregnancy? Your gut flora in the first trimester is similar to that of non-pregnant females. By the third trimester the gut flora becomes dysbiotic. A study by Koren, O et all, (2012), showed that the gut formed inflammation which drives the microbial dysbiosis.
What is Dysbiosis?
Your gut is full of good bacteria known as microbiota. If one of the good bacterial colonies become out of balance this is known as dysbiosis. You can become ill from dysbiosis if your micrbiome isn’t naturally corrected. Although dysbiosis is common in your third trimester of pregnancy it can cause increased weight gain and gut disturbances.
What changes occur during my pregnancy?
A study by Koren, O et al (2012), showed that similar changes occur in your third trimester of pregnancy as those with a risks of type 2-diabetes. These include dysbiosis, inflammation and weight gain all due to metabolic syndrome. These changes in pregnancy are beneficial for the growth of the fetus, but can cause a change in the mothers health if dysiosis is increased too much.
Collardo, M, C et al (2008), proved that gut microbota composition and weight are linked. Therefore the mothers weight gain is affected by her microbiota. Having a healthy gut before pregnancy can help reduce the risk of becoming overweight or obese during pregnancy.
Collardo, M, C et al (2008), showed there was a difference in gut microbiota between overweight and normal weight women, showing with every kilogram of weight gain this increased bacteria counts by 0.0006 log units.
What can you do to improve dysbiosis?
Make sure you are getting enough of the following:
- B-complex vitamin (B-6 and B-12)
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Beta-carotene
- Zinc
- Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale
- Fish such as salmon and mackerel
- Organic meat
Avoid the following:
- Processed meats
- Carbohydrate from corn, and bread
- To many apples, and grapes
- Dairy
- Foods high in sugar
Pre- and Probiotics help to keep your gut bacteria in balance, along with meditation and yoga. Talk to one of our nutritionists today for your best choice of a pre and probiotic for you.
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References:
Collado, M, C., Isolauri, E., Laitinen, K., Salminen, S (2012). Distinct composition of gut microbiota during pregnancy in overweight and normal-weight women. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition’ 88, 4, 894-899.
Koren, O., Goodrich, J, K., Cullender, T, C., Spor, A., Laitinen, K., Bäckhed, H, K., Gonzalez, A., Wener, J, J., Angenent, L, T., Knight, R., Bäckhed, F., Isolauri, E., Salminen, S., Ley, E, R. (2012). Host Remodeling of the Gut Microbiome and Metabolic Changes during Pregnancy. ‘Cell Press’ 150, 3, 470-480.
