Probiotics During Pregnancy, Why Your Pickle Craving May be a Gut-Health Win

“Pregnant and Craving Pickles? Your Gut Might Be Trying to Tell You Something…”  

Killer pregnancy cravings have a sudden chokehold on your life? Pickles, sauerkraut, and olives are all common salty cravings that pop up during pregnancy. 

Your new love of fermented foods is doing your body a favor by seeking out salty, nutrient-dense foods backed by the power of probiotics. 

But what role do probiotics play during pregnancy? 

Your pregnancy cravings and gut health, it’s all connected. Let’s talk about what it means to crave pickles and how probiotics are the gut health connection to your baby's development. 

Gut Health & Pregnancy: What’s the Connection?  

During pregnancy, a balanced gut can support digestion (pregnancy hormones slow digestion) and immune function, keep inflammation away, and even positively influence your baby’s microbiome. 

Your gut is doing the absolute most at any given time, but during pregnancy, it needs a little added support so it can help you absorb vital nutrients and alleviate discomfort. 

The Science-Backed Benefits of Probiotics During Pregnancy  

Pregnancy can be a wonderful, yet altogether humbling experience.  

Your body is changing daily and experiencing all kinds of natural reactions that were never there before.  

Like constant bloating, constipation, and heartburn.  

Fermented foods that balance your gut microbiome work to keep the good gut bugs in line, fighting off all the sudden discomfort you’re experiencing.  

Yes, eating fermented pickles can mean less gas and bloating! 

If you need any more reason to dive face-first into a jar of fermented pickles during pregnancy, probiotics also support immune function for you and baby, along with your vaginal microbiome, which can benefit labor. 

Why Gut Health Is Foundational During Pregnancy  

Eating fermented foods during pregnancy is shown to have a positive impact on gut microbiota development, helping the trillions of bacteria in your gut thrive and live their best life. [1] 

It’s also been found that preeclampsia is directly influenced by gut dysbiosis (fancy term for when your gut microbiome is experiencing an imbalance). [2] 

Probiotics during pregnancy, or as we like to say, indulging in pickles, is an easy way to satisfy your pregnancy cravings while helping your gut stay balanced and far away from dysbiosis. 

Is It Safe to Take Probiotics During Pregnancy?  

Food-based sources of probiotics (like ferments) are more easily digested than their synthetic counterparts, especially during pregnancy.  

But are they safe to eat while pregnant? 

Many OBs say yes, enjoy those fermented foods during pregnancy with a dose of live probiotics. But we say, always, always check with your healthcare provider first! 

This study found that eating ferments during pregnancy can have potential benefits, such as reduced risk of eczema and food allergies in the newborns. It also showed increased birth weight and improved sleep duration! [3] 

Craving Pickles? Here’s What Your Body Might Be Telling You  

Your pregnancy cravings might be pointing you in the direction of a jar full of pickles. Which could mean that your body is craving a serious, natural dose of salt. But why? What does it mean? 

What Causes Pregnancy Cravings (Especially for Salty, Crunchy Foods)  

When your body craves salt, it may mean that you are potentially experiencing a need for electrolytes or even digestive enzymes. 

It could also mean that your body is searching for a way to settle the nausea and queasiness you’ve been experiencing, and it just so happens that salty pickles are the path it chose. 

A pickle craving during pregnancy is nothing to be alarmed about; it’s actually very common. 

Not All Pickles Are Created Equal 

Ever notice some jarred pickles are shelf stable while others are kept refrigerated? That’s because not all pickles are created equal.  

We like to separate pickles into 4 different categories: toxic pickles, sugar pickles, vinegar pickles and fermented pickles. Read the blog to make sure you aren’t eating the toxic pickles: What Are The Best Pickles For Gut Health.  

Fermented pickles, like the ones we make at OMP, are the only pickles with gut health benefits like probiotics, electrolytes, and digestive enzymes - the perfect way to satisfy your late-night pickle cravings! 

The Role of Fermented Foods as Nature’s Multivitamin 

Tasty ferments offer so much more than just probiotics during pregnancy. We like to think of fermented foods as nature’s multivitamins. They come with a mouthful of enzymes good for your gut: B Vitamins, Vitamin K, and much-needed electrolytes. 

Fermented foods are easier for your body to absorb during pregnancy versus synthetic probiotic supplements and work hard to keep your gut balanced. 

Read More: Are Dietary Supplements Better Than Fermented Foods? 

A tasty snack that supports a balanced gut microbiome, baby’s development, and satisfies pregnancy cravings? Power to the (fermented) pickle! 

How to Add Fermented Foods to Your Pregnancy Routine  

If you wanna enjoy nature's multivitamin and snack on probiotics during pregnancy, it’s all about simple, easy, stress-free action.  

Don’t go tossing your recent grocery haul just yet.  

Adding probiotics to your plate should enhance your meal with every bite. Creating a mini dance party for your gut at a time when your body is hard at work trying to keep things balanced, and making sure your immunity is in check. 

Simple Ways to Add Ferments to Your Day 

Start Slow + Mix It Up  

Eating fermented foods is not about embracing the latest wellness trend. Tasty ferments are best enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle for a balanced gut during pregnancy and beyond. 

1 serving per day is a great way to get started with probiotics during pregnancy. From there, you can build your way up to 2-3 servings per day.   

The key is to try different types of fermented foods to promote a diverse microbiome and support your immune system during pregnancy.  

Pregnancy & Pickles 

Pregnancy is a magical, sometimes stressful, very strange, altogether wonderful experience, and yes, we’re including the pregnancy cravings. 

Growing a tiny human takes massive amounts of help from a balanced gut, and it’s vital to nourish and strengthen your immune system as you prepare for the marathon of birth 

Keeping your gut healthy and happy is one of the most powerful gifts you can give to yourself and your baby.  

Satisfy those pregnancy cravings and snack your way to a balanced gut. Browse our shop to build your own box filled with your favorite pickles.