Prenatal Probiotics: The Way Forward in Prevention of Preterm Birth

Preterm birth (PTB) has presented a major challenge since decades among the obstetricians. Many premature born individuals have learning disabilities, visual and hearing problems. Abnormal vaginal microbiota and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are important risk factors for PTB and premature rupture of the membranes. In women with BV, there is a dramatic reduction of Lactobacillus and heavy colonization of the pathogenic bacteria. Administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC14 in pregnant women restores the normal vaginal flora and acidic pH and interrupts the infectious/inflammatory process. Probiotics are preferred over tocolytic therapy to reduce the adverse maternal and fetal outcome. J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2019;8(3):63-69 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcgo571