Researchers have studied whether probiotics during pregnancy and early infancy may help support healthy immune development. A meta-analysis in Epidemiology (2012) reviewed 14 randomized controlled trials in pregnant women and newborns. The analysis found that probiotic supplementation was linked with a reduced risk of atopic dermatitis (eczema) in infants.
While results vary by strain and timing of supplementation, this body of research suggests that supporting a healthy microbiome early in life may influence immune balance. Probiotics are still an adjunct, not a treatment, and decisions about supplementation during pregnancy should always be guided by a qualified healthcare provider.
Related reading: How probiotics support immune function
Educational only — not medical advice.
