Q: This probiotic doesn’t have the most pleasant smell. What is that?

A: We understand that these probiotic capsules may have a different smell than our other probiotics; this is due to the choline in the formula. Though we know that choline may not have the most pleasant smell, we chose to include it in this formula since it is a vital nutrient that many pregnant women do not achieve an adequate intake of.

Q: Can I take these Probiotic Prenatal+ capsules with the Prenatal & Postnatal Multivitamin?

A: You may want to take multiple prenatal products, just to cover your bases...but doing so may mean over-supplementation of certain vitamins or minerals, which could be harmful to you or your pregnancy. You should be careful to ensure that you don’t exceed the upper limit for each of the nutrients you’re taking, and always discuss your supplements with your doctor so that you can know that you’re getting the right amount for your specific needs as individual needs may vary.

It should be noted that the Prenatal & Postnatal Multivitamin doesn’t contain Iron, which is crucial for a healthy pregnancy, while these Probiotic Prenatal+ capsules contain Iron at 100% DV for adults and 67% DV for those who are pregnant and/or lactating. 

We chose not to include Iron in our Prenatal & Postnatal Multivitamin formula as it is difficult to formulate with in liquid form and can potentially interact with certain drugs or other dietary substances. Because of potential interactions as well as your unique health, it is important to discuss with your healthcare professional any additional medications or supplements you are taking, as well as which may be taken with or without food. 

Additionally, these probiotic capsules and our Prenatal & Postnatal Liquid Multivitamin do not contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Did you know that DHA, one type of omega-3, has been shown to be important for fetal development? If you find you don’t get an adequate amount of Omega-3s in your diet, you might be interested in supplementing with our Prenatal & Postnatal Omega-3 Liquid Drops. Be sure to speak with your OB/Gyn or physician to determine the correct dosing and if this product is beneficial for you and your unique situation.

As always, be sure to check with your physician or healthcare professional before starting any new supplements. They can help guide you on what is best for you, your pregnancy, and your baby! 

Q: Should I take additional prenatal vitamins in addition to these?

A: This is best answered by checking with your doctor or healthcare professional! You and your healthcare professional can determine the best supplementation plan based on your body’s needs and your pregnancy needs. 

Q: Are there risks associated with using Red Raspberry Leaf during pregnancy? 

A: There are several viewpoints on Red Raspberry Leaf, its benefits and whether or not it is safe to consume at different times during pregnancy. It has long been used for a variety of medicinal benefits, including the toning and tightening of muscles in the pelvic area. 

One study suggested Red Raspberry Leaf Tea may reduce the likelihood of pre- and post-term labor and another study suggested that Red Raspberry Leaf can decrease complications and interventions during birth. There is also some evidence that the tea may help to shorten labor, but these results are somewhat contradictory. However, like most herbals, there hasn’t been enough research done to say much conclusively. 

It is believed that these benefits are the results of Red Raspberry Leaf strengthening the uterine walls, but this has not been proven. And it’s this potential effect of the herb on the uterus that is considered a benefit, but also where any cause for concern arises when people talk about Red Raspberry Leaf, as toning of the uterus could threaten early labor.

For this reason, conventional wisdom says to wait until the second trimester to drink Red Raspberry Leaf tea, but it is also recommended for improving chances of implantation for those trying to get pregnant. The tea is also reported to be used in the first trimester to help with morning sickness. Usually, in the first trimester, no more than one cup daily is recommended, while 2-3 cups can be recommended in the second and third trimesters. 

Bear in mind that most teas contain 1500 mg per serving/cup, while our product contains 400 mg Organic Raspberry Leaf (Rubus ideaus), a much smaller dosage. The most important piece of all this is to know what the appropriate dosage is for your body and your pregnancy journey.

Ultimately, it is best to speak with your healthcare professional for their guidance on consuming Red Raspberry Leaf. The same is true before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Your physician or healthcare professional can help ensure that the supplement is beneficial for both you and your pregnancy. 

Q: Does this product need to be kept in the fridge?

A: These probiotics are shelf-stable, though refrigerating them may lengthen shelf life. Whether you refrigerate or not is up to you, though if you plan on taking them as a part of a daily regimen, keeping them where you’ll remember to take them might be advantageous.

Q: Is it safe to take probiotics during pregnancy?

A: Though it is generally considered that taking probiotics is probably safe during pregnancy, in order to make the best health decisions possible for you, we recommend speaking with your physician, OB/Gyn, or healthcare professional to best determine what supplements are best for your everyday care and your prenatal care.

Q: What are other probiotics that can be taken along with probiotic supplements during pregnancy?

A: Since our bodies have billions of microorganisms living in our digestive tracts, and probiotics are made of beneficial bacteria, it is generally considered safe to ingest more than one type of probiotic at a time. Some of our customers who take more than one probiotic choose to take one serving in the morning and one serving at night to separate the time of ingesting each serving. There are many different strains of probiotics that benefit the body differently, and it is important to choose which are the right formulas for you based on your needs. 

We have both liquid and capsule probiotics available for many reasons. Our Liquid Probiotic was created for general gut health, while our probiotic capsules were created for targeted support, such as weight management, collagen production, skin health, or occasional digestive issues. The liquid probiotic is a great option whether you are purchasing for just yourself, or the whole family! It is easy to dose out the proper amounts for any age with the liquid formula by using the dropper. Our capsule probiotics, however, are formulated in proper dosage amounts for adults.

There are also different formulas for our Liquid Probiotic or Probiotic Capsules. Also, because the capsules have specific, targeted support, they have additional ingredients in them (such as Turmeric in our Probiotic Turmeric+ or Garcinia cambogia in our Probiotic Weight Management+), and must be encapsulated. 

As always, we recommend speaking with your physician, OB/Gyn, or healthcare professional to best determine what vitamins and supplements are best for your everyday care and your prenatal care. If you aren’t sure which probiotic is best for your needs, we recommend you check with your physician or healthcare professional to assist you in determining which probiotic and dosage is suitable for you!