What are the benefits of probiotics during pregnancy?

What are the benefits of probiotics during pregnancy?

ASK THE DOCTORS If you have a health question, we’ll find the answer. Write to the doctors at talkback@playdateyakima.com.

Dr. Robel says: Probiotics, or friendly bacteria that reside in our gut, may increase fertility and reduce early miscarriage as well as help prevent eczema and allergies in infants, according to several recent studies.

Probiotics are found in yogurt and other fermented foods. They serve to protect us from infection and help prevent a wide range of health problems including constipation, diarrhea, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies and various skin problems.

New research is finding that probiotics may also be beneficial to women trying to conceive. In a study done in Belgium, supplementing with a probiotic while women underwent in vitro fertilization increased the rate of conception compared to women not taking the supplement. Likewise, several studies have found that women given a probiotic at the onset of pregnancy have lower rates of spontaneous miscarriage in the first trimester.

Besides the benefits to mom, there are benefits to your infant. Taking a probiotic supplement for the last three to four weeks of pregnancy may reduce rates of eczema and allergies by as much as 50 percent, according to a study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Probiotics can be obtained by eating yogurt labeled as containing “live and active cultures.” Also, there are various supplements that can be taken.

Always speak with your health care provider before taking any supplements, including a probiotic, to decide if it is right for you. Also, not all supplements are created equal so it’s important to get a recommendation to ensure you are getting what your body needs.

— Heidi Robel, ND, is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist in private practice in Yakima.
She’s expecting her first little one in August.

Will thumb-sucking harm my child’s teeth?

SECOND OPINION
by Ashley Tercero, DDS

Will thumb-sucking harm my child’s teeth?

ASK THE DOCTORS If you have a health question, we’ll find the answer. Write to the doctors at talkback@playdateyakima.com.

Dr. Tercero says: Non-nutritive sucking habits (finger or pacifier sucking) are normal in infants and toddlers. These habits help address a child’s need to feel secure.

Although normal and harmless for young children, non-nutritive sucking can result in long-term problems if persistent. Prolonged finger or pacifier sucking can lead to a permanent open bite and other dental and jaw deformities.

In order to prevent these problems, the habit must stop by age 5. However, the difficulty of ceasing this habit increases with age, so it’s best to stop the habit before age 3. If the habit persists beyond the age of 3, it’s recommended to see a dentist for professional evaluation.

— Ashley Tercero, DDS, is a children’s dentist at Yakima Pediatric Dentistry.
Her 7-month-old daughter, Kya, doesn’t have any teeth.

What is postpartum depression?

SECOND OPINION
by Ryan Moultray, D.O.

What is postpartum depression?

ASK THE DOCTORS If you have a health question, we’ll find the answer. Write to the doctors at talkback@playdateyakima.com.

You’ve just had a baby. You’re not sleeping, your hormones are completely confused, your body hurts and there is this constant crying noise in your ear. Who wouldn’t be a little depressed?

The “baby blues” are common, and usually develop within the first few days after birth. You might experience mood swings, anxiety, sadness and insomnia. This is a transient phenomenon and usually resolves without treatment within two weeks.

Postpartum depression is also common, developing in up to 10 percent of mothers, but often goes unrecognized. The symptoms can be nonspecific, including fatigue, sadness and crying, insomnia, feeling guilty or inadequate, being overwhelmed, poor concentration, decreased libido, anxiety and not wanting to do usually enjoyable activities. In rare and extreme cases, a woman can develop psychosis (a loss of contact with reality).

Treatment usually involves a combination of counseling, medication, exercise and spiritual or emotional support. Some women are more prone to developing PPD, so if you have a previous history of depression or other mental health issues, you may want to talk to your doctor before the baby arrives. Usually, a mother doesn’t have a follow up appointment with her doctor until six weeks after delivery. It’s important to seek help sooner if there are any concerns for PPD.

— Ryan Moultray, DO, is an osteopath at Selah Family Medicine. Will and Owen call him Dad.

Do children need to take vitamins?

SECOND OPINION
by Ryan Moultray, D.O.
and Heidi Robel, N.D.

Do children need to take vitamins? Read more

Do you recommend any vaccines for teenagers?

SECOND OPINION
by Ryan Moultray, D.O.
and Heidi Robel, N.D.

Do you recommend any vaccines for teenagers? Read more

What’s the difference between medical degrees?

SECOND OPINION
by Ryan Moultray, D.O.
and Heidi Robel, N.D.

I need to find a new family doctor. What’s the difference between an M.D., a D.O. and an N.D.? Read more

Are there any programs for overweight kids?

SECOND OPINION
by Ryan Moultray, D.O.
and Heidi Robel, N.D.

I am the parent of an overweight child (age 10). We have been actively looking for some type of class for children with this problem. I have called doctors’ offices, the YMCA and various gyms. I have been turned away at all places. With obesity beginning to be out of control for our youth, Yakima needs to start offering things. I know I am not alone. Children do much better when interacting with children their own age and who have the same problem. I am beginning to see her self-esteem go down. Is there any help you can offer? Or maybe you know of somewhere I haven’t looked. Read more

What’s the deal with peanut allergies?

SECOND OPINION
by Ryan Moultray, D.O.
and Heidi Robel, N.D.

A few weeks ago, I heard that you shouldn’t give peanut products to young children because of allergies. I’d never heard about this before and I give my kids peanut butter sandwiches all the time! What other foods should I know about? Read more

Should I give my child cold medicine?

SECOND OPINION
by Ryan Moultray, D.O.
and Judy Harvey, M.D.

I’m confused about the news regarding cold medicine for children. I have two preschoolers who have already had several colds this season. Is it OK to give them cold medicine? What else can I do to help them feel better? Thanks. Read more

What’s the difference between the flu and a stomach bug?

SECOND OPINION
by Ryan Moultray, D.O.
and Judy Harvey, M.D.

I often hear people saying they’ve had “the flu,” but I’ve always thought influenza was fairly rare — and very serious. What’s the difference between the flu and a stomach bug? Also, should my kids get a flu shot? Read more