Galacto-Oligosaccharides (GOS) Supplementation for Alleviating Constipation in Pregnant Women

Constipation affects ۱۱-۳۸% of pregnant women, driven by hormonal changes, mechanical compression, dietary factors, and iron supplementation, leading to reduced quality of life and potential complications. Current management relies on lifestyle modifications and laxatives, but concerns over long-term safety in pregnancy highlight the need for alternative interventions. This narrative review evaluates galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), a non-digestible prebiotic, as a potential therapy for alleviating gestational constipation. Drawing from literature spanning ۲۰۰۷-۲۰۲۵, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and mechanistic studies, we examine GOS structure, production, mechanisms of action (e.g., selective fermentation promoting bifidobacteria, short-chain fatty acid production, and enhanced motility), and clinical evidence. In non-pregnant adults, GOS (۵-۱۵ g/day) modestly improves stool frequency (+۰.۳-۰.۵/week), consistency, and straining, with microbiota shifts observed within ۱-۴ weeks. Pregnancy-specific data are limited but suggest safety up to ۲۰ g/day, with no adverse maternal-fetal outcomes and potential benefits to maternal-infant microbiomes. Comparisons with other prebiotics (e.g., inulin) indicate GOS offers milder effects but better tolerability. While promising as an adjunct to dietary fiber and hydration, gaps in large-scale pregnancy trials persist. Overall, GOS represents a safe, microbiota-targeted approach warranting further investigation to optimize dosing and efficacy in pregnant populations.

Keywords:

galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) , constipation , pregnancy , prebiotics , gut microbiota , short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) , bifidobacteria , maternal health , stool frequency , supplementation , fermentation , microbiome , intestinal motility , safety , randomized controlled trials (RCTs)