Maternal Microbiome and Pregnancy Outcomes That Impact Infant Health: A Review

• Published in: Advances in neonatal care Vol. 15; no. 6; pp. 377 - 385
• Main Authors: Dunlop, Anne L, Mulle, Jennifer G, Ferranti, Erin P, Edwards, Sara, Dunn, Alexis B, Corwin, Elizabeth J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States by The National Association of Neonatal Nurses 01-12-2015
• Subjects: Diet; Female; Health Behavior; Humans; Infant; Infant Health - statistics & numerical data; Infant, Newborn; Male; Microbiota; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications - epidemiology; Pregnancy Complications - microbiology; Pregnancy Outcome - epidemiology; Premature Birth - microbiology; Probiotics - pharmacology; Risk Factors; Vagina - microbiology; Weight Gain
• ISSN: 1536-0903; 1536-0911
• DOI: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000000218

The maternal microbiome is recognized as a key determinant of a range of important maternal and child health outcomes, and together with perinatal factors influences the infant microbiome. This article provides a summary review of research investigating (1) the role of the maternal microbiome in pregnancy outcomes known to adversely influence neonatal and infant health, including preterm birth, cardiometabolic complications of pregnancy such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, and excessive gestational weight gain; (2) factors with an established link to adverse pregnancy outcomes that are known to influence the composition of the maternal microbiome; and (3) strategies for promoting a healthy maternal microbiome, recognizing that much more research is needed in this area.