Benefits, challenges, and opportunities with changes in the maternal microbiome before and during pregnancy

Background and objectives

During pregnancy, the maternal microbiota undergoes intricate changes in the gut, vagina, and endometrium, playing a pivotal role in maternal and fetal health. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of the maternal microbiome in ensuring a healthy pregnancy, while also linking it to potential complications like preterm birth. Exploring these dynamic microbial shifts and their impact on health outcomes is essential.

Despite probiotics not being a standard practice in pregnancy, understanding the microbiota changes—whether natural or induced—before and during pregnancy is crucial given their significance in maternal health outcomes. By delving into the mechanisms behind these microbial alterations and analyzing insights from probiotic clinical studies, experts aim to identify ways to optimize maternal health during pregnancy.

This expert group delves into the mechanistic consequences of maternal microbiota changes and early observations from probiotic studies to maximize the use of probiotics during pregnancy, drawing from current scientific literature and clinical data.

Output

Narrative review

Expert group members