Changes in the Gut Microbiome and Pathologies in Pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnancy is a special period in a woman’s life when her organism undergoes multiple physiological changes so that the fetus has optimal conditions for growth and development. These include modifications in the composition of the microbiome that occur between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. There is an increase in Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, and Firmicutes, which have been associated with an increase in the need for energy storage. The growth in Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria levels has a protective effect on both the mother and the fetus via proinflammatory mechanisms. The aim of the study is to review the research on the relationship between the mother’s intestinal microbiome and gestational pathologies. Changes in the maternal gut microbiome is probably one of the mechanisms that occurs in various pregnancy diseases such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes mellitus, excessive gestational weight gain, and premature birth. For this reason, it seems vital to pay attention to certain interventions that can benefit the affected patients both in the short term, by preventing complications during pregnancy, and in the long term, as one of the mechanisms occurring in various gestational diseases is dysbiosis of the maternal intestinal flora.

Association of vitamin D level and maternal gut microbiome during pregnancy: Findings from a randomized controlled trial of antenatal vitamin D supplementation

“…One observational study found an association between vitamin D dietary intake and a reduction of microbiome richness, and an increase of bacteria with proinflammatory properties [22], however, due to the lack of serum vitamin D level measurements, and considering that its absorption may depend on many factors other than only diet, the knowledge gap persists. Changes in the maternal gut microbiome are known to be associated with the development of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and other serious pregnancy pathologies [23] and with negative offspring outcomes, especially with those related to immunity or allergic diseases [24][25][26]. Thus, exploring the effects of maternal vitamin D status on their microbiome is not only useful to identify potential associated pregnancy complications or impacts on the mothers' health.…”

Association of Vitamin D Level and Maternal Gut Microbiome during Pregnancy: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial of Antenatal Vitamin D Supplementation

“…One observational study found an association between vitamin D dietary intake and a reduction of microbiome richness and an increase of bacteria with proinflammatory properties [22]; however, due to the lack of serum vitamin D level measurements, and considering that its absorption may depend on many factors other than only diet, the knowledge gap persists. Changes in the maternal gut microbiome are known to be associated with the development of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other serious pregnancy pathologies [23] and with negative offspring outcomes, especially with those related to immunity or allergic diseases [24][25][26]. Thus, exploring the effects of the maternal vitamin D status on their microbiome is not only useful in identifying potential associated pregnancy complications or impacts on the mother's health.…”

Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): A Review

“…Environmental factors, such as maternal obesity, diet, and physical activity; pregnancy-related factors, such as excessive fat storage and increased secretion of adipokine and cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6)) [ 5 ]; and genetics also contribute to the development of IR in pregnancy [ 3 ]. A large amount of scientific data from the last two decades has also indicated the role of gut microbiota in the development of gestational glucose intolerance during pregnancy [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”