Maternal Microbiome and Infections in Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Pregnancy involves significant maternal physiological adaptations.
• The microbiome is crucial for immune and metabolic regulation.
• Maternal microbiome changes during pregnancy are documented but their links to outcomes are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review changes in the maternal microbiome (gut, oral, vaginal) during pregnancy.
• To discuss the relationship between maternal microbiome alterations, metabolic changes, and pregnancy complications.
• To explore the connection between maternal dysbiosis and common pregnancy infections.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing studies.
• Documentation of microbiome shifts across different maternal body sites.
• Discussion of metabolic and infectious outcomes potentially linked to the microbiome.

Main Results:

• Pregnancy is associated with distinct shifts in the maternal gut, oral, and vaginal microbiomes.
• Maternal dysbiosis may play a role in metabolic complications and increased infection susceptibility.
• The interplay between microbiome, metabolism, and immunity during pregnancy is complex.

Conclusions:

• Maternal microbiome dysregulation is a potential factor in obstetrical metabolic complications.
• Understanding these microbial shifts is key to addressing pregnancy-related infections.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the concerted adaptations supporting a successful pregnancy.