Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025
11:22
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
29.2K
Changes in the Gut Microbiome and Pathologies in Pregnancy
Kamila Gorczyca1, Aleksandra Obuchowska1, Żaneta Kimber-Trojnar1
1Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.
Summary
Maternal gut microbiome shifts during pregnancy, with specific bacteria increasing to support fetal development. Alterations in this microbiome are linked to pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Obstetrics
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Pregnancy involves significant physiological adaptations for fetal development.
- Maternal microbiome composition changes dynamically between trimesters.
- Specific bacterial groups like Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria show altered abundance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing research on the maternal intestinal microbiome's role in gestational pathologies.
- To explore the link between gut dysbiosis and pregnancy-related diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the maternal gut microbiome during pregnancy.
- Analysis of research associating microbiome composition with pregnancy outcomes.
Main Results:
- Increased Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, and Firmicutes correlate with energy storage needs.
- Elevated Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria may offer protective proinflammatory effects.
- Maternal gut microbiome dysbiosis is implicated in preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes mellitus, excessive weight gain, and preterm birth.
Conclusions:
- Changes in the maternal gut microbiome are likely a contributing factor to various gestational diseases.
- Understanding these microbiome alterations is crucial for managing pregnancy complications.
- Interventions targeting the maternal microbiome could offer short-term and long-term benefits for maternal and fetal health.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
73.2K
Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
73.2K
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
354
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
354
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
532
Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
532
01:29Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
598
The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
598
01:30Other Disorders of Digestive System
956
The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to various disorders. If the lower esophageal sphincter is damaged, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as heartburn) and may cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing. In the stomach, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, chronic alcohol consumption, bacterial infections such as Helicobacter...
956
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
299
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
299