The importance of gut microbiome in the perinatal period

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Neonatal Health
• Human Microbiome Research

Background:

• The perinatal period is critical for neonatal microbiome development, influenced by delivery mode, maternal diet, antibiotics, and feeding practices.
• The neonatal microbiome significantly impacts infant immune system, metabolism, and neurodevelopment, with long-term health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the settlement of the neonatal microbiome during the perinatal period.
• To highlight the microbiome's role in long-term human health and disease predisposition.
• To explore interventions influencing neonatal microbiome development.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review summarizing two decades of research on neonatal microbiome development.
• Analysis of factors influencing microbial colonization, including delivery methods, maternal diet, antibiotic exposure, feeding practices, and early infant contact.
• Exploration of interventions such as maternal vaginal seeding, probiotic, and prebiotic supplementation.

Main Results:

• Delivery methods, maternal diet, antibiotic exposure, feeding practices, and early infant contact significantly shape neonatal microbial colonization.
• Neonatal microbiome composition influences the infant's immune system, metabolism, and neurodevelopment.
• Interventions like vaginal seeding, probiotics, and prebiotics show potential for optimizing microbiome development.

Conclusions:

• The perinatal period is pivotal for neonatal microbiome formation, profoundly impacting long-term health.
• Targeted interventions can optimize microbiome development for improved health outcomes.
• Specific neonatal microbes are linked to reduced chronic disease risks, offering new avenues for early-life health promotion.