Pregnancy and Microbiome (Maternal Diet and Child Development)

The CNP Pregnancy and Microbiome Research Category consolidates research exploring the relationship between pregnancy and the microbiome. To view each original study on the open internet, click “Original.” To view the CNP-written abstract summary, click “CNP Summary.” While only some of the CNP-written abstract summaries are available below for free, all abstract summaries are available to CNP members through the CNP Library Membership.

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FEATURED CNP RESEARCH SUMMARY

Association between psychosocial stress and fecal microbiota in pregnant women

This 2019 study states that a child’s emotional and behavioral development may be affected if his/her mother had suffered psychosocial stress before giving birth. Hechler et al. explore the role of the mother’s intestinal microbiota in this implication, which may in turn influence the microbiota in the intestines of the child. To investigate the relationship between psychosocial stress and fecal microbiotas in pregnant women, 70 female participants provided late pregnancy stool samples and completed questionnaires regarding anxiety as well as general and pregnancy-specific stress. The only association identified was between maternal general anxiety and microbial composition. In conclusion, this is the first study to find a mechanism by which psychological symptoms in pregnancy may affect the offspring.

RESEARCH SUMMARIES

Investigating the microbiome in relation to mental distress across two points during pregnancy: Data From U.S. and Swedish cohorts

Emerging literature in the microbiota-brain axis and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership

Intestinal microbiome and maternal mental health: preventing parental stress and enhancing resilience in mothers

Maternal psychosocial stress Is associated with reduced diversity in the early infant gut microbiome

Association between psychosocial stress and fecal microbiota in pregnant women

CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership

Improving mental health for the mother-infant dyad by nutrition and the maternal gut microbiome

The relationship between perinatal mental health and stress: A review of the microbiome

CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership

Evidence for maternal diet-mediated effects on the offspring microbiome and immunity: Implications for public health initiatives