Maternal Microbes Mediate Diet-Derived Damage

Researchers discovered these changes by feeding their female mice a diet high in fat for six weeks before and throughout pregnancy

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New research in TheJournal of Physiologyhas found, using a mouse model, that microbes in the maternal intestine may contribute to impairment of the gut barrier during pregnancy.

Scientists previously thought the changes in maternal metabolism that happen during pregnancy were due entirely to pregnancy hormones. We now believe that changes in the microbes that live in the maternal gut may contribute to these metabolic changes. If they do, then this provides us with a therapeutic opportunity to modify this microbial community during pregnancy to improve maternal and offspring health.