The Evolving Microbiome from Pregnancy to Early Infancy: A Comprehensive Review

• Main Authors: María Dolores Mesa, Begoña Loureiro, Iris Iglesia, Sergi Fernandez Gonzalez, Elisa Llurba Olivé, Oscar García Algar, María José Solana, Mª Jesús Cabero Perez, Talia Sainz, Leopoldo Martinez, Diana Escuder-Vieco, Anna Parra-Llorca, María Sánchez-Campillo, Gerardo Rodriguez Martinez, Dolores Gómez Roig, Myriam Perez Gruz, Vicente Andreu-Fernández, Jordi Clotet, Sebastian Sailer, Isabel Iglesias-Platas, Jesús López-Herce, Rosa Aras, Carmen Pallás-Alonso, Miguel Saenz de Pipaon, Máximo Vento, María Gormaz, Elvira Larqué Daza, Cristina Calvo, Fernando Cabañas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-01-01
• Series: Nutrients
• Subjects: microbiome; pregnancy; fetus; placenta; newborn; infancy; critical illness; sepsis; allergy
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/1/133

Pregnancy induces a number of immunological, hormonal, and metabolic changes that are necessary for the mother to adapt her body to this new physiological situation. The microbiome of the mother, the placenta and the fetus influence the fetus growth and undoubtedly plays a major role in the adequate development of the newborn infant. Hence, the microbiome modulates the inflammatory mechanisms related to physiological and pathological processes that are involved in the perinatal progress through different mechanisms. The present review summarizes the actual knowledge related to physiological changes in the microbiota occurring in the mother, the fetus, and the child, both during neonatal period and beyond. In addition, we approach some specific pathological situations during the perinatal periods, as well as the influence of the type of delivery and feeding.