The Microbiome and Premature birth
Being born too soon (under 37 weeks) is a major cause of infant mortality and mordibity worldwide, while there are many potential reasons for this, the health of the mothers' microbiota is increasingly being considered as a primary cause. "Given its proximity to the intrauterine environment, vaginal microbiota are hypothesized to play a role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy"
We know from comparative studies of pregnant and non-pregnant women that the vaginal microbiome undergoes specific rearrangements that accompany pregnancy, exhibiting increased stability over time, harbouring fewer unique bacteria, and experiencing fewer shifts in community composition. We know that the Lactobacilli flushes during pregnancy in the vagina, tending to eventually dominate the vaginal flora as the pregnancy progresses.
As yet the researchers have not identified a clear link between changes in the microbia and preterm birth, however they did identify an interplay between the two and further research is need to know more.
What does this means to pregnant women?
It's another piece in the puzzle showing that when the microbiome (the bacterial self) of a human is healthy it is more likely that the human will be healthy. During pregnancy doing everything can to support and keep mum's microbiome healthy may well be able to protect against preterm birth but regardless means a healthier bacterial blueprint is passed on to baby.
Help improve your gut bacteria:
Eat a wide variety of non-processed food
Eat Lots of Vegetables, Legumes, Beans and Fruit
Avoid Artificial Sweeteners
Eat Whole Grains
Include Fermented Foods (such as: Yogurt Kimchi Sauerkraut Kefir)
Add Prebiotic Foods to your diet
Exercise
Get outdoors
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics