'Good' Gut Bacteria Promote Placenta Health and Support Healthy Pregnancy

Recent research conducted by the University of Cambridge has uncovered compelling evidence that beneficial gut bacteria, specifically Bifidobacterium breve, play a vital role in pregnancy health. The study demonstrates that the presence of this 'good' bacteria in a pregnant mother’s gut influences the placenta's ability to produce hormones essential for sustaining a healthy pregnancy.

In experiments using mice, scientists compared placentas from those with no gut bacteria to those with Bifidobacterium breve present. The results showed that mice with the bacteria experienced fewer pregnancy complications, such as fetal growth restriction, low blood sugar in fetuses, and increased fetal loss. The bacteria appear to signal the placenta to generate hormones that support fetal development and facilitate nutrient transfer, including amino acids and lactate vital for growth.

Furthermore, the study revealed that over 150 biological processes within the placenta, involving more than 400 proteins, differed significantly depending on the presence of Bifidobacterium breve. This bacteria enhances the placenta’s ability to absorb and transport nutrients and produces more pregnancy-critical hormones like prolactins and pregnancy-specific glycoproteins.

This groundbreaking discovery highlights the potential of assessing and manipulating the maternal gut microbiome to prevent pregnancy-related issues such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, miscarriage, and stillbirth. The findings suggest that improving a mother’s gut microbial composition through probiotics could become a novel strategy to promote healthier pregnancies.

Bifidobacterium breve naturally occurs in the human gut, but its levels can be affected by stress and obesity during pregnancy. It is widely available as a supplement in probiotic drinks and tablets. These insights open new avenues for prenatal care, emphasizing the importance of gut health in fetal development and pregnancy outcomes.

As Professor Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri from Cambridge notes, this research adds a new layer of understanding to how pregnancy works, promising innovative interventions that could benefit both mother and child. The study underscores the significance of viewing the placenta as an active organ and a key target for future pregnancy therapies.