The microbiota in pregnancy
In recent years, scientific studies have attributed more and more importance to the ” microbiota “, defined as the set of microorganisms of different species that inhabit our body , both internally and externally. The species that compose it vary from individual to individual: if in fact 99.9% of human beings are similar in genetic heritage, only 10% for the microbiota; the environment, sex, age and diet are the most determining variables.
Microorganisms in our body perform different functions: on the skin, for example, they protect against infections; in the oral cavity they defend against the onset of gingivitis; in the intestine, on the other hand, they ferment the non-digestible portion of carbohydrates – the fiber – of which fruit and vegetables are rich, and produce substances beneficial for the metabolism.
Effects of the intestinal microbiota in pregnancy
The positive effects of microorganisms are essential in pregnancy: they are able to reduce the levels of inflammation in the intestine , playing an essential role in the development of the fetus and in the prevention of premature birth.
How does diet help ?
In the maternal diet, the high intake of fruit, vegetables and whole grains is decisive, not only for achieving an ideal weight gain at the time of delivery, but also for promoting a healthy microbial population . Furthermore, the consumption of probiotic foods , in addition to reducing the risk of miscarriage and the appearance of allergies in the child, strengthens the intestinal microflora.
The pregnancy
Pregnancy represents an extraordinary biological process that involves a series of hormonal, metabolic, immune system and body composition changes. These factors also affect the composition of the intestinal microbiota.
In fact, during the months of gestation, and especially in the last trimester, women experience weight gain, due to tissue growth and fetal development, as well as greater sensitivity to the symptoms of the metabolic syndrome. According to the Italian Society of Human Nutrition (SINU), the desirable weight gain during pregnancy is:
- in a woman underweight equal to 12.5-18 kg;
- in a woman of normal weight 11.5-16 kg;
- in an overweight woman 7-11.5 kg;
- in an obese woman 5-9 kg.
How does the microbiota change in pregnancy
A Finnish study “ Distinct composition of gut microbiota during pregnancy in overweight and normal-weight women ” compared the intestinal microbial populations of two groups of pregnant women, one group of normal weight and one overweight: not only did a variation in the species emerge due to pregnancy, but it was possible to recognize negative microorganisms in overweight women . The latter were responsible for an increase in inflammation levels, weight gain and insulin sensitivity. Therefore, there is a positive association between microbiota health and good motherhood.
Other studies have shown that the microbial flora of the entire body is involved in a mutation during pregnancy: in addition to the intestine, also the oral cavity, the skin and the vagina. However, these alterations were considered a normal consequence of pregnancy. What is important to emphasize is that the maternal diet must accompany the months preceding the birth with a high consumption of fruit and vegetables ; only in this way can it prevent excessive weight gain and benefit from the positive effects of intestinal microorganisms.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.