In recent years, the role of the gut microbiome—the composite of bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract—in regulating metabolism, inflammation and behaviour of the host has come to light. The composition of the gut microbiome is altered in many diseases, including diabetes and hypertension, and generally consists of fewer different bacterial species. During the course of pregnancy, the gut microbiome also becomes less diverse.
In this presentation, the role of the gut microbiome in pregnancy will be discussed, with some evidence from recent studies indicating that the composition of the gut microbiome in early pregnancy is correlated with changes in metabolic hormones and blood pressure. Probiotics, which are defined as bacteria with a known beneficial effect on the host, could help in preventing pregnancy complications. The effects of probiotic supplementation in pregnancy to alter gut microbiome composition and thereby metabolism will also be briefly discussed.