There are many potential factors that the mother and infant could be exposed to that influences the colonization of the microbial community in the newborn infant.
When the fetus develops, all the nutrients it receives comes directly from the mother’s diet. If the mother makes positive choices when pregnant in terms of food, the developing microbiome in the fetus will also be positively affected. Consuming diverse foods and a variety of fruits high in fiber will ultimately benefit the fetus. Some choices that could negatively affect the infant include smoking, alcohol use, and antibiotics. Everything the pregnant mother consumes directly effects the baby as it derives nutrition from her diet, so pregnant mothers must have their baby in mind prior to making poor choices.
Some factors that could alter the infant’s gut microbiome include mode of delivery (c-section versus vaginal), diet (breastmilk versus formula), and illnesses. The mode of delivery plays a role in the development of the infant’s initial microbiota as the fetus is exposed to different things such as vaginal microbiome. Feeding breastmilk to the infant would introduce new bacteria to the newborn which will help diversify their microbial communities of which formula struggles to do. Lastly, illnesses play a crucial role in gut microbiome in infants. Fevers and infections that require medications and antibiotics will significantly alter the infant’s gut microbiome that has yet to fully develop.
In conclusion, everything a pregnant mother consumes directly effects the infant along with their developing gut microbiome. Infant diet and exposure to things that adversely affect the gut microbiome is very significant as the infant’s gut flora have yet to be stabilized.
