Prenatal Gut Health

Lactobacillus crispatus dominance is associated with lower preterm labor and vaginal infection rates. Maternal butyrate function during pregnancy influences the baby's later brain development and behavior. Microbiome optimization ideally starts before conception because adult gut and vaginal microbiome changes take months. Early testing for Group B Streptococcus can create time for dietary and probiotic intervention before labor. Pregnancy gut biomarkers are associated with later risks including gestational diabetes, constipation, UTIs, PCOS, and preeclampsia. A low-Lactobacillus vaginal microbiome is associated with reduced IVF success rates.