[Hinews] A research team led by Dr. Ki-Hyun Cho, a professor of pediatrics at Kangwon National University Hospital in South Korea, has found that a mother’s pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain play a significant role in determining the composition of a newborn’s gut microbiome. Published in the January 2025 issue of Microbial Ecology, the study highlights how maternal weight influences the early microbial environment essential for infant health.

The study examined meconium samples from 71 newborns within five days of birth, collected at Kangwon National University Hospital and Bundang CHA Hospital. Through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, researchers assessed the diversity and distribution of microbial species in the infants’ gastrointestinal tract.

Professor Ki-Hyun Cho, Department of Pediatrics, Kangwon National University Hospital
Professor Ki-Hyun Cho, Department of Pediatrics, Kangwon National University Hospital


Findings showed clear differences in microbial profiles tied to maternal weight status. Newborns of overweight mothers had lower levels of Lachnospira, a beneficial bacterium linked to immune regulation and gut health. Conversely, infants born to underweight mothers displayed higher levels of beneficial bacteria, including Lachnospira and Weissella.
Additionally, the study noted that newborns of mothers with optimal gestational weight gain exhibited increased levels of Holdemania, a microbe associated with gut health. In contrast, infants of mothers with inadequate or excessive weight gain during pregnancy showed higher proportions of Klebsiella, an opportunistic pathogen.

Dr. Cho stressed the need for balanced weight management, stating, “While underweight mothers may see a rise in beneficial bacteria, malnutrition itself can harm fetal health. Maintaining a healthy weight range is paramount.”

These findings underscore the complex relationship between maternal health and the development of a newborn’s gut microbiome, with potential long-term effects on immune and metabolic health. Further studies are needed to explore how these early microbial differences influence child development.

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