Potential Impact of a Pregnant Woman’s Microbiota on the Development of Fetal Heart Defects: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Developments in medicine and biology in recent decades have led to a significant increase in our knowledge of the complex interactions between the microbiota and human health. In the context of perinatal medicine and neonatology, particular attention is being paid to the potential impact of the maternal microbiota on fetal development. Among the many aspects of this relationship, the question of the impact of dysbiosis on the development of fetal heart defects is an important one. In this article, we present an analysis of recent research and scientific evidence on the relationship between a pregnant woman’s microbiota and the development of fetal heart defects. We also discuss potential intervention strategies, including the role of probiotics and diet in optimising the maternal microbiota.

Keywords

• microbiota
• dysbiosis
• fetal heart defects
• gut microbiome
• congenital heart disease (CHD)
• metabolomics