The role of the microbiome in pregnancy

Objective: To provide a comprehensive overview of the available information on the maternal microbiome and its effect on pregnancy and preterm birth. Methods: Systematic review of available literature on the topic was done using the PubMed database. Conclusion: Etiology of preterm labor is multifactorial. Individual setting of humoral and cellular immune response is key; however, lately the focus has shifted to the role of the microbiome, especially the vaginal one. The role of additional microbiomes and the relationship between different compartments are the focus of intensive research. Mainly the differences in the maternal and neonatal microbiome depend on the method of delivery and administration of different antibiotics during pregnancy and labor. The uterine cavity is no longer thought to be without colonization and the formation of the fetal microbiome begins early in pregnancy. Key words: microbiome – preterm labor – antibiotics – microbial invasion of amniotic cavity – vaginal seeding