Maternal stress and depression may lead to significant microbiome changes, according to new research presented at the ACOG Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting in San Francisco.
The study included 35 pregnant participants with an average age of 30 years, half of whom were giving birth for the first time. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) surveys during the antepartum and postpartum periods. Vaginal and fecal microbiome samples were collected from the participants, while umbilical cord blood and fecal specimens were obtained from the neonates.
In late pregnancy, maternal stress and depression scores were associated with elevated levels of the inflammatory marker CCL2 in the mothers. At delivery, the concentration of CCL2 in the neonatal umbilical cord was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of lactobacilli in the maternal fecal samples. The study also captured potential covariates, including BMI, cohabitation status, educational attainment, dietary intake, insurance status, chronic health conditions, and pregnancy complications.
"Patients with increased social determinants of health challenges or a history of depression or anxiety may be at highest risk for these problems," said lead author Brett Lawrence Worly, MD, in an interview with the news organization.
Dr. Worly noted, the importance of routine screening for peripartum depression throughout pregnancy, not just postpartum. "Patients with moderate or severe anxiety or depression may benefit from medication management or psychology referral," he added.
"Evaluation of the placenta and fetus in animal and human studies could be helpful, looking at microbiome and stress markers. Eventually, considering administering a microbiome supplement to improve pregnancy outcomes and/or mental health would be exciting, however multiple studies need to be performed first to identify safety and efficacy," said Dr. Worly.
He and his colleagues did not report any potential conflicts of interest.