WORLD-FIRST MICROBIOME STUDY AIMS TO GIVE BABIES THE BEST CHANCE OF A HEALTHY LIFE
A world-first study will examine the health implications of the human microbiome - the name given to the large collection of microorganisms that live within and on our bodies - on the health of babies.
The MothersBabies study being conducted by researchers at the Microbiome Research Centre at St George Hospital, will look at the changes in the human microbiome from prepregnancy through to a baby's first birthday to find out how a mother's lifestyle affects health and pregnancy outcomes.
The study is being funded by a grant from SSMRF, which was also instrumental in the formation of the Microbiome Research Centre.
The crucial role of the microbiome in many common and serious health conditions only came to light in the past decade, and the Microbiome Research Centre has quickly become a world leader in the field.
Centre director Professor Emad El-Omar is the coordinating principal investigator for the MothersBabies study, which aims to recruit 2000 NSW women who are planning a pregnancy. He said researchers would collect "unique knowledge about each pregnancy and how the microbiome status impacts various outcomes", by analysing a woman's microbiome prior to pregnancy, at each trimester, at time of delivery and for at least one year post-birth. "In addition, samples for analysis will also be requested from partners and from babies during their first year of life," he said.
Previous studies show many childhood diseases, including allergies, eczema, asthma, autism and childhood developmental milestones, are linked to the health of parents before and during pregnancy. Professor El-Omar said determining how to prevent or treat disease from pre-pregnancy and into childhood had the potential for positive health outcomes for future generations.
"Studying the changes in the microbiome that occur during pregnancy and correcting any imbalances before pregnancy may offer a unique opportunity to prevent negative outcomes," he said. "I believe the MothersBabies study will be the definitive microbiome study in pregnancy." Associate investigators include Associate Professor Gregory Davis, Dr Amanda Henry, Dr Daniella Susic, Dr Xiaotao Jiang and registered nurse/midwife Naomi Strout.
A Kogarah resident and healthcare worker is among those who have enrolled in the study.
"When I saw the advertisement, my husband and I were starting to talk about planning for a baby [so] it was perfect timing," she said. "It's important to contribute back to research so that new discoveries can be made about health and future generations, in particular with this study, for my future baby." SSMRF Chief Executive Leanne Dib said the Foundation was proud to support the MothersBabies study.
The study is open to NSW women over 18 who are planning to fall pregnant within the next 12 months. It is entirely observational, and there are no treatments involved. Researchers will ask about overall health and well-being and pregnancy-related questions.