Capitol News

New research from Michigan State University has identified a link between the oral microbiome of pregnant women and their mental health. The study, published in BMJ Mental Health, examined 224 pregnant participants enrolled in the Michigan Prenatal Stress Study during their second trimester. Researchers assessed the women's recent stress levels and mental health symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Participants provided saliva samples for analysis. The findings revealed variations in the oral microbiome based on reported symptoms of stress and mental health issues. "Positive mental health is crucial for mothers’ well-being and their ability to sensitively care for infants," said Joseph Lonstein, professor at MSU's Department of Psychology and lead researcher.

The study noted that women with high anxiety or depression symptoms had oral microbiomes with high alpha diversity, indicating a variety of microbe species present at similar levels. Conversely, those with high PTSD symptoms showed high beta diversity, meaning their microbe species differed significantly from those with low PTSD symptoms.

The research suggests that specific microbial species are associated with certain stress and mental health traits. These findings indicate that the oral microbiome could be targeted for interventions aimed at improving psychological well-being during pregnancy.

"Successful targeting of the gut microbiome with probiotic treatment to improve maternal mental health could be extended in future studies to target oral cavity microbes through dietary changes," the researchers suggested. They also mentioned potential recommendations for improving oral health and probiotic treatments to assist mothers facing high life stress and poor mental health.