Mental health conditions affect 15–20% of pregnant women globally, impacting well-being, caregiving, and child development. Emerging research highlights the oral microbiome as a key player in maternal mental health.
- Mental health conditions during pregnancy affect over 15-20% of pregnant women globally
- The oral microbiome is linked to maternal mental health, influencing stress during pregnancy
- There is extensive research on gut microbiome and mental health but oral microbiome is under-explored
Mental health conditions during pregnancy affect over 15-20% of pregnant women globally. This affects maternal well-being, caregiving abilities and child development.
The determinants of maternal mental health are multifactorial involving circulating hormones, neurotransmitters and inflammatory cytokines. The microbiome present in the human body has emerged as a key player in maternal mental health (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Stress and mental health symptoms in early pregnancy are associated with the oral microbiome
).
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Role of the Microbiome in Maternal Mental Health
The gut microbiome has been extensively studied with stress and mental health and the oral microbiome (rich reservoir of bacteria) remains underexplored comparatively. Recent research suggests that the oral microbiome may also influence neurobiological functions including mental health.
The mechanisms involved are stress-induced inflammatory pathways, altered neurotransmitter synthesis and interaction between oral and gut microbiota that can affect brain functions.
Life stress and mental health symptoms changes the oral microbiota of pregnant women. The oral microbiome can be used as a therapeutic target for improving mental well-being during pregnancy, with significant benefits for both maternal and child health.
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Oral Microbiome and Mental Health
The oral microbiota and stress levels were determined with salivary samples and through self-report surveys.
Diversity in Microbial Species
: Women with high levels of anxiety or depression exhibited greater alpha diversity (which indicates a higher richness and evenness of microbial species).
Changes in Microbial Community Composition
: Women with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder.htm symptoms showed significant differences in beta diversity (changes in microbial community composition).
Specific Bacterial Changes
: Women with recent life stress showed increased levels of Proteobacteria and elevated levels of Spirochates were evident in those with high depression symptoms.
Abundant levels of Firmicutes, Dialister and Eikenella were found in women with anxiety, depression and PTSD.
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Factors Influencing Oral Microbiome
Cigarette smoking, dental problems, intimate partner violence and unplanned pregnancies were associated with changes in the oral microbiome. These findings show the importance of the oral microbiome as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for addressing poor mental health during pregnancy.
Dietary modifications, oral health practices and probiotics can be explored to support maternal mental well-being. Probiotics have shown efficacy in targeting gut microbes and can be adapted to influence oral microbiota.
The connection between maternal mental health and the oral microbiome provides a foundation for future research and interventions. By targeting the oral microbiota, innovative strategies to improve mental health for pregnant women may be possible that can benefit both mother and child.
Reference:
- Stress and mental health symptoms in early pregnancy are associated with the oral microbiome – (https://mentalhealth.bmj.com/content/27/1/e301100)
Source-Medindia
