Maternal weight may influence microbiota signaling in amniotic fluid

Article excerpt

A study conducted at the University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital suggests that factors related to maternal weight are reflected in signaling particles produced by the maternal microbiota not only in the gut but also in amniotic fluid. The finding indicates that the effects of the microbiota may extend to the fetal developmental environment. The result is of particular interest because little is currently known about the factors that influence microbiota signaling within the fetal environment.