The microbial community of the newborn could be altered by many different factors. For instance, diet will have a big effect on microbial colonization (a healthy, diverse diet during pregnancy would have a positive impact on the baby while a poor diet would have a negative impact and breast milk vs. formula will also affect the newborn). Additionally, environmental exposures could colonize the microbiome as well as illnesses and treatments such as the use of antibiotics (negative impact). The mother’s use of drugs or alcohol during pregnancy may also have a negative effect on the infant’s microbial community.
