Below are some factors a mother and/or infant may encounter that can influence the development of the child’s microbiota:
- Hygiene and social condition – The social environment a mother puts herself in exposes her to the bacteria within that environment. Her hygiene is also important. If a mother does not wash her hands or use sterile utensils, the bacteria acquired from improper hygiene could be transferred to the fetus.
- Smoking in pregnancy – Smoking while pregnant is highly advised against. Doing so will expose the fetus to harmful toxins and chemicals associated with cigarettes.
- Antibiotic exposure – If a mother takes antibiotics, the antibiotics may affect bacterial development within the fetus. It could prevent some types of useful bacteria from beginning colonization, or it could cause the bacteria already present to be on a steadfast path towards antibacterial-resistance.
- Method of feeding – Children who are breastfed are exposed to different bacteria than those who are formula or bottle fed.
- Gestational age – Mothers have different bacteria present during different trimesters of pregnancy. Through mother-child symbiosis, the microbiota of children within the womb will change with the mother’s.
- Childbearing method – Children birthed through the vagina are exposed to their mothers’ vaginal bacteria. Those born through cesarean section are exposed to the bacteria on the surface of their mothers’ skin.
