UTRECHT (ANP) – A baby can receive essential bacteria from his or her mother in several ways during or immediately after birth. If that is less successful in one way, for example if the child is born via caesarean section, bacteria can still reach the baby in another way, the UMC Utrecht states on the basis of research.
Babies are basically sterile before birth, so bacteria-free. During and after birth, they come into contact with all kinds of bacteria – for example those from the mother’s intestines – and that is important for building their own microbiomes. A microbiome is a composition of microorganisms in and on the body. It provides protection against a variety of pathogens, and its build-up affects babies’ risk of infection in their first year of life.
The researchers, led by UMC Utrecht and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, mapped out the pathways through which babies come into contact with bacteria during and only after birth. To this end, 120 Dutch mothers and newborn babies were examined. About 58 percent of a baby’s microbiome comes from the mother, the researchers conclude.
Part origin unclear
“We saw that mothers can transmit bacteria through several routes and if some of these routes are blocked for some reason – in this case we saw that happen at the caesarean section – then transmission of microbes to the child can still occur through other routes. take place,” says doctor-researcher from UMC Utrecht Wouter de Steenhuijsen Piters. For example, breastfeeding seems to be a more important source of bacteria for children who were born via caesarean section and therefore received less bacteria from their mother’s vagina or intestines. “Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that children born by caesarean section are still missing essential microbes.”
The origin of more than 40 percent of the microbiome of newborns is not yet clear. De Steenhuijsen Piters: “It would be interesting to also investigate that part to see where all the bacteria come from; whether fathers contribute, for example, or brothers and sisters, or the environment.” Also, more research is needed to learn more about the long-term influence of infant microbiomes.
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