Pilot Study of the Placental, Oral and Gut Microbiome Related to Pregnancy Outcomes

checking a pregnant patient.

Comparing each woman's oral, gut, vaginal, skin and placental microbiomes to see if differences might indicate problem pregnancies.

Researchers: 

  • Vanessa Barnabei
  • Robert Genco
  • Karen Falkner
  • Adina Ionescu
  • Jim Jarvis
  • Tammy Thompson

GEM seed grant: $50,000

Executive Summary

 Recent evidence shows that placenta contains a complex microbiome which most resembles that of the mother’s saliva.

To better understand the source of the placental microbiome, we are performing a pilot study of pregnant women and comparing each person's oral, gut, vaginal, skin and placental microbiomes.  

We also want to determine if the placental microbiome reflects the oral microbiome in healthy and periodontally involved pregnant women, and the relationship, if any, to adverse pregnancy outcomes.