Researchers studied the impact of the gut microbiome on fetal brain development in mice, comparing fetuses from mothers with no gut bacteria to those whose mothers were given Bifidobacterium breve during pregnancy. The study found that nutrient transport to the brain and other growth-related processes improved in the fetuses of the supplemented mothers.

Bifidobacterium breve, a beneficial gut bacterium found in probiotic supplements, could help counteract fetal growth issues caused by factors like obesity or chronic stress in pregnant women. These conditions can lead to fetal growth restriction, which affects up to 10% of first-time mothers and increases the risk of cerebral palsy in infants, as well as anxiety, depression, autism, and schizophrenia later in life. The findings suggest that taking *Bifidobacterium breve* during pregnancy may support healthier fetal brain development.

Published in Molecular Metabolism, the research implies that improving maternal gut health through probiotics could be a safer alternative to pharmaceutical treatments for addressing fetal growth problems. The study, led by Dr. Jorge Lopez-Tello and Professor Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri from the University of Cambridge, proposes a shift in focus from improving maternal blood flow to enhancing gut health for better fetal outcomes.

While the study was conducted in mice, the researchers believe the effects could be similar in humans and plan further studies. Previous work by the team showed that *Bifidobacterium breve* also improves placental structure and function, aiding fetal growth. They aim to explore how these findings might translate to human pregnancies, highlighting the potential role of the maternal microbiome in supporting healthy brain development before birth.

Source: ScienceDaily