Pregnant Women's Saliva: A Secret to Mental Health?

Pregnant Women's Saliva: A Secret to Mental Health?

The latest research results show that the saliva of pregnant women provides important information about their psychological state. Scientists at Michigan State University have found that the bacterial flora in the mouth and throat is significantly influenced by stress, anxiety or depression. This important study, published in the journal BMJ Mental Health, involves 224 women in the second trimester of their pregnancy and shows a direct connection between the mothers' mental health and the composition of their oral biome. It is known that mental health plays a significant role in mothers' well-being and their ability to take good care of their children, as welt.de reported.

New insights into the oral biome

The study found that pregnant women with psychological stress have altered diversity in their oral flora. While the Firmicutes group dominates in healthy pregnant women, there was a high “alpha diversity” of the microbiomes in those with severe anxiety. At the same time, specific bacteria can be detected in women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These results could provide important clues for future gentle therapeutic interventions to improve the mental health of pregnant women. Supporting oral health through probiotic treatments and dietary adjustments could play a special role here, as springer.com adds.

The microbiome could not only influence mental health, but also vice versa. Given increasing evidence that microbiomes are linked to neurobiological functions, researchers are calling for a more comprehensive study of the oral biome. These findings could help support mothers' mental health during pregnancy and potentially have positive effects on their children's development. As it turns out, the oral biome is a key that should be incorporated into future therapies.