Your microbiome is made up of all the microorganisms that live inside and on you. There is much research being done all around the world to look at what the human microbiome impacts, and what factors affect it. Research to date suggests the microbiome can have a significant impact on the reproductive system, affecting the pregnancy journey from pre-pregnancy all the way through to birth.

The good news is that, unlike our DNA, we have the power to change our microbiome to optimise our health, and that of our baby, pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy and at birth. There is also significant research that suggests the microbiome of a baby, in particular from birth to 4 months old, can have a major impact on the development of the baby’s immune system.

Factors such as diet, exposure to chemicals, antibiotics, mode of delivery and breastfeeding can have a significant impact on the development of a baby’s immune system. The way a baby’s immune system develops can affect that baby’s lifelong ability to fight against disease. Watch this short video to learn more about the importance of your microbiome.