Understanding the Impact of Timing of Maternal Antibiotics on Infant Gut Microbiota

Early-life gut microbiota development plays a crucial role in immune system maturation and long-term health. This peer-reviewed randomized controlled trial investigates whether the timing of maternal prophylactic antibiotic administration during caesarean section, either before skin incision or after umbilical cord clamping, affects microbial colonisation in newborns. The study compares both caesarean-born groups with vaginally delivered infants, using advanced microbiome sequencing techniques to assess changes from birth to 3 years of age.

Key Benefits for Healthcare Professionals

This resource offers clinically relevant insights to help you:

• Understand how caesarean delivery influences early microbial diversity and composition

• Evaluate whether antenatal antibiotic exposure compounds microbiota disturbances in CS-born infants

• Interpret the roles of key bacterial genera such as Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Proteobacteria in early immune development

• Explore implications for long-term health outcomes, including potential risks for allergies, obesity, and other immune-related conditions

• Integrate microbiome-focused considerations into obstetric and neonatal care planning

Download the Full Publication

Click “View Content” or download the publication directly on our page to access the complete peer-reviewed article from a trusted scientific source. Inside the resource, you will find detailed data, expert interpretation, and clinical implications to support your practice.