Prenatal Probiotic Intervention

Maternal obesity leads to increased insulin resistance and inflammation which have been shown to induce fetal adaptations and greater risk of obesity in the offspring. Probiotic supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in normal weight women. However, little is known on the effects of probiotic supplementation throughout pregnancy on maternal insulin sensitivity and inflammation as well as offspring gene expression and body composition. Long term nutritional supplementation, however, is associated with increased participant burden as well as lower compliance and retention rates. Thus, this study will assess the feasibility of a long term probiotic supplementation study in obese pregnant women. Acceptance and compliance with daily capsules throughout pregnancy and study procedures will be assessed.

Inclusion criteria

• BMI ≥ 30
• ≥ 18 years of age
• Singleton pregnancy
• Less than 12 weeks of gestation
• Less than 1 serving of yoghurt with live cultures or cultured milk per week
• Conceived without assisted fertility treatments

Exclusion criteria

• • Women with pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, heart disease or immune disorders) as determined by the PI to affect the outcomes of interest

• Immunosuppressed women
• Women taking medications during pregnancy known to affect fetal growth (i.e., thyroid hormone, glucocorticoids, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents)
• Women who are using recreational drugs, tobacco or alcohol during their pregnancy
• Milk intolerance or allergy
• Consuming probiotic supplements