Pregnant Mother's gut microbiome shapes brain development in babies.

A new study in mice reveals that the bacteria *Bifidobacterium breve* in a mother’s gut during pregnancy supports healthy brain development in the fetus. Researchers compared fetal brain development in mice with and without *Bifidobacterium breve* in their mothers' guts. Mice whose mothers were given *Bifidobacterium breve* showed increased nutrient transport to the brain and positive changes in growth-related cell processes.

*Bifidobacterium breve* is a beneficial bacteria naturally found in the gut and available in probiotic supplements. Changes in the gut microbiome due to obesity or chronic stress in pregnant women can lead to fetal growth abnormalities, including low birth weight and conditions like cerebral palsy, and later-life issues such as anxiety and autism.

The study suggests that *Bifidobacterium breve* supplementation during pregnancy could enhance fetal brain development. The findings, published in *Molecular Metabolism*, indicate that probiotics might offer a future alternative to pharmaceutical treatments for improving fetal growth and development. Further research will focus on monitoring offspring brain development and understanding interactions between *Bifidobacterium breve* and other gut bacteria.