Dr. Kjersti Aagaard’s new research shows a small but diverse community of bacteria lives in the placentas of healthy pregnant women, and hints that the microbes may play a role in premature birth. (Agapito Sanchez/Baylor College of Medicine)
A new study, published this week in Science Translation Medicine, tells us more about the role that bacteria may play in the health of a newborn baby.
The study found that the placenta, once thought to be sterile, is actually home to a world of bacteria that help shape the baby’s health.
Dr. Kjersti Aagaard of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, led the study and discusses the findings with Here & Now’s Robin Young.
Guest
- Kjersti Aagaard, OB/GYN specializing in the field of maternal-fetal medicine. She is an associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine.
