Metabolomics in the Diagnosis of Pregnancy Complications

Abstract

The pregnancy process is an intricate and unique period that requires control examinations to ensure the continuity of the well-being of the mother and the baby. The accompanying changes are also evident biologically, physiologically, psychologically, and socially. Several factors must be considered to determine when a woman's pregnancy is at risk and when unfavorable pregnancy outcomes will occur. Biomedical indicators are critical in medicine. Studies show that the variables in these indicators are vital in determining the risk status. Once the metabolic pathways are understood clearly in healthy and diseased conditions, we can gain more applicable information on disease mechanisms and precise treatment approaches. The prenatal medicine practices require the development of novel non-invasive approaches that cover diverse categories of diseases with lower rates of false-positives. Metabolomics for this purpose has the potential of great advantage. Metabolomic studies measure and analyze the biochemistry products of cells. As a biomarker, metabolomics may uncover new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This chapter reviews the idea and utilization of metabolomics for maternal health and perinatal medicine, emphasizing the latest developments in metabolomics studies and the research agenda. In addition, the existence of studies that will increase our knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of maternal complications is exciting and promising.