Vaginal Microbiota Dynamics in Pregnancy
The human microbiota consists of a diverse array of microorganisms that inhabit various body sites, playing crucial roles in health and disease. Among these, the vaginal microbiota is a specialized community of microorganisms, predominantly bacteria, that inhabit the vaginal tract. The composition and dynamics of the vaginal microbiota are influenced by factors such as hormonal changes, sexual activity, and antibiotic use. A healthy vaginal microbiota is typically characterized by a low diversity of microorganisms, with Lactobacillus species being the most predominant. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which maintains a low pH environment, providing a protective barrier against pathogenic infections.  This study aims to investigate the vaginal microbiota composition during pregnancy, a period of significant hormonal changes that impact microbiota composition. Understanding these changes is critical as the vaginal microbiota plays a protective role for both the mother and the fetus. The metagenomic sequencing data generated in this study will provide insights into the diversity and composition of the vaginal microbiota in pregnant women, contributing to our understanding of how these microorganisms influence pregnancy outcomes. The data includes metagenomic sequencing reads obtained from vaginal swabs collected from a cohort of pregnant women in their final trimester.