[Developmental origin of human adult disease: which importance for obstetrical practice?]

The Developmental Origins of Human Adult Disease are thought to be secondary to a perturbation of the embryonic or fetal development, which leads to metabolic disorders such as diabetes or hypertension at adulthood. Maternal undernutrition or overnutrition, repeated glucocorticosteroids administered to the mother, or placental dysfunction are the most frequently considered causal factors. Therefore, it is necessary that the obstetrician is aware of these phenomena, as this knowledge may contribute to the prevention of adult diseases. Little is known yet, on the pathophysiological or epigenetic mechanisms that lead to theses observations, and more studies are needed both in humans and animal models.