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Updated: May 11, 2026
12:17
The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
Role of placental nutrient sensing in developmental programming.
Thomas Jansson1, Theresa L Powell
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA. jansson@uthscsa.edu
Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 25, 2013
Summary
Maternal health issues during pregnancy can alter placental function, impacting fetal development and increasing the risk of lifelong diseases in offspring. The placenta is key to managing nutrient and oxygen supply for healthy fetal growth.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Reproductive health
Background:
- Maternal health conditions and placental function are linked to offspring's long-term disease susceptibility.
- Fetal development is sensitive to the intrauterine environment, influenced by maternal factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how maternal perturbations affect placental function and fetal development.
- To understand the placenta's role in mediating the impact of maternal health on offspring's future health.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on maternal nutrition, placental function, and fetal programming.
- Analysis of mechanisms linking placental adaptations to long-term health outcomes.
Main Results:
- Maternal factors like poor nutrition or restricted blood flow alter placental structure and function.
- Placental changes affect nutrient, oxygen, and hormone delivery to the fetus.
- These alterations influence fetal growth and increase disease risk later in life.
Conclusions:
- The placenta is a critical interface that modulates maternal-fetal resource exchange.
- Placental adaptations to maternal stress play a significant role in fetal development and long-term offspring health.
- Understanding these processes is vital for preventing childhood and adult diseases.
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