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The 'Developmental Origins' Hypothesis: relevance to the obstetrician and gynecologist

A J Kermack1, B B Van Rijn2, F D Houghton1

  • 11Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine,University of Southampton,Southampton,UK.

Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
|September 9, 2015
PubMed

Insights

The intrauterine environment significantly impacts long-term health, influencing disease risk and fertility. Optimizing periconceptional and antenatal care is crucial for protecting newborns against future health issues.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Developmental Biology
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • The 'fetal origins of adult disease' concept highlights the long-lasting impact of the intrauterine environment.
  • Antenatal care now extends beyond perinatal outcomes to encompass lifelong health for mother and child.
  • The intrauterine environment influences fetal growth, childhood development, cardiovascular health, non-communicable disease risk, and fertility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the developmental origins of ovarian reserve and aging.
  • To elucidate the roles of the placenta and maternal nutrition in pregnancy.
  • To review recent insights in developmental medicine relevant to obstetricians.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on fetal origins of adult disease.
  • Analysis of the impact of the intrauterine environment on development.
  • Synthesis of evidence on placental function and maternal nutrition.

Main Results:

  • The intrauterine environment profoundly affects long-term health trajectories.
  • Maternal nutrition and placental function are key determinants of fetal development and future health.
  • Developmental origins of ovarian reserve and aging are influenced by the intrauterine milieu.

Conclusions:

  • Obstetricians have a vital role in planning for long-term maternal and infant health.
  • A proactive approach to periconceptional and antenatal care can mitigate long-term disease susceptibility.
  • Optimizing the intrauterine environment is essential for lifelong well-being.

Keywords:
developmental originsovaryplacentapregnancy

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