Fetal growth & its impacts on long-term health

Fetal growth patterns are influenced by maternal nutrition and other prenatal factors, and these can impact long-term health outcomes for the offspring, including cardiovascular, neurobehavioral, and metabolic health. Maternal constraints such as body composition, metabolism, and diet quality influence fetal development. Effective intervention strategies focusing on maternal health before and during pregnancy can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce the risk of chronic diseases in offspring. This lecture also highlights the importance of micronutrient status during pregnancy, as deficiencies can significantly impact fetal development and later health outcomes, even without affecting birth weight. There is a need for targeted policy initiatives to optimize preconception and antenatal health.