Sex differences in fetal programming: Antenatal origins of health and disease (AOHD)

The science of the “Antenatal Origins of Health and Disease,” known as “Fetal Programming,” is concerned with the impacts of endogenous and exogenous stimuli on the developing fetus. It is now largely acknowledged that during intrauterine life epigenetic processes in the fetus modulate homeostatic set-points and set the stage for the future development of health and disease. Whatever affects the pregnant mother may affect her growing fetus, and this includes nutrition, habits, environmental toxins, medications, and stress. Moreover, even before conception sperm cells and ova can be exposed to exogenous adverse effects which may have detrimental impact on the fetus. Understanding the concept of fetal programming means to understand that the care of the pregnant women must include the care of the fetus as a patient for the benefit its future wellbeing.