Abstract:

Fetal development means achieving the fetus's potential size in utero and, is affected by various environmental factors that a pregnant woman is exposed to. Maternal nutrition is also an environmental factor that ensures adequate growth and development of organism. For many women, maternal nutrition is inadequate or more than it should be during pregnancy and postpartum. Consumption of a western diet, which is high in fat and carbohydrate, is increasing rapidly among pregnant women. Many studies have been conducted on health problems that may occur in the baby due to malnutrition of the mother during pregnancy and lactation. Similar health problems occur in infants due to maternal overnutrition and consuming a high-fat and/or high-carbohydrate diets as well as maternal malnutrition. Exposure of infants to these diets during pregnancy increases the risk of chronic diseases, particularly obesity and diabetes, in infants. In animal models, in offsprings exposed to highfat and/or high-carbohydrates maternal diets have been observed development of obesity, increased adipose tissue, impaired glucose tolerance, impaired insulin sensitivity and liver dysfunction, chronic kidney diseases, and anxiety and depressive behaviors. The aim of this study is to compile studies on the effects of high-fat and/ or high-carbohydrate consumption on fetal development and infant health, and to emphasize importance of adequate and balanced maternal diet for a healthy termination of pregnancy.

Keywords: