The prenatal and neonatal periods are two of the most important developmental stages of the human brain. It is therefore crucial to understand normal brain development and how early connections are established during these periods, in order to advance the state of knowledge on altered brain development and eventually identify early brain markers of neurodevelopmental disorders and diseases. In this systematic review (Prospero ID: CRD42024511365), we compiled resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies in healthy fetuses and neonates, in order to outline the main characteristics of typical development of the functional brain connectivity during the prenatal and neonatal periods. A systematic search of five databases identified a total of 12 573 articles. Of those, 28 articles met pre-established selection criteria based determined by the authors after surveying and compiling the major limitations reported within the literature. Inclusion criteria were: (1) resting state studies; (2) presentation of original results; (3) use of fMRI with minimum one Tesla; (4) a population ranging from 20 weeks of GA to term birth (around 37-42 weeks of PMA); (5) singleton pregnancy with normal development (absence of any complications known to alter brain development). Exclusion criteria were: (1) preterm studies; (2) post-mortem studies; (3) clinical or pathological studies; (4) twin studies; (5) papers with a sole focus on methodology (i.e. focused on tool and analysis development); (6) volumetric studies; (7) activation map studies; (8) cortical analysis studies; (9) conference papers. A risk of bias assessment was also done to evaluate each article\'s methodological rigor. 1877 participants were included across all the reviewed articles. Results consistently revealed a developmental gradient of increasing functional brain connectivity from posterior to anterior regions and from proximal-to-distal regions. A decrease in local small-world organization shortly after birth was also observed; small-world characteristics were present in fetuses and newborns, but appeared weaker in the latter group. Also, the posterior-to-anterior gradient could be associated with earlier development of the sensorimotor networks in the posterior regions while more complex higher-order networks (e.g. attention-related) mature later in the anterior regions. The main limitations of this systematic review stem from the inherent limitations of functional imaging in fetuses, mainly: unevenly distributed populations and limited sample sizes; fetal movements in the womb and other imaging obstacles; and a large voxel resolution when imaging a small brain. Another limitation specific to this review is the relatively small number of included articles compared to very a large search result, which may have led to relevant articles having been overlooked.

Research has identified fetal risk factors for adult diseases, forming the basis for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. DOHaD suggests that maternal insults during pregnancy cause structural and functional changes in fetal organs, increasing the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adulthood. It is proposed that altered maternal physiology, such as increased glucocorticoid (GC) levels associated with a dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in maternal stress and T2DM during pregnancy, exposes the fetus to excess GC. Prenatal glucocorticoid exposure reduces fetal growth and programs the fetal HPA axis, permanently altering its activity into adulthood. This programmed HPA axis is linked to increased risks of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and mental disorders in adulthood. With the global rise in T2DM, particularly among young adults of reproductive age, it is crucial to prevent its onset. T2DM is often preceded by a prediabetic state, a condition that does not show any symptoms, causing many to unknowingly progress to T2DM. Studying prediabetes is essential, as it is a reversible stage that may help prevent T2DM-related pregnancy complications. The existing literature focuses on HPA axis dysregulation in T2DM pregnancies and its link to fetal programming. However, the effects of prediabetes on HPA axis function, specifically glucocorticoid in pregnancy and fetal outcomes, are not well understood. This review consolidates research on T2DM during pregnancy, its impact on fetal programming via the HPA axis, and possible links with pregestational prediabetes.

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global concern because of its potential to impair human health, particularly with regard to fetal development. However, the origins of prenatal MP exposure and its effects on fetal development have not been well studied. This study aimed to provide a systematic review of the literature regarding the impact of microplastics on pregnancy and fetal development. PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched from 2010 until March 2024. Original publications exploring the impact of microplastics on pregnancy and fetal development were included in the study. After selecting papers, two independent reviewers extracted data regarding study characteristics, microplastics identified, and reproductive impacts. The quality of studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklists for Studies created by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Twelve studies, including 234 subjects, were selected from a total of 2,809 citations for the final qualitative analysis. Articles were published between 2021 and 2024, and most were conducted in China. The results of the included studies confirmed the existence of microplastics with varying sizes (2.1 to 100 micrometers) in the placenta and the fetal body. Studies revealed correlations between lifestyle choices and the presence of microplastics in the placenta. They also reported correlations between the level of microplastics and diminished microbiome diversity, reduced birthweights, affected gestational age, and fetal growth and development. Microplastics may be detrimental to a developing fetus during pregnancy. Nonetheless, more thorough research is required to comprehend the impact of microplastic exposure on pregnancy and fetal development.

During the last decades, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have attracted the attention of the scientific community, as a result of a deepened understanding of their effects on human health. These compounds, which can reach populations through the food chain and a number of daily life products, are known to modify the activity of the endocrine system. Regarding vulnerable groups like pregnant mothers, the potential damage they can cause increases their importance, since it is the health of two lives that is at risk. EDCs can affect the gestation process, altering fetal development, and eventually inducing the appearance of many disorders in their childhood and/or adulthood. Because of this, several of these substances have been studied to clarify the influence of their prenatal exposure on the cognitive and psychomotor development of the newborn, together with the appearance of non-communicable diseases and other disorders. The most novel research on the subject has been gathered in this narrative review, with the aim of clarifying the current knowledge on the subject. EDCs have shown, through different studies involving both animal and human investigation, a detrimental effect on the development of children exposed to the during pregnancy, sometimes with sex-specific outcomes. However, some other studies have failed to find these associations, which highlights the need for deeper and more rigorous research, that will provide an even more solid foundation for the establishment of policies against the extended use of these chemicals.

OBJECTIVE: Fetal overgrowth has detrimental effects on both the mother and the fetus. The global issue of ambient air pollution has been found to contribute to fetal overgrowth through various pathways. This study aimed to identify the association between prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and the risk of fetal overgrowth.
METHODS: We identified articles between January 2013 and February 2024 by searching the Web of Sciences(WoS), PubMed, Proquest, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle Ottawa scale. This review was provided based on the PRISMA guideline and registered with PROSPERO, \"CRD42023488936\".
RESULTS: The search generated 1719 studies, of which 22 cohort studies were included involving 3,480,041 participants. Results on the effects of air pollutants on fetal overgrowth are inconsistent because they vary in population and geographic region. But in general, the results indicate that prenatal exposure to air pollutants, specifically PM2.5, NO2, and SO2, is linked to a higher likelihood of fetal overgrowth(macrosomia and large for gestational age). Nevertheless, the relationship between CO and O3 pollution and fetal overgrowth remains uncertain. Furthermore, PM10 has a limited effect on fetal overgrowth. It is essential to consider the time that reproductive-age women are exposed to air pollution. Exposure to air pollutants before conception and throughout pregnancy has a substantial impact on the fetus\'s vulnerability to overgrowth.
CONCLUSIONS: Fetal overgrowth has implications for the health of both mother and fetus. fetal overgrowth can cause cardiovascular diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases in adulthood, so it is considered an important issue for the health of the future generation. Contrary to popular belief that air pollution leads to intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight, this study highlights that one of the adverse consequences of air pollution is macrosomia or LGA during pregnancy. Therefore governments must focus on implementing initiatives that aim to reduce pregnant women\'s exposure to ambient air pollution to ensure the health of future generations.

Fetal programming may arise from prenatal exposure and increase the risk of diseases later in life, potentially mediated by the placenta. The objective of this systematic review was to summarize and critically evaluate publications describing associations between human placental changes and risk of atopic disorders during childhood. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. The inclusion criteria were original research articles or case reports written in English describing a human placental change in relation to disease occurring in offspring during childhood. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for eligible studies. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. The results were pooled both in a narrative way and by a meta-analysis. Nineteen studies were included (n = 12,997 participants). All studies had an overall serious RoB, and publication bias could not be completely ruled out. However, five studies showed that histological chorioamnionitis in preterm-born children was associated with asthma-related problems (pooled odds ratio = 3.25 (95% confidence interval = 2.22-4.75)). In term-born children, a large placenta (≥750 g) increased the risk of being prescribed anti-asthma medications during the first year of life. Placental histone acetylation, DNA methylation, and gene expression differences were found to be associated with different atopic disorders in term-born children. There is some evidence supporting the idea that the placenta can mediate an increased risk of atopic disorders in children. However, further studies are needed to validate the findings, properly control for confounders, and examine potential mechanisms.

Fetal brain development is a complex process involving different stages of growth and organization which are crucial for the development of brain circuits and neural connections. Fetal atlases and labeled datasets are promising tools to investigate prenatal brain development. They support the identification of atypical brain patterns, providing insights into potential early signs of clinical conditions. In a nutshell, prenatal brain imaging and post-processing via modern tools are a cutting-edge field that will significantly contribute to the advancement of our understanding of fetal development. In this work, we first provide terminological clarification for specific terms (i.e., \"brain template\" and \"brain atlas\"), highlighting potentially misleading interpretations related to inconsistent use of terms in the literature. We discuss the major structures and neurodevelopmental milestones characterizing fetal brain ontogenesis. Our main contribution is the systematic review of 18 prenatal brain atlases and 3 datasets. We also tangentially focus on clinical, research, and ethical implications of prenatal neuroimaging.

Pregnancy and lactation are special life stages that require regular nutritional and medical attention to help protect the health of the mother and promote the growth and development of the offspring. Despite an increased focus on maternal and fetal health over the last several decades, the rates of pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality are increasing in the United States (US). On average, Black women who are pregnant or lactating face greater health disparities and birth complications than other racial/ethnic groups in the US. The issues contributing to these disparities are multi-faceted and include sociocultural, economic, medical, and dietary factors. For example, Black women face greater rates of food insecurity, worse access to healthcare, and lower nutrient status when compared to White women. A growing body of research suggests that consuming a healthier dietary pattern is one of the most potent modifiable risk factors associated with improved fertility and reducing pregnancy-related complications. Recent publications have also shed light on the role of dairy foods in improving diet quality and nutrient status among Black women and for impacting maternal and fetal health outcomes, such as preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and fetal growth. To support healthy pregnancy and lactation, the current national dietary guidelines recommend the consumption of 3 servings of dairy foods per day. However, the vast majority of Black women in the US are falling short of these recommendations and are not meeting nutrient requirements for calcium and vitamin D. Therefore, strategies that target misconceptions surrounding lactose intolerance and focus on the health value of adequate dairy intake among Black women of child-bearing age may benefit both prenatal and postpartum health. This review presents the current evidence on health disparities faced by pregnant and lactating Black women in the US, and the role of dairy foods in supporting healthy pregnancy, fetal development, and lactation outcomes in this population.

The thyroid, a gland with a butterfly-like shape in the base of the human neck, plays an important role in metabolism. Body heat, energy levels, weight, hair, fingernail, and regular menstruation cycles are controlled by three hormones produced by the thyroid. A system of feedback regulates the release of those hormones. Overproduction as well as underproduction of thyroid hormones can result from shifts in the stimulation and regulation of those hormones. These factors can have physiological or pathological origins. Pregnancy is a physiological factor. There is a plethora of physiological and psychological shifts that occur during pregnancy. A thyroid alteration in the mother is one example. Thyroid irregularities result from a failure to adjust to new circumstances. Thyroid hormone levels can drop, or manufacturing could be slowed during pregnancy due to variations in hormone concentration. Hypothyroidism describes this disorder. Hypothyroidism in women who are pregnant is either gestational or could be a disorder that is present before pregnancy. Gestational hypothyroidism cures itself throughout postpartum times, though it can stay as subclinical hyperthyroidism for some time after delivery. They pose a serious risk to development, stunt the growth of the unborn child and lead to defects in subsequent generations. Enhanced thyroid binding globulin levels, enhanced iodine clearance by the kidneys, modified effects of the human reproductive hormone and reduced dietary consumption of iodine lead to these alterations in the gland. Cretinism and mental disorders are among the serious health problems related to an iodine imbalance in maternal hypothyroidism. The growth of the brain, nervous system and Intelligence of an unborn child depends on thyroid hormones. As a result, normal early stages of development suffer due to changes in maternal hormone levels.

The connection between maternal microbiota and infant health has been greatly garnered interest for therapeutic purposes. The early resident microbiota perpetually exhibits much more flexibility as compared to that of the adults, and therefore, constant need of understanding the infant as well as maternal microbiota and their implications however has increased. In this review, we focus mainly on the diversity of overall maternal microbiota including the gut, vaginal, colostrum microbiota and how inflammatory markers fluctuate throughout the normal pregnancy as well in pregnancy with complications. The maternal body undergoes a cascade of physiological changes including hormonal, immunological and metabolic events to support the fetal development. These changes at the time of pregnancy have been correlated with alteration in the composition and diversity of maternal microbiota. Along with alteration in microbiome, the levels of circulatory cytokines fluctuate by complex network of inflammation, in order to prevent the fetal allograft throughout the pregnancy. The dynamic relationship of gut microbiota with the host and its immune system allows one to have greater insights of their role in pregnancy and newborn\'s health. Emerging evidence suggests that the vertical transmission of bacterial community from mother to newborn may begin in-utero which contributes in developing the immune system and infant gut microbiota.