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Effects Of Maternal Obesity And Gestational Diabetes Mellitus On The Placenta: Current Knowledge And Targets For Therapeutic Interventions, Samantha Bedell, Janine Hutson, Barbra De Vrijer, Genevieve Eastabrook

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Publications

Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are becoming more common among pregnant women worldwide and are individually associated with a number of placenta-mediated obstetric complications, including preeclampsia, macrosomia, intrauterine growth restriction and stillbirth. The placenta serves several functions throughout pregnancy and is the main exchange site for the transfer of nutrients and gas from mother to fetus. In pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity or GDM, the placenta is exposed to environmental changes, such as increased inflammation and oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and altered hormone levels. These changes can affect placental development and function and lead to abnormal fetal growth and development …