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Intrauterine Programming

Meaning

Intrauterine Programming, also known as the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, posits that environmental stimuli or insults experienced during critical periods of fetal development can permanently alter the structure, physiology, and metabolism of the offspring. These early-life adaptations, often driven by maternal nutritional or hormonal status, predispose the individual to a heightened risk of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, later in life. This concept underscores the profound, lasting impact of the prenatal environment on adult health and longevity.