Intervention during pregnancy and allergic disease in the offspring.

The etiology of allergy is multifactorial, with many variables contributing to the final expression of atopic disease. Three breeding grounds are needed to develop allergic disease: the appropriate genetic background, contact with the allergen(s) and environmental factors. Timing and dosing of allergen(s) are of major importance. Contact with (dietary) allergens and various agents such as tobacco smoke and infections occur not only during post-natal life, but also perinatally and even pre-natally. A critical review of published evidence regarding the impact of maternal exposure to antigens during pregnancy on later development of allergy in the offspring can only conclude that more research is urgently needed. Contact with multiple dietary allergens should be in general of benefit to the fetus to develop tolerance. Current knowledge suggests that pregnant women should have a normal diversified diet, avoiding toxic agents such as tobacco and alcohol. The role of maternal intake of poly-unsaturated fatty acids on the development of atopy in the infants needs to be further evaluated. If parental history would be insufficient to determine the fetal risk, preventive measurements would be advisable for all fetuses.