The effects of an obesogenic diet during pregnancy on fetal growth and placental gene expression are gestation dependent.

Exposure to overnutrition in utero may increase offspring cardiometabolic disease risk. A mouse model of maternal exposure to an obesogenic diet (DIO) was used to determine effects on fetal and placental weight and gene expression in mid- and late gestation. DIO altered placental gene expression in mid-gestation without differences in fetal or placental weights. Weight gain was attenuated in DIO dams in late gestation and male pup weight was reduced, however there were no persistent changes in placental gene expression. Differences in maternal weight gain and/or specific dietary components may impact on fetal and placental growth and later disease risk.