Adverse conditions during late pregnancy can impair fetal growth and/or promote disproportionate fetal growth.  These adaptations may promote survival of the fetus, but lead to disease in later life. 

Adverse conditions during prenatal and postnatal development can impair the development of many organs and result in adult diseases. Outcomes in males and females tend to be similar with the brain, heart and kidneys particularly susceptible. 

Adverse conditions prior to conception, during gestation and the early postnatal period can impair organ and tissue growth and/or promote disproportionate growth.  These adaptations may promote survival, but can lead to disease in later life. Some organs are more susceptible to these effects than others, and sex differences in outcomes are common.

Low birth weight is associated with impaired development of many organs. Accelerated weight gain after birth can resolve some of these developmental disorders, but not all. As a result, diseases in adulthood can arise, with the brain, heart and kidneys particularly vulnerable.