NEW YORK, Feb 14: Researchers have found that women who experience high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy may be more likely to give birth to children at a higher risk of heart-related conditions at a young age, according to a study presented on Monday.

The study, conducted by scientists following an international cohort of 3,300 mother-and-child pairs over a decade, revealed that by the age of 12, children born to mothers with pregnancy-related complications were more likely to be overweight or diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar.

While the findings emphasize the strong association between healthy pregnancies and child health, the study stops short of establishing a cause-and-effect relationship. However, it supports the "fetal origins of adult disease" hypothesis, suggesting that many chronic conditions may originate from fetal adaptations to the uterine environment.

Dr. Kartik K. Venkatesh, the lead author of the study and an obstetrician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, emphasized the need for preventive care and early intervention during pregnancy and early childhood to break the cycle of cardiovascular risk.

The research also underscores the importance of maternal health even before conception. With more women beginning pregnancies with pre-existing conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, proactive healthcare measures are essential to safeguard both maternal and child health.

Among the key findings, children born to mothers with pregnancy-related high blood pressure faced a 16 percent higher risk of early heart trouble indicators, while those born to mothers with gestational diabetes had an 11 percent increased risk. Children of mothers with both conditions faced a nearly 20 percent higher risk.

Dr. Rachel M. Bond, a cardiologist at Dignity Health, highlighted the potential impact of the findings on pediatric guidelines and patient care, suggesting earlier screening for and treatment of heart disease in children.

Dr. Annette Ansong, from Children’s National Hospital, emphasized the importance of incorporating maternal pregnancy health into medical history assessments for young patients. This shift in approach could provide valuable insights into potential risk factors for heart-related conditions early in life.