Consequences of obesity during pregnancy

Project summary

Obesity is the largest health problem in the world and is associated with serious known health problems such as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Obese women also have a higher risk of infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy poisoning and gestational diabetes. The children of these mothers have a higher chance of birth defects, premature birth, are often overweight at birth and often stay that way later in life. It is still unknown which biological processes are responsible for this.

Ultimately, it is investigated whether dietary fiber, also called prebiotics, and healthy bacteria (probiotics) can improve the composition of the intestinal bacteria and thus also the health of mother and child.