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If you're obese while pregnant, you may want to think twice about raising your child.
A new study out of Oregon Health & Science University suggests that increased adipositythe amount of fat in the bodyduring pregnancy is associated with a higher risk for mental health disorders in offspring.
"The thought is that metabolic state can influence the in-utero environment, which can shape the fetal brain and its development," says lead author Elinor Sullivan.
The study looked at two hormones, adiponectin and leptin, that help regulate appetite and fat breakdown, per a press release.
Researchers collected blood samples from pregnant women and their children in the second trimester and an umbilical cord blood sample at birth.
At 6 months old, the children were evaluated for behavior problems, and researchers found that lower levels of the hormone adiponectin in the parent's circulation and higher concentrations of the hormone leptin in cord blood may be novel biomarkers of children's risk for a range of mental health disorders, including ADHD and anxiety.
"These findings present an opportunity to intervene early in pregnancy to potentially improve health outcomes in children," says Sullivan.
The research team plans to follow the study subjects through 5 years old to determine how these factors can predict long-term risk and clinical