Longterm Effects on Children

Maternal obesity and excessive gestational weight gain have been linked to increased birth weights; however, the weight issues may extend far beyond infancy.  Babies with high birth weights are at higher risks for developing obesity later in life.  Scientists attribute this to exposure to high levels of glucose, insulin, and other chemicals while in the womb, which leads to changes in the baby's metabolism that may be permanent.  Thus, the cycle continues with an increase in the number of obese children, and later on, obese adults.  

Evidence also suggests that some neuro-developmental and psychological disorders are linked to exposure to the effects of obesity in the womb, such as: autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy, anxiety, depression, and even eating disorders.  This is thought to be due in part to problems in the regulation of chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine, in addition to neuro-inflammation and oxidative stress.  Inflammatory pathways are also thought to link maternal obesity during pregnancy to asthma and wheezing in children.  

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References

Ramsey, P., Schenken, R., Lockword, C., Pi-Sunyer, X., & Barss, V.  (2017). Obesity in 

            pregnancy:  Complications and maternal management, UpToDate.  Retrieved from

             https://www.uptodate.com/contents/obesity-in-pregnancy-complications-

            and-maternal-management

Squibb, L. (2014).  Pregancy, delivery, and childhood obesity.  International Journal of Childbirth 

            Education, 29(2), 73-77.