Pregnant women who gain too much weight 'at risk of shortening children's lifespan'

Researchers followed more than 13,000 people born in the 30s and 40s Credit: PA

Children whose mothers gained too much weight during pregnancy are at higher risk of developing health problems in later life, according to new research.

The chance of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes during adulthood was much higher in people whose mothers were overweight during the later stages of pregnancy.

The findings come as part of a major European-wide obesity project.

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh found that expectant mothers who ate a high-fat diet weakened their placenta's ability to protect the growing foetus against the stress hormone cortisol.

This can lead to reduced growth, and could also heighten the risk of the child developing mood disorders in later life.

Other key findings included examining the protective 'caps' on the end of DNA, known as telomeres.

The researchers found that obesity combined with high weight gain during pregnancy was associated with shorter telomeres in children - markers of disease and a shorter lifespan.

A healthy diet and physical activity during pregnancy is recommended, with even the period just before birth described as "fundamental" to giving children the best chance in later life.

Obesity combined with high weight gain during pregnancy was associated with shorter telomeres in children Credit: PA

Project lead, Dr Patricia Iozzo, of the Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (CNR) in Pisa, Italy, said a healthy diet and exercise could even secure the future of children whose mothers themselves had short telomeres.

The study, dubbed the Developmental ORIgins of healthy and unhealthy AgeiNg: the role of maternal obesity (Dorian) consortium, followed more than 13,000 people from birth during the 30s and 40s to their present age.

Experts say women should try to be an ideal weight before getting pregnant Credit: PA

Louise Silverton, director for midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives, welcomed the findings and advised women to try to be an ideal weight before becoming pregnant.