A foetal energy balance equation based on maternal exercise and diet

J R Soc Interface. 2008 Apr 6;5(21):449-55. doi: 10.1098/rsif.2007.1161.

Abstract

Empirical data indicate that the maternal diet composition has a direct impact on foetal fat mass and resulting birth weights. Weight-bearing maternal exercise influences the placental volume, which has also been correlated to birth weight. A foetal energy balance equation, based on the first law of thermodynamics, that incorporates maternal diet and exercise is developed. Model parameters and validity are evaluated using published data.

MeSH terms

  • Diet*
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology*
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Fetus / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Placenta / anatomy & histology
  • Placenta / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Thermodynamics