The prevalence of obesity is ∼40% in the United States, and the prepregnancy prevalence of obesity in females is ∼30%. This has in part fueled an increase in metabolic syndrome (MetS) among females who are currently pregnant, have been pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant. Importantly, MetS in pregnancy is associated with increased pregnancy complications. Moreover, MetS in pregnancy may have long-lasting adverse cardiovascular and metabolic health implications for the mother and her offspring. To complicate matters, many adverse pregnancy outcomes seem to increase the risk of MetS in the mother after pregnancy. Herein, we describe the potential mechanisms behind the intersection of MetS, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and subsequent long-term disease in the mother and offspring. Because MetS is a cluster of coexisting conditions, it is challenging to identify mediators that can serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis and targets for MetS prevention and therapy.
Keywords: gestational diabetes; metabolic syndrome; placenta; pre-eclampsia; pregnancy.