Introduction: The fetal origins of adult disease, widely known as Barker’s Hypothesis, suggest that adverse fetal environments significantly impact the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, in adulthood. Recent advancements in 4D ultrasound (4D US) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies offer a promising avenue for improving prenatal diagnostics and validating this hypothesis. These innovations provide detailed insights into fetal behavior and neurodevelopment, linking early developmental markers to long-term health outcomes. Content: This study synthesizes contemporary developments in AI-enhanced 4D US, focusing on their roles in detecting fetal anomalies, assessing neurodevelopmental markers, and evaluating congenital heart defects. The integration of AI with 4D US allows for real-time, high-resolution visualization of fetal anatomy and behavior, surpassing the diagnostic precision of traditional methods. Despite these advancements, challenges such as algorithmic bias, data diversity, and real-world validation persist and require further exploration. Summary: Findings demonstrate that AI-driven 4D US improves diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy, enabling earlier detection of fetal abnormalities and optimization of clinical workflows. By providing a more comprehensive understanding of fetal programming, these technologies substantiate the links between early-life conditions and adult health outcomes, as proposed by Barker’s Hypothesis. Outlook: The integration of AI and 4D US has the potential to revolutionize prenatal care, paving the way for personalized maternal-fetal healthcare. Future research should focus on addressing current limitations, including ethical concerns and accessibility challenges, to promote equitable implementation. Such advancements could significantly reduce the global burden of chronic diseases and foster healthier generations.

(1) Background: Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure during pregnancy is an important issue due to its possible adverse health effects on fetus. To contribute the development of assessment system of Hg exposure through fish consumption and health effects on children, we examined the hair Hg levels in pregnant women and birth weight and length. (2) Methods: In 2018, a cohort study was conducted on 118 pregnant women-infant pairs from six community health centers in the northern coastal area in Central Java Indonesia. Data on mothers’ characteristics during pregnancy, birth outcomes, and fish consumption were collected. Total Hg concentrations were determined from hair samples. (3) Results: The median (min-max) of the maternal hair Hg level was 0.434 (0.146–8.105) µg/g. Pregnant women living in lowland areas, near the sea, showed higher hair Hg concentration and fish consumption than those in highland areas {[0.465 (0.146–8.105) vs. 0.385 (0.150–1.956) µg/g; p = 0.043] and [(85.71 (0–500.0) vs. 49.76 (0.0–428.57) g/day; p < 0.01], respectively}. The maternal hair Hg level had no association with baby’s birth weight and length. (4) Conclusions: The median maternal hair Hg is at a low level and had no association with infant birth weight and length in this study subjects.

HELLP syndrome, a severe complication of preeclampsia, is associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aims to evalu

Background Hypertension is the second most common cause of maternal death in the world. Predicting the occurrence of preeclampsia (PE) complications is needed to optimize management. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a polypeptide, secreted by cardiac ventricular myocytes. Research linking N-Terminal Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) levels with maternal complications has never been conducted in Indonesia. The aim of the study is to evaluate plasma NT-proBNP levels in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and normotension and to find a relationship between NT-proBNP levels and maternal complications incidence. Methods This cross sectional study was conducted on thirty women with severe preeclampsia with gestational age >20 weeks who attended and underwent labor at Dr. Kariadi Hospital Semarang during study period. Patients with a history of chronic disease, underweight or obese, history of heart disease and consumption of heart drugs were excluded. Serum NT-proBNP was taken prior labor. Correlation between NT-proBNP serum levels and physical characteristics as well as complications was performed using the Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation test. Results NT-proBNP serum levels were significantly higher in the severe preeclampsia group, especially early-onset compared to the normotensive group (p<0.05). Increased serum NT-proBNP levels are associated with several maternal complications, especially HELLP syndrome, pulmonary edema, retinopathy and renal impairment. Conclusions Increased serum NT-proBNP levels are associated with severe preeclampsia and several maternal complications.

Purpose : Analyze the cut-off point of fetal growth based on the Intergrowth-21, World Health Organization (WHO), and Hadlock’s estimated fetal weight (EFW) in pregnant women with normal or deficient vitamin D levels to predict neonatal outcomes. Method: This cross sectional study to develop a diagnostic test, included 120 of pregnant women who completed follow up until children aged 2 years, divided into normal and deficient vitamin D group. Ultrasound and maternal vitamin D level examined during the second trimester of pregnancy. EFW was calculated using Hadlock’s formula and plotted on the Intergrowth-21 and WHO curves. The reference standards were the neonatal outcome, LBW, stunting, and neurocognitive impairment. Significant odds ratio (OR) value and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.6 are used to determine the cut-off point to be used. Result: Fetal growth curve was based on the WHO at the 5^th percentile to predict LBW to have an AUC of 0.6 and OR of 6, 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.36–26.45. The AUC for predicting LBW based on Intergrowth and Hadlock were 0.45 and OR not significant. As well as the AUC estimated stunting based on Hadlock, the Intergrowth-21 and the WHO fetal growth curves is <0.6 with OR not statistically significant. The AUC predicted neurocognitive impairment based on WHO’s chart was 0.6 but OR not statistically significant. Conclusion: The WHO fetal growth curve can be used to predict LBW. The cut-off point of the fetal growth curve and which percentile is determined by the neonatal outcome.

Background: Maternal vitamin D is essential for fetal calcium homeostasis and skeletal development. The long-term impact of maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy on offspring bone health remains unclear, especially in populations with high sun exposure yet persistent deficiency. This systematic review synthesizes cohort study on the association between maternal serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25[OH]D) levels during pregnancy and bone outcomes in offspring.Methods: A total of 19 cohort studies, comprising 12,835 mother-offspring pairs across diverse geographic regions, were systematically reviewed. Offspring bone health indicators included bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover biomarkers, and fracture risk, assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), quantitative ultrasound (QUS), and biochemical markers. Heterogeneity in vitamin D thresholds, measurement timing, and follow-up duration was noted.Results: The findings were heterogeneous and often sex-specific. Some studies reported a positive association between higher maternal 25(OH)D levels and increased BMC/BMD, particularly in male offspring. Others showed no significant association after adjusting for maternal and neonatal confounders. Biomarker analyses generally supported an inverse relationship between maternal vitamin D deficiency and fetal bone turnover markers. However, evidence remains inconclusive regarding the benefits of prenatal vitamin D supplementation on long-term skeletal outcomes.Conclusions: Maternal vitamin D status appears to influence offspring bone development in a complex and multifactorial manner. Effects may be modified by child sex, timing of deficiency during gestation, and genetic factors. Future studies should prioritize standardized measurement protocols and expand cohort representation in under-researched regions, notably Southeast Asia, to inform public health guidelines and targeted interventions.