Researchers at the University of California have found worrying evidence that a baby’s long-term health can be severely affected by having an overweight mum. The team looked at blood samples taken from umbilical cords of both normal and overweight mums and found that the weight of the mum directly impacts the immune system of the baby and unfortunately puts them at risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and asthma in later life. The study is the first in a planned series to fully investigate the long-term impact of obesity during pregnancy and is reported as being the first to demonstrate a link between a mum’s weight and subsequent changes that occur in a child’s immune system. The lead researcher concluded that whilst mums are routinely being warned of the dangers of smoking, drug use and alcohol during pregnancy, very little is said about weight and weight management which may have just as serious consequences.