In industrially developed societies, even seemingly normal physiologically normal pregnancy processes vary greatly due to individuals' exposure to different environmental and social conditions. This diversity is not limited to hereditary dietary habits or the current nutritional status of the mother; it is also shaped by the effects of energy balance, psychological status, cultural norms and the social environment. These multifaceted interactions reveal the dynamic and variable nature of the gestational period.

Although research to date has focused particularly on nutritional factors, qualitative and quantitative assessments have not yet been fully completed. However, it has been emphasized in many studies that maternal nutritional behaviors, mental state and past habits may directly or indirectly affect the pregnancy process (Alberti-Fidanza et al., 1995'a, b; 1998). These findings remain valid for different societies. With the influence of environmental stressors as well as the biological make-up of the individual, efforts to promote positive longevity and reduce the risk of chronic diseases (especially cardiovascular and metabolic diseases) have focused on the earliest stages of life. However, long-term follow-up studies in this area are very limited. Mostly, longitudinal information from data collected for other purposes can be analyzed.