From Library Journal
Nathanielsz (reproductive medicine, Coll. of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Univ.) discusses how unfavorable conditions during fetal development may program an individual for lifetime health problems.While the fetus can compensate for maternal nutritional deficiencies or drug use, these survival techniques may cause significant health problems later in life and may even lead to problems in succeeding generations.

Although the author readily admits that it is difficult to prove this kind of theory, he provides an extensive review of epidemiological and animal studies which indicate that problems in prenatal development may lead to adult health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. The idea of developmental programming is not completely accepted by the medical community, yet Nathanielsz passionately defends his opinions, and because he has an M.D. and Ph.D. in obstetrics and physiology, his views merit thoughtful consideration.

Written for the general reader, this book is recommended for all public libraries.Tina Neville, Univ. of South Florida at St. Petersburg Lib.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.