Mechanisms of the maternal exposome and implications for health outcomes

It is well established that the environment contributes to health. However, few studies have evaluated environmental exposures in women that may influence future health of their offspring. Knowledge gained may inform nursing how to better advocate for patients and families, and provide individualized interventions and education. Therefore, a more comprehensive investigation of the maternal exposome to uncover mechanistic insight into complex disease in offspring is warranted. To advance understanding of biologic mechanisms that contribute to high-risk birth outcomes and offspring predisposition to disease, it will be necessary to measure a range of exposures and biomarkers before and during pregnancy.