Fetal programming, also known as developmental programming or the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD), is a research area that focuses on the effects of early environmental exposures during critical periods of fetal development on long-term health outcomes. This field of study explores how events during pregnancy and early life can influence the risk of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders later in life. Researchers investigate the potential mechanisms underlying these effects, such as changes in gene expression, metabolism, and organ development. The goal of fetal programming research is to understand how early life experiences can shape health trajectories and inform strategies for preventing and managing chronic diseases.