The findings, from a study carried out on cow eggs, supports advice to women to avoid being overweight if they want to conceive.
They may help explain why obese women and those with diabetes often struggle to conceive, say researchers from an Anglo-Dutch project. These individuals tend to metabolise more stored fat, leading to higher fatty acid levels in the ovary.
Lead scientist Professor Jo Leroy, from the University of Antwerp in the Netherlands, said: "We know from our previous research that high levels of fatty acids can affect the development of eggs in the ovary, but this is the first time we've been able to follow through to show a negative impact on the surviving embryo."
British colleague Dr Roger Sturmey, from the University of Hull, said: "Our findings add further weight to the public health recommendations which emphasise the importance of women being a healthy weight before starting a pregnancy."
Here consultant obstetriciant Dr. Cecilia Bottomley list the many reasons why excessive weight gain after conception is ill-advised.
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