Abstract
Parity is defined as the total number of pregnancies reaching ≥20 weeks of gestation. It is an important variable to consider in any metabolic studies involving maternal or offspring health, as multiparity has been identified as a potential driver of numerous aspects of reproduction, maternal-fetal programming, and the health of both maternal and offspring. Currently, it is understood that multiparity may increase the risk of maternal pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which can have subsequent long-term effects on both the maternal and offspring. Although there are some differences in data between rodents and humans, multiparity has been shown to disrupt glucose homeostasis, decrease pancreatic beta-cell proliferation, alter cardiac hemodynamics, and change the composition of the gut microbiome. In this review, we discuss what is known in the current literature about the impact of multiparity on pregnancy outcomes, maternal health, and offspring health.