The expression of genes associated with cellular stress and inflammation (MAFF, HMOX1, DUSP1, SOCS3, ID1) in the HF and C-HF fetal liver are consistent with these studies and suggest a mechanism where exposure to HF, either throughout pregnancy or during the second half of pregnancy, increases the risk of MetS in later life [10, 21]. The gene discussed is HMOX1; the disease is hydrops fetalis.